Tag: SALT

Investing in Relationships

Life can be discouraging when others take us for granted. Perhaps we can relate to how others feel when we take them for granted.

This happens in families, at school, on the job, around our neighborhoods, and hundreds of other places each day.

Whether we are taken for granted, or we take others for granted, as leaders we have a responsibility.

Without investing in these relationships, we lose the opportunity to influence others in ways that lead to lasting friendships and eternal rewards.

We cannot change others, but we can look at ourselves and address the changes needed to eliminate taking others for granted.

Past, Present, and Future Lessons

Several years ago, I came across a quote that I loved. It simply said, “The past is where you learned the lesson. The future is where you apply the lesson. Don’t give up in the middle.”

Based on the lessons learned, the wisdom gained directs the decisions, attitudes, and actions of our future. Here, we apply the lessons gained from past experiences.

The challenge is learning to never give up in between learning the lessons which are connected to our past and recovering enough to make the proper application of those lessons in the future.

Leaders do well to learn and apply accordingly.

A Leading Question

A leading question is an attempt to get someone else to communicate their understanding of facts, knowledge, or feelings. From a legal perspective, it is often used to get someone to answer a question in a specific way, leading them to often incriminate themselves or someone else.

At times, leaders may need to use both. We use questions for several reasons.

1) When others are encouraged to communicate, they feel appreciated and important.

2) We learn more by listening. We learn about feelings, desires, struggles, joys, and sorrows.

3) We create a powerful learning environment. Leaders will be surprised what they learn when creative minds are unleashed.

Essential Leadership

What is essential and what is not? Spiritually speaking, there are a number of components that play a key role.

1) Character: The late General Schwarzkopf clearly indicated that character trumps strategy.

2) Passion: The origin of this word involves suffering. What are we willing to give up to lead?

3) Vision: Vision is about faith, and faith is critical to the development of leadership vision.

4) Goals: Without goals we have no clear way of knowing where we are going.

These are only four areas, but each of them are essential to effective leadership.

Purpose

Having a “rule of life” gives you meaning and hope for what the future holds.

A rule of life changes the way you see God, develop family, and influence others.

Remember, your rule of life should incorporate your understanding of God, His working in your life, and your desire to glorify Him.

Have you ever considered writing a rule of life?
Have you considered why you pursue what you do in life?
What do you want to achieve and get out of life?

At some point share your rule of life with others and think about how it can benefit you and your family.

Questions for the Heart

“Did I offer peace today? Did I bring a smile to someone’s face? Did I say words of healing? Did I let go of my anger and resentment? Did I forgive? Did I love? These are the real questions. I must trust that the little bit of love that I sow now will bear many fruits, here in this world and the life to come.” Henri Nouwen

Imagine a congregation where, at the end of the day, everyone took the time to answer these questions affirmatively. If we focused on putting the needs, concerns, cares, worries, and desires of others first, the church and this world would sure be a different place.

Intimidating Leadership

Leaders commonly feel they need to intimidate their followers to accomplish their goal or purpose.

However, this style of leadership will only create a temporary and false sense of accomplishment. In the end, people do not want to follow such leaders.

If they do, it is only because they feel trapped. Hope is lost and there is no purpose for the future.

People should not be intimidated by you and, as a leader, you should not intimidate those who have entrusted themselves to you.

Spiritual leaders guide people to heaven and they need a leader who gives them hope!

Preparing for Leadership

Expect the best, but prepare for the worst.

Every leader needs to possess and portray a level of expectation as well as preparation.

Sadly, the opposite mindset often exists. Leaders expect the worst, while preparing for the best.

Leaders must always expect the best because the result instills hope in all who follow. Therefore, the key element is preparation. Consider a few questions:

1) Who will be affected if the worst happens?
2) What actions need to be taken to prevent the worst case scenario?
3) How will we respond to our leadership role if the worst case occurs?

Preparation minimizes the opportunity for the worst.

Elevating Others

One of the greatest qualities a leader possesses is the ability to elevate or stimulate someone morally or spiritually.

Consider two key principles for leading:

1) We don’t always have a second chance to make a good first impression. Use those first few moments to focus on the other person and lift them up in conversation.

2) Perhaps the most significant need within each person is that of reaching their potential, improving, growing, and achieving success. Find a way to help them do so.

Much more could be said, but consider the importance and value of lifting others up in leading them. When we do, an amazing future awaits.

P B and J

Growing up, I knew what was on the menu when mom said, “P B and J.” A peanut butter and jelly sandwich seemed to speak of a healthy lunch, the perfect combination of protein and carbohydrates.

From a leadership perspective, P B and J carries another important thought.

Promise: Leaders hold promise for a better tomorrow.

Belonging:
Leaders make it possible for others to belong, the security of a stable environment.

Journey:
Success is not about a destination, it is the journey. Make it rich.

The next time you hear P B and J, maybe you can remember the leadership connection.