Tag: Purpose

The Motivation to Lead

Former NBA star Jerry West once said, “You can’t get much done in life if you only work on the days when you feel good.”

We need to learn how to work through times when we do not feel as good as other days. We need to…

…remember the purpose. Do not lose sight of why we lead.

…put one foot in front of the other. At times, just getting started helps.

…focus on the goal. The result promises to be worth the effort.

…remain dedicated to finish. It is not how you start, but how you finish that makes a difference.

Leadership motivates us to show up everyday!

Leading by GPS

A global positioning system (GPS) makes travel in unfamiliar territory much easier. Now, we have a variety of apps on our smart devices that provide this luxury.

From a leadership perspective, imagine the impact on followers with leaders that know they are the GPS, God’s Purposeful Servant.

God is the foundation of our leadership, guided and directed by the Creator of the universe.

Purposeful
indicates two ideas: 1) God’s will drives our leadership, and 2) we lead with intentionality.

Servant is the descriptive word. We are servants of God and others as we lead them with hope for a better future.

Leading with Constancy

Have you ever heard the phrase “constancy of purpose?” Constancy involves dependability or faithfulness. There are strong implications in leadership. Once leaders understand their purpose, constancy is demonstrated in four areas.

1) Faith: We need to know and trust that our God is able and He will be there each step of the way.

2) Focus: Without focus, Satan is masterful at distractions, which take our eyes off God’s purpose.

3) Fortitude: We need fortitude to stand firm when distractions and challenges arise.

4) Follow-through: Once we commit ourselves, constancy will follow-through with the plans.

Constancy helps leaders accomplish more for the Lord’s kingdom.

Learning From The Past

The past introduces a number of challenges to life. Regardless of the good or the bad, our past often influences who we are and the direction of our future.

The only way to win with the past is to learn from it – good or bad – and use the lesson to help shape a better direction for the future.

For Paul, nothing was more valuable than knowing Jesus. The value of knowing Jesus gave Paul purpose and direction. He did not allow his past to dictate the direction of his future. Instead, he was able to reach forward with hope in the resurrection.

A Leading Question…Part 2

Why? This word alone penetrates the heart of our motives, actions, attitudes, and decisions. Considering the purpose and direction of our leadership, we need to ask – why?

Why do we seek to influence others for the cause of Christ?

Why are we interested in improving the quality of work produced?

Why would we challenge past procedures and consider change?

Why is it necessary for us to work harder and longer than others?

The answer to these and hundreds of other such questions will guide us to make a difference. Isn’t this the answer to the question – why?

Purpose-Driven Leaders

The reason for which something is done, created, or for which it exists speaks to purpose.

What is the reason for our leadership?
How is our leadership created?
Why does our leadership exist?

These questions provoke deeper thought when we consider leading others.

The reason for our leadership is the cause of Christ.
We create leadership through learning and experience.
Our leadership exists because God planned, designed, and needs His people to change the world.

The worldview of each individual influences their purpose in life. As Christians, we know that our purpose is to glorify God!

Opportunity for Development

Leaders often experience times when events escalate and are seen as distractions or hindrances to their leadership development.

Is it possible God is opening doors of opportunity for us to grow and develop in our leadership?

Consider these questions.

Do we really believe God’s power is unlimited?
Do we believe God can do far more than we ask or think?
Can we get excited about how He will use the power within us to accomplish His purpose?

We have tried things on our own for too long. It is time to trust in God’s power and prepare ourselves to do His work.

Intentionality

Intentionality has powerful implications. Words such as deliberate, calculated, planned, studied, and purposeful are all related.

When leadership is intentional, decisions are well thought out before implementation, mistakes are reduced, confidence is displayed, and steps are taken to ensure others follow the right path.

Intentionality does not guarantee the right decision will be made every time, but such an approach builds on the foundation of solid reasons for each decision.

The need for both secular and spiritual leaders to be intentional in their leadership is obvious. The longer intentionality is discarded, the more leadership flounders.

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.

Perfecting our Leadership…

“Practice makes perfect” is a common expression. The idea expresses the need to do something over and over until the art is just right.

A modification of this thought says, “Perfect practice makes perfect.”

Olympic athletes practice drills, routines, or exercises for hours each day until their skill is perfected. They are dedicated to one purpose, performing for those few minutes without giving way to pressure.

Certain leadership qualities may be inherent, but one thing we know, the ability to lead must be worked on continually.

There must be focus, dedication, diligence, and a steadfast spirit to the one purpose God has called us for, to lead.