Tag: Leadership

The Desire to Lead

If there is one component needed to characterize a leader, it is desire. Leadership requires the desire to lead, to develop the character necessary to lead.

We tend to do what we want to do. When that desire exists, nothing stands in the way. When we want to do something, we will find a way.

The opposite is also true. When we do not want to do something, it does not matter the consequence(s), or the reward(s), we will not do it.

When we desire to lead as God planned, nothing will stand in the way of our achieving His plan.

Goals and Courage

Goals are essential to success. We build morale and sustain momentum to reach our long-term goals by the short-term goals we establish.

Courage is a decision to act bravely when we are scared. When that time comes, we need leaders who have the courage to lead with their eye on the goal(s).

Dr. Anil Kumar Sinha said it this way, “Successful people keep their eye on the goal. If they encounter obstacles, instead of focusing on the obstacle, they find a way around it by keeping their goal in mind. It is a mindset of courage which makes it easier to pursue success.”

Our Greatest Ally

Leadership is not about trying to make things happen on our own. The minute we go at it alone, we are destined to fail.

When David faced Goliath he knew the One who was there to help him. Goliath came to the battle as a warrior armed with a javelin, sword and spear. However, David came with the living God of Israel on his side. Who do you think won?

Do we know our greatest Ally? When we come to the battle with the living God on our side, we cannot fail.

Paul reminds us of this truth (Rom. 8:31-39).

Servant Leaders

Leadership is not a located idea. Leadership is universal in application and is not limited to race, gender, age, or position.

Anyone can lead from anywhere.

We must continually learn from others about leadership. When we learn about the sacrifice, dedication, passion, and attitude of true servant leaders, we should be encouraged to do the same.

They give their lives to prepare others.
They dedicate their time to the work.
They love their people.
They work to serve, not to be served.

The example provided by them demonstrates the character needed for those who learn from them.

An Engaging leader

Engaging people is vital to the role of leadership. Leaders must hold the attention of those who follow, engaging them in the direction to be taken.

Engaging followers involves three critical components:

1) Speak to people’s needs. Without understanding the needs of others, how can you engage them to follow?

2) Establish a connection. Relate to people on the same level. To speak above or beneath someone prevents engagement.

3) Ask the right questions. Often times, people are not engaged because they were never asked the right questions.

More could be said, but these will make a difference when striving to engage others.

Ready?

Think about the implication of talent as it relates to the success desired by each individual.

Consider the significance of being in the right place at the right time. Will the opportunity of time and place determine success?

Perhaps there is a more important question. Johnny Carson put it this way, “Talent alone won’t make you a success. Neither will being in the right place at the right time, unless you are ready. The most important question is: ‘Are you ready?’”

Life is filled with a complexity of issues, practices, and opportunities for either success or failure. Regardless of what happens, “Are we ready?”

An Elevator to Leadership

Imagine an elevator to the top of leadership? The mind and body would be less stressed. We would not have to go through the process of strategically putting one foot in front of the other, even when we are tired.

We may wish it worked this way, but it never has and never will.

Leaders are shaped by experiences throughout the journey. We learn invaluable lessons to help us deal with the various issues often encountered.

There are no quick and easy ways to the top of leadership. It takes work, and the more diligent we are, the greater our leadership.

ROFL

Initials are used everywhere. One of the most familiar is PC. Interestingly, these initials represent several ideas from “politically correct” to “personal computer.”

Organizations are often identified by initials: CIA, FBI, UPS, USPS, and many more.

Positions within most organizations support the use of initials: CEO, CFO, EVP, VP and list goes on.

The texting world also works on the basis of initials: ROFL, LOL, Np, Ty, Yw and, again, the list is unending.

I like a modified take on this one: ROFL – Resist Obstacles Facilitating Lethargy. Leaders cannot afford to become lethargic. A sluggish and apathetic mindset will hinder growth.

Focus

When athletes fall short of achieving success, it is generally attributed to a loss in focus.

Leaders cannot afford to lose focus.

Distractions pop up everywhere and usually when we least expect. When distractions arise, we must maintain our focus and not lose sight of our priorities.

Focus is a matter of choice.

People need leaders who help them maintain focus. When our focus is on spiritual life and maturity we help others focus on making the right choices.

Amazingly, when we do so, our focus enables us to handle the distractions with a gracious heart of gratitude.

Integrity

The Hebrew word translated integrity refers to “what is complete, entirely in accord with truth and fact” (BDB, 1977:1071). Integrity moves toward an application of the ethical uprightness of one wholly devoted to God (TWOT, 1999).

When integrity characterizes our leadership, imagine the impact. When people look to us and see an example of integrity, they see a leadership worth following.

The strength of our relationship with the others is based on character that emulates God as our Father. The desire to speak and act with integrity portrays a desire for truth, followed by an ethical uprightness of a heart wholly and completely devoted to God.