Tag: Leadership

At the Core of Leadership…

Our culture has developed a great ability to act one way, yet at the core they are something else.

We refer to this as hypocrisy. While true, we also need to understand it has become accepted and normal.

We must guard against such when we look at spiritual leadership. How many times in the past has the core of a religious leader been exposed in sinful activity?

Godly leaders need to be characterized by a core that walks with integrity, works righteousness, and speaks truth in the heart (Ps. 15:2).

Here is where we begin to develop the opportunity for our greatest influence.

Arrogance and Leadership…

We become critical when we see arrogance. Consider the following explanation.

“Arrogant people ignore or downplay good ideas from others, as they cannot accept that others might have better ideas than themselves. This makes reasonable communication difficult and arguments impossible to resolve fairly as the arrogant person will not accept the other person’s point of view.” http://psychology.wikia.com/wiki/Arrogant

Michael Weed said, “Arrogance is ignorance in a suit.” One who is arrogant does not recognize it, indicating an ignorance beyond their own intelligence.

Leaders must guard against the appearance of arrogance. It is destructive to our influence and credibility.

Student Leaders…

As a teacher, many factors determine a successful classroom experience.

We may use visual aids (PowerPoint, whiteboard or handouts). We may incorporate dialogue. 

Whatever we choose, the bottom-line involves learning. Is the student learning the material presented?

The most common mistake is that teachers teach and students learn. This mentality leads to a lecture style of teaching and avoids discussion that might challenge the thinking of the teacher.

As a leader, we must first be a student ourselves. We need to use every opportunity to learn from others.

Each person has knowledge, life experience, and abilities that should make the classroom a place where everyone learns.

Dedicated Planning…

The adage is true, “Those who fail to plan, plan to fail.” 

Success does not happen by accident. Quality is not the result of chance. 

Success and quality result from high intention and planning with a dedication to persevere.

When a plan is in place from the beginning, whenever challenges occur, foresight has already formulated direction for those bumps in the road.

This does not mean we never have to deal with the unexpected, but if we negotiate the bump before we get to it, we know how to handle those times.

Leading requires a plan, even more so when referencing the spiritual application. A good plan will always produce success and quality.

Source of Leadership…

Think about the value of a source.

Finding a source for pure water can mean life to a community. Acquiring a source for financial stability secures the future.

We would also agree that a source for salvation changes the eternal destiny of the world. 

Thankfully, God has provided a plan through which Jesus became the source of eternal salvation to all those who obey Him.

As leaders, are we a source through which people obtain God’s grace?

Are we a source for others to grow spiritually?

Let us pray that more see the need to stand in the fight against the spiritual forces of darkness and be a source of light.

Leadership Required, Following Recommended…

Most courses have required and recommended reading lists.

Do people really read the recommended materials? Why are they recommended?

These readings benefit students who desire to learn more about a particular subject.

What about our leadership? Is it required or recommended? Do others follow because it is required?

If others follow as a recommendation, then they follow because they desire to go deeper and learn, and they follow because of the additional benefit provided.

Perhaps it is more accurate to say that leadership should be required and following is recommended. Interesting thought!

Committed Leaders…

The key to leadership is commitment. Margaret Mead once said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” 

At the heart of any lasting endeavor is the power of commitment. When commitment exists, we can change the world.

As Ms. Mead stated, “It is the only thing that ever has.”

When we look at the early church, the apostles demonstrated a level of commitment that is rarely, if ever, seen in our time, but Christians followed them freely making a sacrifice with their lives for Jesus.

Our leadership for Christ should exemplify the same if we hope to change the world.

Leading In Culture…

Do leaders shape culture or does culture shape leaders?

We might think the answer is both, and that is true. Certainly the culture has an influence on leadership and leadership has an influence on culture.

However, spiritual leaders cannot allow the culture to dictate the direction of God’s people, but they must shape the culture into the image of Jesus.

How can leaders do so?

First, we must learn and understand the culture.
Second, recognize the need of culture.
Third, provide an example for the culture.
And fourth, guide them to a better culture.

Just a few steps can shape the changes needed to direct a greater focus toward Christ.

Decisive Leaders…

One of the qualities of good leaders is decisiveness. Think about the doctors and nurses that work in Critical Care Units. Beyond their educational expertise, they must be decisive, especially in emergency situations.

Obviously, not every situation is an emergency for leaders. However, to hesitate can cost leadership severely.

While there are thousands of decisions with little or no consequential value, some decisions have eternal consequences.

Therefore, the decisiveness of spiritual leaders can change the eternal destination of others who follow.

Be decisive and lead with eternity in view.

Leading In Tragedy…

The recent tragedy in Virginia Beach is one of many situations where innocent people lost their lives to the rage of someone who placed no value on human life.

During these times, how can we lead, provide answers, or give solace?

Often times, there is comfort in silence, a gentle hug, and prayer. 

How God works to heal and comfort the hurting is often a mystery. For many, a hug and prayer make the difference. For others, nothing seems to help.

We may not find all the answers we seek, but knowing God is there and that He works in every situation provides hope beyond the present.

Let us lead with God’s compassionate love to comfort others in time of tragedy.