Tag: SIBI

Lessons from a Sticky Note Pad…

On most desks is a small “sticky note” pad.

However, the nature of the sticky note provides several good lessons for leadership.

They are reminders of something important. If it is important, it is worth writing down.

They can be placed in any location. Leadership is not limited to the building. 

Once they stick, they are still there the next day. Good leaders hold on even when the road is difficult. 

They come in a variety of sizes and colors. No cookie cutter approach exists for finding leaders.

Lessons from a sticky note pad – our leadership might still be around tomorrow as a reminder of something important.

Directionally Challenged Leaders…

The problem? “I have no idea where I am going.”

A directionally challenged leader will always struggle. If we do not know where we are going, how can we lead anyone there? 

When spiritual leaders are directionally challenged, we have an even greater problem. 

What can we do?

Set smart goals. Goals need to be specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time bound.

Look to the finish line. Distractions abound and we can easily get off course. Focus on a goal.

Trust in the Word. Amidst the numerous voices vying to be heard, one is constant. Listen to it!

Be open to learn. Never stop learning and being open to learn.

Knowing where we are going eliminates most challenges.

A Dedicated Leader…

Leaders understand dedication to a fault, and they are dedicated to several areas.

They are dedicated to God. First, and foremost, their life belongs to the Almighty. They follow Him, whatever it takes.

They are dedicated to their family. They make sacrifices and express love through a willingness to do whatever is needed to get their family to heaven. 

They are dedicated to the church. No words adequately describe what leaders endure to help God’s people enjoy the security of the hope found in Jesus.

For these reasons, and many more, this post is dedicated to those leaders!

Simplifying Our Leadership…

Life is complicated and complex. Why have we allowed our daily activities to alter the simplicity of life? A few ideas could help us simplify our leadership.

Remember who is in control, who holds eternity in His hands, and let Him have control.
Learn when to say no.
Understand the limits of our abilities.
Take a “full” day off every week and spend it with family.
Do not work in all three parts of the day.
Stop trying to get it all done the first day.

More could be shared, but if we apply a few simple ideas, our leadership will last a little longer and taste a little sweeter.

Empowering Leaders…

For leaders to empower others, they cannot allow ego, pride, fear of replacement, or anything else hinder them from helping others reach their potential as leaders. 

Bill Gates said, “As we look ahead into the next century, leaders will be those who empower others.”

Here are a few suggestions to help empowering leaders.

Identify the skills sets of each individual.
Extend opportunities to learn and grow their abilities.
Provide the necessary tools to succeed.
Motivate, motivate, and motivate more.
Turn it loose and let them work at the task.
Celebrate each success.

Focus on others and develop them to lead. Empower them and watch how God works to make it grow.

A Grateful Leader…

Families and friends will soon gather to enjoy Thanksgiving.

We would all agree with the need to express our gratitude daily.

The God-given responsibility of leading can be a heavy burden, but the rewards are rich in eternal blessings.

A few are listed below.

An incredible God who created us, loved us, and was willing to die for us.
wonderful opportunity to work with the greatest people on earth.
The generosity of trust from faithful brethren who make our work possible.
Abundant physical and spiritual blessings.
A perfect Word that provides direction, strength, hope, and promise.

May leaders always express gratitude.

Leading In Less Than One Second…

Jules Verne wrote Around The World In 80 Days. Traveling around the world in a hot air balloon was exciting and the adventure thrilling.

The 21st century has ushered in a few changes. The adventure no longer takes 80 days, or 80 minutes, or even 80 seconds.  In less than one second, with the touch of a button, this can all be experienced through the internet. Technology has changed everything.

Leading in such a time moves us to rethink our approach to every relationship.

For leaders, this is an opportunity to expedite the gospel to the world. How are we using these God-given tools to communicate the hope of Christianity?

Decisive Leaders…

Life is filled with making decisions. The multiplicity of options makes the process challenging.

Leaders know that decisions change the course of their own lives, but also the lives of those who follow.

Here are a few ideas to help.

Pray for help, strength, and guidance in this decision.
Remember, indecision is a decision.
Investigate all possible consequences to the decision.
Do not always take the “easiest” course of action.
Give complete dedication to the decision.
Always think about the motive behind the decision.

A few steps can provide greater confidence in our decisions.

Deep Cleaning…

After years of accumulating stuff, there is often a need for deep cleaning. A few trips to a dumpster, a bottle of cleaner, and a few hours of time creates a healthier environment. 

Lessons related to leadership underlie this need.

1) Perception is reality. Consider the perception others have about who we are by the way our home and work area looks. Is it sloppy or neat? Lazy or diligent? Indifferent or serious?

2) Appearance communicates volumes. As difficult as it is to consider, the appearance of our home and work environment communicates priorities, time management, and professionalism.

3) Organization increases morale. Knowing our home and work space is cleaner and organized makes it more exciting to be there. Productivity and influence rise.

With a little deep cleaning, we might find a healthier leadership.

Producing Leaders…

A simple observation indicates that the church is reaping the consequences of little planning over the past 40-50 years for future leaders.

Ralph Nader said, “I start with the premise that the function of leadership is to produce more leaders, not more followers.” And John Maxwell said, “If you want to grow, lead followers. If you want to multiply, lead leaders.”

We need to… 

Encourage the young and old to prepare themselves for leadership.

Provide opportunities to learn how to lead.

Mentor leadership within the family and church.

Meeting tomorrow’s needs begins with preparing leaders today.