Tag: SIBI

Leading a Team…

A leader is one who leads a team in one form or another. 

The benefits of working as a team cannot be listed in one post, but here are a few.

1) Work is achieved more quickly.

2) Everyone uses their abilities more efficiently.

3) Ideas are abundant.

4) Opportunities for encouragement are greater. 

In construction, people who specialize in foundations, plumbing, framing, sheet rock, painting, trimming, and interior design are all needed to complete the project.

The same is true in the church. It takes those who cook, clean, teach, preach, sing, pray, serve, shepherd, and the list goes on.

When everyone works together, the result is growth!

Leadership Help…

How should help be defined? A quick look in the dictionary reveals a number of thoughts: making it easier [for someone] to do something by offering one’s services or resources; improve [a situation or problem], be of benefit to by assisting, serving, etc. and the list goes on.

The challenge has never been the definition, but the application. We must also learn there is a difference between helping and enabling (a discussion for another post).

Let us lead with the conviction that we will help others long term, eternally. Here is where the legacy of our leadership is determined.

Unconditional Love…

One of the greatest needs in our world and one of the greatest challenges involves love. Without understanding God’s love we face an insurmountable obstacle.

God’s love is unconditional and therein lies the challenge.

Paul writes that God demonstrates His love toward us (Rom. 5:8).

Notice Paul did not say demonstrated, i.e. past tense. The word is present active. God demonstrates His love now and there is no assessment of it ever ending.

To lead others to the love of God, we must demonstrate the nature of God’s love toward them. We must show love even when they are not always the easiest to love.

Beautiful Leaders…

Leaders often strive to prevent or avoid conflict, controversy, and anything difficult. 

However, Elisabeth Kuebler-Ross claims, “The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.”

Leaders must appreciate the value of these challenges in life, developing a sensitivity and understanding that displays a compassionate and loving spirit.

When demonstrated, leaders exemplify a Christlike character worth following.

Transitional Leadership…

Every individual and group experiences at least one, if not multiple, transitions. These transitions are not always life changing, but they can alter our lives in ways that never leave us the same.

Transitions occur both physically and spiritually. They arise on individual and congregational levels.

How do we lead during times of transition?

Learn how to recognize a transition is developing.
Accept transitions as part of growth.
Demonstrate patience toward others during transitions.
Remember the common good of the whole.
Focus on the goal and how to endure.

If we practice these ideas during transitions, our leadership will help guide others through any situation.

Leadership Ambition…

Ambition involves a desire to achieve something, usually requiring determination and hard work.

The difficulty arises when we consider where our ambition lies.

Are we ambitious to achieve financial security?

Is our ambition driven by power and authority?

Would our ambition be characterized by selfish and physical priorities?

Or, can we say our ambition is motivated by a spiritual focus?

When our leadership is driven by the kind of ambition that seeks to please the Lord, the church will grow in the grace and knowledge of our Savior.

Successful Leadership…

We are told that we influence a minimum of four people everyday. Kenneth Blanchard said, “The key to successful leadership today is influence, not authority.”

But, what kind of influence are we exercising?

We need to guard our influence because it effects the character, behavior, and development of others. Our influence can either be good or bad. 

If we have opportunity to influence others by bringing them to Christ, or influence Christians in faithfulness, should we not do so?

The time we have on earth is limited and fleeting. Each day that passes can never be regained or relived. Now is the best opportunity to ensure our influence for Christ.

Now What?

Now that the festivities of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s are behind us, we consider “Now What?”

For some, it is back to the norm. Back to the grind. For others, it is time to focus on the vision. Fulfill our goals.

No matter which side we find ourselves, leadership demands we grow. We continue to work on ourselves, improve our ability to connect with others, and influence the lives of each person God beautiful orchestrates into our lives.

As a reminder, 2020 is the perfect year to focus on where we are headed and who we plan to become. 

Make this the best year EVER.

Happy New Year

From all of us at SALT

HAPPY NEW YEAR

May this be the best year of your life in relationship to God
and your service within the Kingdom.

Goals for 2020…

Goals? It is that time a year…again! We say good-bye to 2019 and welcome 2020. Just the sound of 2020 builds on the concept of the vision we discussed yesterday. But, what about goals?

Everyone needs some sort of goals in their personal and professional life. We may have goals related to health, family, finance, career, education, etc.

However, when we think about goals for the year ahead try to remember the need to avoid just making wishes. Goals must follow the SMART acronym. 

On a personal level: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound

On a professional level: Specific, Measurable, Assignable, Realistic, Time-bound