Tag: Potential

Reaching Potential

How do we recognize the potential of an individual or a congregation? Actions, Ability, and Attitude.

Is it possible to take these three areas, grow in them, and reach our ultimate potential? Absolutely!!! How?

Stop limiting God. Never think God “will not” do something because we think we “can’t”.

Start thinking BIG! Imagine what God could do through us if we started to think BIG!

Tell others about the possibilities. Telling others moves them into action, so start talking.

Develop a plan into smaller sections.
These smaller sections make the plan workable.

Begin NOW! Procrastination and hesitation are killers to our potential. Don’t wait. Get started.

Potential is too important to wait.

Potential

Potential is an ability or capability with the possibility of being or becoming something.

In his book, 9 Things A Leader Must Do, Dr. Henry Cloud wrote, “One of the worst things you can die with is potential.”

What is our potential? How do we achieve our greatest potential? Reaching our potential requires risk, and that can be a bit uncomfortable.

Cloud also claims that “potential is something to be realized, not guarded or protected. So, dig it up! Invest it!”

Maximizing our potential enables us to help others reach their potential. Spiritually, when the potential of God’s people is unleashed, we will change the world.

A Leadership Widget

A gadget refers to a small mechanical device or tool, especially an ingenious or novel one.

A widget carries the same thought, but adds that the name of the device or tool is generally unknown or unspecified.

Another definition of widget is added in relationship to an application that enables the user to perform a function or access a service.

Here is where we find an interesting twist in leadership.

Figuratively speaking, leaders serve as widgets. They carry the responsibility of enabling others to do the work or access the tools needed to fulfill the task.

The idea introduces a level of empowerment that helps others reach their greatest potential.

Defining Leadership Character

What characteristic defines our leadership? When we examine that characteristic closely, are we able to recognize what makes it distinct?

The defining nature of our leadership sets us apart as leaders. This distinctiveness enables us to have the kind of influence needed to help others reach their potential, to become all God wants for them.

Leaders carry the responsibility of developing the kind of character that creates a distinction for their influence. This distinction provides defining qualities of leadership that make a difference.

Consider the following:

1) Learn what is necessary to achieve the goal.
2) Determine to do whatever it takes.
3) Be patient.

Constructive Leadership

To be constructive involves something that is useful with a tendency to build up.

Constructive leaders are characterized by several key qualities.

They have a vision for what is right.
They possess an understanding of what is beneficial.
They provide tools to assist followers in reaching their potential.
They are driven by the desire to achieve the good of others.

These ideas provide a beginning point related to the nature of constructive leadership.

When the church is led by constructive leaders, spiritual and numerical growth will naturally go hand in hand.

A Uniting Leader

The uniting agent that makes us one deserves more attention than usually given.

Our common purpose is summed up in Jesus. His blood covers our sins, makes us one, and points us in the same direction.

Consider the implications connected to sacrifice.

First, work harder and more patiently to help others reach their potential.
Second, always speak well of people publicly and address major concerns with them in private.
Third, remember this is not about us, but helping others.
Fourth, our pride is not worth dividing God’s people.

We have a common purpose and the value of maintaining unity is worth the effort.

Leading in the Present…

David wrote, “This is the day the Lord has made; let us be glad and rejoice in it.”

What exactly does today provide for our leadership?

Time to reflect on yesterday and make necessary changes.
Time to focus on our priorities, realizing we may only have today.
Time to prepare for potential challenges ahead.
Time to walk through God-given doors of opportunity.
Time to share the depth of our love with others.

Today is the day. Do not wait any longer. Be wise with the precious time God has placed before us.

Potentially Powerful…

What value does potential have in your life? Potentially, a great deal. However, every person on the planet has potential.

In a recent article by Rory Vaden, Rory talks about how potential is meaningless if we do not take steps to act in ways that fulfill that potential.

Every person has the potential to lead, but our potential means little if we don’t take necessary steps to become that person of influence.

Reflect on your potential, then consider how you can get to work on achieving that potential and become the leader the Lord desires in you.

Leadership Potential…

Potential involves the possibility of something occurring if the right conditions or circumstances are in place as well as the capacity of someone to become or develop into something in the future.

How do leaders determine someone’s potential?

Three basic areas exist.

1) Actions. What has been done in the past lays a foundation for the future.
2) Abilities. No one can grow beyond their abilities, but they can change with training and practice.
3) Attitude. When a positive attitude exists, along with determination, potential is unlimited.

When leaders recognize potential, they can set greater goals for the future.

Your Last Day…

What would you do if you knew today was your last day on earth? Spend time with family? Express your love for someone?

Would you give away your possessions to someone less fortunate?

Would you settle a disagreement with an estranged friend?

Would you help someone reach their potential?

From a Christian perspective, the value of one day makes leadership much more vital. Nothing would be more important than making sure others knew about Jesus.

The reality is neither you or I are guaranteed tomorrow. Today may be our last day. Make this day valuable and seek a way to lead someone to Christ.