Tag: Responsibility

Metabolism and Leadership

Metabolism is the chemical process that occurs within a living organism in order to maintain life. If that were not enough, we learn there are two kinds of metabolism: constructive and destructive.

One involves the synthesis of various components that strengthen life and the other breaks it down.

The application is not hard to make. Leaders carry the responsibility of pulling together the processes needed to maintain the life and health of the organization.

Two types of leaders exist in this realm. Constructive leaders synthesize the components needed to strengthen life and destructive leaders constantly look for ways to tear it down.

Which one are you?

Letting God Down

Few people think about what happens when they let someone down.

Sadly, our desire to not let someone down leads us to try and please everyone. Even though we know it is impossible, we still try.

Have we ever considered how our decisions, words, or actions let God down? Spiritual leadership carries some of the greatest responsibility on earth and we never want to let those we lead down. Above all, we never want to let our God down.

If we focus on Him and pursue His will, we may let someone down, but our relationship with God remain secure.

Harmonizing Leadership

From a spiritual perspective, few areas carry greater weight than the ability to work with different people in different situations and pull everything together into a relationship of harmony and effective work.

An obvious challenge to this way of thinking is the stubborn, obstinate, self-driven, self-serving, or arrogant attitudes that are often displayed by those who find their place in trying to destroy good ideas or plans.

Regardless, working with people is going to surface the good and bad in others. Therefore, a leader’s responsibility involves finding ways to work with these individuals and situations in ways to reach the ultimate good of the whole.

Leading with Respect

Regardless of the environment or situation, people want leaders who respect and value how they contribute to the achievement of organizational goals.

Few areas, however, gain respect more quickly than by showing respect to and for others. A couple of suggestions include: 1) attention given to work accomplished, 2) time to build relationships, 3) accepting responsibility and giving accountability, 4) transparency, and 5) trust.

Leaders who strive to gain, earn, and achieve respect lead with heart. They touch the lives of those who follow and change the power of teamwork in the growth of any organization.

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.

A Vigilant Leader…

Vigilance means to be watchful, specifically a careful watch regarding areas presenting danger or difficulty.

Few areas rival the need for leaders to be vigilant concerning their responsibilities.

Leaders carefully watch over…
…the spiritual growth and development of each Christian.
…the physical concerns inside and outside of the church.
…the influence of the church within the community.
…the missional outreach of the gospel to the world.

The list could address more but the direction is obvious.

The responsibility is great and when leaders are vigilant to the task before them they can take advantage of beautifully choreographed God given opportunities.

The Path of Leadership

All of us walk one path or another. Jesus taught there are only two possibilities. Where do these paths lead?

The narrow path implies challenges that make the path difficult.

The broad path implies a level of ease and no difficulties.

However, we must also consider the end result. Where does the path we walk on lead? The narrow path, even though challenging, leads to eternal life. The broad path, as appealing as it seems with its comfort and ease, leads to eternal destruction.

Leadership increases the responsibility to consider an important question. Where does the path lead for those who follow our leadership?

Procrastination…

Procrastination is one of the most destructive practices for leaders.

Spiritually, there is a tendency to put off obeying the Gospel, sharing Jesus, or developing a plan for personal growth and development.

Will waiting until tomorrow, or until later, make it possible to avoid responsibility?

Scripture emphasizes the present. Joshua said, “Choose this day whom you will serve.” Jesus said, “Seek first His kingdom…do not worry about tomorrow.” Paul said, “Now is the acceptable time, behold, now is the day of salvation.”

These few places express our present time with urgency.

We need to ask, “Why put off until tomorrow, what can be done today?”

Blessed Opportunity…

Of all people, why were you and I blessed with the opportunity to hear the Gospel when so many in the world have never heard it at all?

Maybe this is the first time we have considered this question. However, we need to recognize the responsibility that comes with the opportunity.

Should we keep it to ourselves? Can we really go through each day without considering the numbers of those who walk through life unaware of what awaits in eternity?

As Christians, we are blessed among people. This blessing is meant to be shared, leading others to a hope in something beyond.

Mentoring Leaders…

The purpose and design of mentoring is to create a relationship that nurtures learning. One of the key components required is responsibility.

A learner takes responsibility for the priorities, learning, and resources for achieving self-direction. The idea expresses moving “from dependence to independence to interdependence” (3).

Several elements are also essential to a learning-centered mentoring program: reciprocity, relationship, partnership, collaboration, mutually defined goals, and development.

These elements are designed to promote relationships that motivate, inspire, and contribute to development and growth.

For more information, read Lois Zachary’s book, The Mentor’s Guide, Facilitating Effective Learning Relationships.