Tag: SIBI

Strong Leadership

We need to be strong in every area of life: physically, spiritually, emotionally, and intellectually.

Through the aging process we are all aware of the decline in our physical strength. There are times when a decline in emotional and intellectual strength also occurs.

The most frightening area connected to this decline in strength occurs in the spiritual realm.

Paul encourages Christians to “be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God” (Ep. 6:10-11).

Examining each piece of armor reveals a close relationship to God’s word. Our strength comes from what God provides through His word.

Observant

Being observant is essential in leadership. The power of observation is deeply connected to its definition.

Alert: When leaders are alert, they are quick to notice anything unusual or potentially dangerous.

Watchful: Leaders who are carefully watching others and the situation lead out of concern.

Aware: When there is a knowledge or perception of a situation or fact, leaders are aware.

Attentive: To be attentive, leaders must pay close attention to someone or something.

The basis for successful leadership is found in being observant, and this kind of leadership is not easy. It requires diligence, time, patience, and great love.

Love

Biblically, love involves seeking the highest good for the other person. Love cannot be self-directed or direct the actions of others.

When leaders do this, it is generally because of selfish motives.

When leaders truly understand and lead out of love for souls, we find sacrifice and determination to see that others find a way to heaven. A couple of ideas about leading out of love.

Love gives without expecting to receive something in return.
Love seeks opportunity to serve in all situations.
Love desires the best for others, even at the cost of personal comfort.

Lead out of love and know the power it brings to leadership.

Why Lead?

Why do people lead?

Some lead for the power. They simply want authority over others to direct them.

Some lead out of a crisis. When crisis strikes, individuals are often forced into leadership.

Others lead because no one else will. When godly leaders do not rise up, others will, but not always in the right direction.

Still, some lead for the joy of it. They strive to develop godly and Christlike character, and desire to lead others to Christ.

Paul referred to those who led with both wrong motives and the right one. Examine why you lead, and learn to lead for the joy of an eternal outcome.

Catch 22 Leadership

Leaders often feel as if they are being shot at from both sides, in front and from behind.

How many times have leaders faced situations that no matter what decision was made they were condemned? We call this Catch 22 Leadership.

Leaders must be decisive, and they will always have to fight the enemy in front of them. However, they should not have to deal with attacks from followers behind them.

Pray with and for your leaders.
Always speak well of leaders to others.
Make it a habit to build them up publicly.
When a problem arises, speak to leaders privately.
Encourage those who are godly to lead.

Skin in the Game

When an individual has “skin in the game” there is a level of commitment that moves one to greater action in achieving the desired result.

Skin in the game might involve money, time, ability, or even life itself. When a leader knows they must be invested, their commitment increases because failing to accomplish the goal will cost them something.

David understood this need as he offered sacrifice to God in 2 Samuel 24:24. He would not offer God anything that did not cost him something.

Leadership will cost us something. What we must recognize is that with God, it is worth the investment.

A Leader Worth Following

As leaders, several questions are important to consider regarding principles.

1) Why should we have principles to govern behavior?
2) What rule or belief governs our personal behavior?
3) Do we have a rule or belief in place for this purpose?
4) Are these rules or beliefs based on humanistic or biblical foundations?
5) Will others see consistency between our principles and behavior?

A life lived by biblical principles will always influence others. Consistently living by our principles directly connects to the integrity needed for powerful leadership.

When leaders answer these questions in relationship to principles and behavior, the steps to harmonize them develops a leader worth following.

A True Leader

Douglas MacArthur was known for his leadership, especially during the time of World War II.

He once said, “A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others. He does not set out to be a leader, but becomes one by the equality of his actions and the integrity of his intent.”

Leaders need confidence in God and His power that works within us.
Leaders must choose courage when needed most.
Leaders must demonstrate the Christlike quality of compassion.
Leaders must be characterized by consistency.
Leaders must learn to walk with integrity.

In the Middle

Endurance is never needed when life is good. We need endurance when life does not measure up to our expectations.

During those difficult times, we experience a range of emotions and thoughts. We often consider how to abandon ship. We begin to think that if we could just quit, somehow everything would return to normal or get better. However, you and I both know it does not work that way.

Although the author is unknown, this interesting thought was expressed, “The past is where you learned the lesson. The future is where you apply the lesson. Don’t give up in the middle!”

The point is simple: Endure.

Optimistic Leaders

Optimism includes hope and confidence about the future or outcome.

The contrast between leaders who are optimistic and those who are not can be associated with age and experience. Encountering negative experiences in life often hinders optimistic leadership.

How do leaders keep hope and confidence alive?

1) Remember, “everyone” is not against you.
2) Stop trying to live in or change the past.
3) Surround yourself with optimistic people.
4) Be realistic about personal expectations.
5) Learn to accept who you are as a person.
6) Express gratitude for what you have.
7) Reflect often on the positive areas of life.

Try it and see how contagious it becomes.