Tag: Leadership

Selfless Leaders

There is some powerful implication behind this idea for leadership.

We live in such a self-centered world. Our efforts and concerns tend to be primarily structured in a “what’s in it for me” mentality.

The selfish mindset is so subtly developed and so difficult to overcome. Albert Pike said, “What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us; what we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal.”

Our leadership will fail miserably and our legacy devoid of meaning unless we learn the last half of this thought.

All we do should be done for others and the world. This is what truly lasts.

The 80/20 Rule

Leaders identify the need to spend 80% of time on strengths and 20% on weaknesses.

Should this not be the opposite? We need to understand that when we spend the majority of our time on weaknesses, they may get stronger, but strengths get weaker because we have not kept them sharp.

Great leaders spend the majority of their time continually working on strengths, keeping them strong and growing. Then, they find others who are strong in the areas they are weak and use them to fill the gaps.

Know your strengths and weaknesses. Know yourself. Work on the appropriate areas and build a team to help the rest.

Barnabas

Barnabas was a great example in generosity. He sold property and gave it all to the apostles to help in the needs of the early church.

His name means “Son of Encouragement.”

After Paul’s conversion to Christianity, people were hesitant to believe the change until Barnabas spoke up for Paul.

When Paul did not want to take John Mark on the next missionary journey Barnabas gave John Mark another chance.

We need to be willing to stand and speak up for those who have changed their lives and, whenever possible, we need to give people another chance.

What an encouragement! What a need in leadership.

Timing

Timing is everything. How many times have you heard this statement or one similar? Yet, it is true on a number of levels.

Addressing a delicate situation.
Making life changing decisions.
Waiting for test results.
Confronting a family member, friend, or colleague.

God said, “There is an appointed time for everything, and there is a time for every event under heaven.” When we read Ecclesiastes 3:2-8 we learn quickly how true it is that timing is everything.

The next time a delicate situation arises, you are faced with making a decision, are awaiting test results, or considering how to confront someone else, remember – timing is everything.

Enduring Leadership

Blueprints provide details to make certain a structure will last.

What kind of blueprint will help leaders ensure their leadership is long-lasting?

All blueprints begin with the foundation. Only by building on the right foundation will our leadership carry a lasting influence.

Paul points out there is no human who has the power to lay the kind of foundation needed for lasting leadership. Only Jesus provides a foundation for enduring leadership (1 Corinthians 3:11).

From His example we learn the nature, qualities, and character of the leadership God desires and designed for us today.

Does It Count?

Alfred Einstein said, “Not everything that counts can be counted, and not everything that can be counted counts.”

First, not everything that counts can be counted. Leadership often deals with the bottom-line mentality. I realize what we measure is important, but the value of influence and character, cannot be measured. The significance is life changing.

Second, not everything that can be counted counts. We may have multiplied thousands of dollars sitting in a number of investments, but what is it really worth? We may spend countless hours reading the Bible, but do we make proper application?

Our leadership may not always be measured, but it should count for something.

Translating Leadership

International travel often requires a good translator. Without them it is difficult to know if the intent of the message is understood.

Even when we speak the same language, there can be confusion when translating our leadership.

As the world becomes smaller, the confusion becomes more complex.

Is it possible that the intent of the message is not clearly understood?

Does our leadership translate the proper goals through the proper channels to the proper people?

Let us make sure the message and intent of our leadership are translated in ways that help others reach the goal.

Andrew

Andrew led his brother, Peter, to Jesus. Andrew was first introduced to Jesus and, recognizing Him as the Messiah, he went and found his brother and testified, “we have found the Messiah.”

Peter was later given the keys to the kingdom and he used them powerfully on the day of Pentecost and with the household of Cornelius.

One of the lessons to know about leadership involves leading others to Jesus allowing Him to work through those vessels to accomplish His purpose.

Who knows but the individual we lead to Jesus may be the very one who will lead thousands to Him.

Summary

If we were to summarize our leadership in a few words, what would we say? We need to take a few minutes and give some thought to the whole of our leadership.

Could we express it in a word or two, or maybe a sentence or two? Could we summarize our leadership at all?

Would it be “others-centered” or “self-centered?” Spiritually or physically based?

Would the summary be focused on the past, present, or future?

In reality, the fewer words we use the more challenging it can be to summarize our leadership, especially if we try to be accurate.

Leadership Character

What image describes good leadership? Based on many leadership discussions, the canvas would be filled with images of character, service, compassion, vision, and more.

The image of character is a wonderful place to begin.

Character is a choice made by each individual. Wayne Dyer said, “Our lives are a sum total of the choices we have made.” Therefore, when we blend all our choices together, we find a picture of character.

Maybe this explains why Joshua urged Israel to make the choice he made for his family, one of “serving the Lord.” Perhaps, it is the choice we should make also.