Tag: SALT

Genuineness #2

As we began yesterday, several ideas can help develop or improve a leader’s genuineness. In addition to the three we have already considered, here are four more.

1) Fairness and impartiality are essential when working with people.

2) Always begin and end with something nice and complementary.

3) Address the issues in your personal life before trying to help others.

4) Seek wise counsel and follow the suggestions provided.

The purpose behind the seven ideas we’ve discussed is not simply to develop leadership character, but to demonstrate a genuineness that builds confidence in those we influence every day.

Genuineness #1

People seek a leader who is genuine, or authentic.

Several hindrances challenge the genuineness of a leader, most of which stem from self: personal agenda, money, power, position, etc.

These areas do not mean an individual cannot be genuine. However, they do hinder the development of genuineness.

How can genuineness in leadership improve?

1) Think about the influence of your words and actions before you speak or act.

2) Use knowledge, commitment, and ability to lay the foundation for decisions and actions.

3) Deliver honest criticism in a spirit of love and concern for the well being of others.

Teamwork #2

Yesterday, we talked about the need for God’s people to work together…as a team. When spiritual leaders understand the value of people using their abilities in a united effort to the glory of God, there is an opportunity to influence the most powerful movement on earth.

God designed the church to be one and for His people to work together as one. If the team mindset exists and we move forward in unison, great things happen.

Let us strive in leadership to encourage others to use their efforts, talents, insights, enthusiasm, and inspiration to achieve success as one…team.

Teamwork #1

In order for the church to function as God intended it to, an incredible emphasis is given throughout His word to the concept of working together. Although the word team is not used, we find similarities between the biblical emphasis, our understanding of teamwork, and the success related to its practice.

Queen Elizabeth II said, “I know of no single formula for success. But over the years I have observed that some attributes of leadership are universal and are often about finding ways of encouraging people to combine their efforts, their talents, their insights, their enthusiasm and their inspiration to work together.”

The Gift of Today

What exactly does each day provide for our leadership? We have an opportunity to:

…reflect on yesterday and decide how to make changes for the day ahead.

…focus on today’s priorities realizing this may be the only day we are given.

…prepare ourselves for the day the Lord returns or we are called to Him.

…share the gospel with others who may never have another opportunity.

…share the depth of our love with those we often take for granted.

Each day is a gift from God. Recognize it and seek ways to live a fulfilling life in service to Him.

Amazed

Amazement is characterized by “overwhelming surprise or shock.” Jesus once healed a demon-possessed man and told him to go and tell his own people what great things God had done for him and how God had shown mercy. When he did, people were amazed.

Consider our influence in the lives of others. When people compare the person we were before with who we are now, are they amazed?

If not, maybe we need to stress more the great things God has done for us and how He has shown mercy.

Our leadership in the home, community, and church should be different when Jesus is part of the equation.

A Daily Prayer

As spiritual leaders, to become what we need to be we must remember three key thoughts.

1) God is the primary mover who shapes and develops our influence as leaders.

2) His word is the tool by which we understand the components involved in the process.

3) Our open and submissive heart benefits us as God fills us and His Word guides us.

Our daily prayer needs to include a request that God help us have the vision to see who He wants us to be, to make us who we need to be, and to never be content with remaining where we are.

Strength in Numbers

A friend of mine once asked me the one lesson I had learned in my study of the Bible. He then said, “Always remember, you can’t make it on your own.”

The lesson I learned that day left a lasting impact on my life and ministry.

Solomon argues, “Two are better than one…A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12).

There is strength in numbers.

Satan, our adversary, wants us alone because he knows we are more vulnerable.

Leaders need to work together to encourage one another, grow to maturity, and defeat the enemy.

The strength leaders gain from being together lays a foundation for future leaders.

Objective

Few ideas are more challenging to apply than being objective.

Being objective carries the thought of being uninfluenced by personal feelings or opinions in considering and representing facts.

From the life and leadership of Jesus we learn several lessons.

Examine the facts carefully. Not everything is going to line up with preconceived ideas. Make certain all the facts have been gathered.

Study more deeply and diligently. A surface approach to God’s word allows too much opportunity for emotions to rationalize truth.

Ask penetrating questions. Good questions help develop depth to the information.

Being objective should characterize every quality of our leadership.

Handling Adversity

Leadership will always suffer times when adversity creates discouragement. How do leaders survive these times and grow stronger? Consider:

To be forewarned is to be forearmed. Knowing adversity will come helps in preparing beforehand.

Focus on an area of expertise. Discouragement is usually the result of feeling overwhelmed. Focus on one area at a time.

Learn the value of walking away. Sometimes taking a break from the situation and clearing your mind helps.

Seek counsel with other survivors. We can often better handle adversity in life through the encouragement of others.

Remember to seek the good in all situations.
Never forget the lessons learned that benefit you as a leader.