Tag: Leadership

From Ordinary to Extraordinary…

When Moses approached the burning bush, God instructed him to remove his sandals because he was standing on holy ground. An ordinary bush became extraordinary because of God’s presence and divine activity.

God has always taken the ordinary and made it extraordinary with divine activity.

Twelve men: fishermen, a tax collector, a zealot, and other ordinary people, yet when God worked through them, they became extraordinary. 

Today, we need to recognize the nature of God working through the events and people in our lives to take something ordinary and make it extraordinary. When these “burning bushes” exist, we need to stop and realize the sacred ground upon which we stand and watch how God’s divine activity shapes our leadership.

Leadership Identity…

Identity is important, but there are several questions to consider related to this concept.

How would we identify what we do? Our activities indicate a significant role. If our focus is spiritual, then our role has a heavenly identification.

How would we identify who we are affiliated with? If we belong to Christ, then our character will reflect a Christlike spirit.

How would we identify the reason we are here? The activities we carry out should clearly identify the reason we are here?

A few simple questions can help us consider the value of identifying what, who, and how when it comes to our leadership.

Essential Recovery…

Most people understand the challenges of the recovery process involved after surgery.

Think about the nature of recovery.

Time is involved. The capabilities of the body to recover are amazing, but healing requires time. Leadership development and recovering from mistakes requires the same.

Repair prevents permanent damage. The nature of surgery and recovery is to prevent irreparable problems. Our leadership can avoid future breakdowns when we take steps needed to prevent permanent damage.

Successful recover requires following the physician’s instructions. And following the Great Physician’s instructions is essential to help spiritual leaders heal.

More could be said, but keep in mind the purpose and necessity of recovery.

A Balanced Leader…

“Man of God.” What do these words mean to a spiritual leader?

One, it refers to someone waiting for the Lord. Such activity is supported by obtaining new strength and an ability to tirelessly endure.

Two, the man of God is balanced. Regardless of the challenges that often create imbalance, the man of God remains balanced.

While waiting for the Lord, spiritual leaders are strengthened, prepared to face difficulty, travel any distance, patiently endure temptation, and overcome any obstacle.

Spiritual leaders understand the responsibility of family and ministry and must learn how to remain balanced with both.

Find an image to help you lead with strength and balance.

Solving Problems…

No one likes problems. We tend to shy away from a place where we must deal with them.

Colin Powell says, “Leadership is solving problems. The day soldiers stop bringing you their problems is the day you have stopped leading them. They have either lost confidence that you can help or concluded you do not care. Either case is a failure of leadership.”

The thought of followers reaching a point where they do not bring their problems because they lose confidence or feel we do not care is frightening. Leaders should consider why problems come their way.

Learning how to resolve conflict and solve problems brings credibility to leadership.

Lessons from a Sticky Note Pad…

On most desks is a small “sticky note” pad.

However, the nature of the sticky note provides several good lessons for leadership.

They are reminders of something important. If it is important, it is worth writing down.

They can be placed in any location. Leadership is not limited to the building. 

Once they stick, they are still there the next day. Good leaders hold on even when the road is difficult. 

They come in a variety of sizes and colors. No cookie cutter approach exists for finding leaders.

Lessons from a sticky note pad – our leadership might still be around tomorrow as a reminder of something important.

Directionally Challenged Leaders…

The problem? “I have no idea where I am going.”

A directionally challenged leader will always struggle. If we do not know where we are going, how can we lead anyone there? 

When spiritual leaders are directionally challenged, we have an even greater problem. 

What can we do?

Set smart goals. Goals need to be specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time bound.

Look to the finish line. Distractions abound and we can easily get off course. Focus on a goal.

Trust in the Word. Amidst the numerous voices vying to be heard, one is constant. Listen to it!

Be open to learn. Never stop learning and being open to learn.

Knowing where we are going eliminates most challenges.

A Dedicated Leader…

Leaders understand dedication to a fault, and they are dedicated to several areas.

They are dedicated to God. First, and foremost, their life belongs to the Almighty. They follow Him, whatever it takes.

They are dedicated to their family. They make sacrifices and express love through a willingness to do whatever is needed to get their family to heaven. 

They are dedicated to the church. No words adequately describe what leaders endure to help God’s people enjoy the security of the hope found in Jesus.

For these reasons, and many more, this post is dedicated to those leaders!

Simplifying Our Leadership…

Life is complicated and complex. Why have we allowed our daily activities to alter the simplicity of life? A few ideas could help us simplify our leadership.

Remember who is in control, who holds eternity in His hands, and let Him have control.
Learn when to say no.
Understand the limits of our abilities.
Take a “full” day off every week and spend it with family.
Do not work in all three parts of the day.
Stop trying to get it all done the first day.

More could be shared, but if we apply a few simple ideas, our leadership will last a little longer and taste a little sweeter.

Empowering Leaders…

For leaders to empower others, they cannot allow ego, pride, fear of replacement, or anything else hinder them from helping others reach their potential as leaders. 

Bill Gates said, “As we look ahead into the next century, leaders will be those who empower others.”

Here are a few suggestions to help empowering leaders.

Identify the skills sets of each individual.
Extend opportunities to learn and grow their abilities.
Provide the necessary tools to succeed.
Motivate, motivate, and motivate more.
Turn it loose and let them work at the task.
Celebrate each success.

Focus on others and develop them to lead. Empower them and watch how God works to make it grow.