Tag: SALT

Inspiring Leaders

Defining leadership becomes more complex by the day. Books, blogs, and dictionaries are constantly modifying ways we think about leadership.

For the past 100 years, definitions seem to indicate the same challenges. Each decade introduced new political figures and challenges to the country that influenced the way leadership was defined.

One consistent fact about leadership, regardless of the time, country, or political power, is the influence leaders have through inspiring others to act toward achieving a goal.

When leaders exercise this ability, they unite a force that keeps everyone focused on the goal and the implementation of plans necessary to reach the goal.

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.

The Leadership Possibilities

How many times have you thought or heard someone say, “Life doesn’t always go according to plan?”

Susan Gale acknowledges, “Sometimes heading in a new direction can be scary until you realize you’re headed toward a new and exciting destination.”

Imagine what would happen if we exercised a little patience and did not allow the scary nature of a new direction or change in plans distract us from seeing the new and exciting possibilities that might exist around the corner.

Life expands with our ability to demonstrate the kind of flexibility that allows us to take advantage of opportunities when presented. May we always see the possibilities.

Statistics

Statistics often provide value when collected and used correctly.

Once information is collected, statisticians categorize and examine the information to determine statistics that describe a broader section of people within a geographical location, gender, ethnic, social, economic, or religious base.

Before we write off the negative view of statistics, let us consider how these numbers can be a tool to motivate and inspire greater work for the Lord’s kingdom.

We can learn valuable information that assists in the development of our influence as leaders. Statistics help us learn more about the people we want to influence.

Field Trip Leaders

Can you remember taking field trips as a child? As adults, a field trip looks a bit different, but involves a new perspective.

Consider the benefits when leaders take a field trip today.

First, we find a perspective of reality among individuals involved in the work. The 3 foot view is needed to get a visual that is specific to the daily activities.

Second, we learn a number of lessons critical to designing plans for change. A field trip allows the top-down leaders to see a bottom-up visual of needs.

A field trip introduces leaders to areas they need to see.

Leaders in Progress

When we think of progress, we often think of a forward movement toward a specific destination. However, we must also think in terms that can be measured.

One of the challenges leaders face in making progress is the result of thinking qualitative, rather than quantitative. We have a vague idea, but can’t really determine if we are making progress or not.

Leaders must establish short- and long-term goals that enable everyone to see progress. Here is where we ignite enthusiasm and greater involvement follows.

Get out of the status quo rut and take the initiative to lead from the front.

Leading Technology

Be familiar with newer and emerging technologies.

Leadership (being a great leader) is not contingent on using or keeping up with emerging technology. Many leaders from the past and many in the future may never use technology.

However, we cannot deny the incredible opportunities that technology presents in the development of our leadership.

Tools for training, mentoring, guidance, and encouragement are available to everyone.

If we have the opportunity to utilize the tools of technology to grow in our leadership and influence thousands, if not millions more, will God not hold us accountable for such?

Committed Leaders

Never commit to things you cannot do.

Oddly enough, material does exist that emphasizes the fake-it-until-you-make-it approach.

We should always be willing to grow and improve by moving outside our comfort zone, but the idea here involves areas we know we cannot do. For example, when someone invites us to dinner and we know we cannot make it, instead of saying no, we delay the inevitable by saying “maybe.”

Jesus taught the need for our yes to mean yes, and our no, no. Jesus added that anything beyond these is of evil.

It is critical to our leadership to be a person of our word.

Trust

Leaders need to demonstrate trust in others.

One of the great challenges in leadership is a micromanaging style of leading. When leaders give someone a task or job to accomplish, there should be a level of trust that allows them to complete the work.

Standing over someone to guide and counsel every detail in their actions or correct each imperfection communicates a lack of trust.

If the individual is not trustworthy, then they should not be given the job. If they are trustworthy, then leaders must demonstrate trust by equipping others with the tools needed for the task and let them go to work.

An Example To Follow

Always set an example others can emulate. How do we want others to behave at work, home, or in the church? We must model that behavior first.

The idea of expecting others to behave in ways we are unwilling to do ourselves is the greatest form of hypocrisy and a one-way ticket to losing credibility. Our conduct is all inclusive. We should never compartmentalize our lives into the way we behave on the job, at home, in the neighborhood, and around Christians. A disciple of Christ always lives a Christlike life 24-7-365.

Let us all resolve to provide an example worthy of others to follow.