Tag: Plans

Inspiring Leaders

Defining leadership becomes more complex by the day. Books, blogs, and dictionaries are constantly modifying ways we think about leadership.

For the past 100 years, definitions seem to indicate the same challenges. Each decade introduced new political figures and challenges to the country that influenced the way leadership was defined.

One consistent fact about leadership, regardless of the time, country, or political power, is the influence leaders have through inspiring others to act toward achieving a goal.

When leaders exercise this ability, they unite a force that keeps everyone focused on the goal and the implementation of plans necessary to reach the goal.

The Leadership Possibilities

How many times have you thought or heard someone say, “Life doesn’t always go according to plan?”

Susan Gale acknowledges, “Sometimes heading in a new direction can be scary until you realize you’re headed toward a new and exciting destination.”

Imagine what would happen if we exercised a little patience and did not allow the scary nature of a new direction or change in plans distract us from seeing the new and exciting possibilities that might exist around the corner.

Life expands with our ability to demonstrate the kind of flexibility that allows us to take advantage of opportunities when presented. May we always see the possibilities.

Counting the Cost

Counting the cost when leading others can be a daunting task.

One of the most pressing thoughts among these questions involves having enough to finish well.

Do we have enough resources to achieve the goal?
Do we have enough staff to implement the plans to achieve the goal?
Do we have enough time to complete the job?

Having enough resources, staff, and time are only three components that require our attention when setting goals, establishing plans, and implementing both to produce growth.

Complexity of Leadership

Life is complicated. Just when we feel like we have a good handle on it, something changes. Even when we have a vision, spend hours setting goals and establishing plans, there seems to always be that one item that throws us a “curve ball.”

Leadership can be tricky. As complicated as life can be, when leading others, the complexities increase.

Providing structure is essential to understanding the nature in which all the components required to achieve our vision are implemented.

This structure keeps everyone focused and active.

The work can be difficult, but when it is accomplished, everyone grows.

Leadership Development…

One of the great struggles facing the church today involves leadership development.

Congregations struggle with poorly equipped––if not unqualified––leaders, or no leadership at all. Sadly, far too many congregations have no idea who will fill the needed leadership positions of tomorrow.

It raises the question, “Are we suffering the consequences of past failures to plan for leadership?”

As we gaze into 2021, God’s people should recognize the challenge, and current leaders must rise up to prepare leaders for the future.

What we need is a vision that benefits the Lord’s kingdom with experienced leaders in the next generation, because it impacts our children and grandchildren!

Need for Strategy…

Strategy is a plan of action to achieve a desired aim or goal. General Norman Schwarzkopf said, “Leadership is a potent combination of strategy and character. But if you must be without one, be without the strategy.”

While character is the essential to leadership, strategy is also needed. Without strategy, we have no goals, or plans to reach a goal, regardless of the goal(s) set before us.

Few areas in life exist where strategy is not involved at some level.

Leaders must establish a strategy for reaching goals with specific plans, leading with the future in mind. Time will not be wasted in the field of strategic development.

Leading with Tenacity…Part 2

Tenacity is associated with grip, determination, and persistence.

The ability to grip something, or hold on firmly, is crucial for long-term success.
Determination presents an attitude of strength to endure the distractions.
Without persistence, leaders find themselves ready to give up and move on.

Tenacity, as defined in these areas, demonstrates the ability of leaders to take a group of people who might not otherwise continue and motivate them to heights unknown.

With it, leaders build confidence in their approach to the establishment of goals and the development of plans to achieve them.

Leaders must hold on with a tenacious spirit.

Contingent Leadership…

The one consistency facing leadership today is change. Apart from technology, science, medicine, etc., people change!

When leaders cast the vision, point others to the goal, and establish plans, change occurs. Several questions should be considered.

What contingency is in place when changes occur?
Are the consequences of a contingency minimal?
Will the contingency create a loss of morale?
Who will implement the contingency during the transition?
How will the contingency affect the overall vision and goals?
When is the appropriate time to initiate the contingency?

Answering a few questions can help negotiate challenges that occur when change is inevitable.

A Question for Leaders…

How did we get here? We tend to ask this when…

…compromise results in consequences greater than expected.
…plans result in failure.
…chaos emerges within an organization.
…we are unprepared for tragedy.

When we find ourselves at a place we did not intend, desire, or plan for, we wonder, “How did I get here?”

Perhaps we need to ask, “What will we do now?”

The journey that brought us here is important, but it is more important to know what we do from this point.

As spiritual leaders, we must guide those who find themselves in difficult circumstances to a better place of hope.

Successful Leadership…

Success has been defined in numerous ways, but how we define and measure success is critical to leadership.

Here are a few suggestions to consider.

1) Setting smart goals and developing solid plans to achieve them

2) Growing spiritually stronger in relationship to God and others

3) Utilizing God’s word as the standard for decisions

4) Providing the right tools to assist others reach their potential

Ultimately, changed lives are the true measure of success. We could say so much more, but the point is the same. As spiritual leaders, we must define and measure success by the lives changed within our sphere of influence.