Tag: SIBI

Change

Why does the idea of “change” create such fear on the part of so many people? One possible answer is the idea that change brings something negative or bad. Change is also associated with introducing liberalism.

Change, however, can be a positive, powerful, and necessary approach to growth. Mandy Hale says, “Change can be scary, but you know what’s scarier? Allowing fear to stop you from growing, evolving, and progressing.”

Change is biblical; we call it repentance. It still means change.

Our fear of change must not stifle us from achieving all that God can do through us if we will but change.

Caught in the Middle

A strange feeling exists when we are caught between a rock and a hard place? The idea is being caught in the middle. The middle brings interesting thoughts to mind.

There are those who are caught in the middle, between two friends.

There are children who are in the middle, born between two siblings.

There are followers of Christ who, religiously, walk in the middle of the road, neither one side or the other.

However, leaders cannot afford to be in the middle of the road regarding God. Leaders need dedication and confidence to move others from point A to point B.

Proficient

Leaders must be technically proficient. There are two primary areas where this principle has direct application.

First, leaders need to know their job. They need to know what they are supposed to be doing. When they do not, the result is disastrous for the overall production of the group and task.

Second, leaders need to be familiar with the job responsibilities of others. Unless leaders know the job responsibilities of others and provide accountability for the work, progress becomes dependent on leadership to carry on the work.

From a spiritual perspective, when leaders are no proficient we find sheep without a shepherd.

Passion

One of my favorite leadership subjects is passion. Too many people lack passion in our world today. One reason is because so few understand what passion really means.

However, research shows the word passion originates from a Latin word meaning “to suffer.”

The significance of suffering is about the willingness of leaders to put the needs of others above themselves. It is a Biblical truth and the quality of great leadership will only be seen when leaders abandon a self-seeking worldly approach.

Be passionate, but understand what passion really means.

Potential Leadership

Potential: Material dealing with potential is endless. Passion thrives when reaching potential, achieving the life we are capable of living.

Determining potential is the challenge before leaders. Here are a few ideas for determining potential:

1) Attitude – A poor attitude generally equates to low potential, and a good attitude to high potential.

2) Action – Examining the areas of success and failure, along with the reasons behind them, helps determine potential.

3) Ability – Even if ability exists there is always room to improve. Recognizing one’s abilities determines potential.

Abnormal Spiritual Leaders

Normal in one culture will certainly be different in another culture. As well, normal in the mind of a child will not be normal in the mind of an adult.

Regardless of how we might think about a normal life, there is nothing normal about spiritual leadership.

Spiritual leaders…

are concerned about the nature of their influence.
live consistently with what they believe.
know the mission.
work for a cause far greater than themselves.
share the planning and development of the goals.
produces results that glorify God and fulfill His will.

Look at how the first word of each thought develops a spiritual leader.

Improving Our Leadership

Leaders know who they are and always seek improvement.

One of the most challenging areas in our leadership involves an honest self-examination. Seeking to improve ourselves in leadership is vital to success.

One of the ways to accomplish this improvement is through asking some difficult questions.

Do we really want to be a leader?
What is the motivation behind our desire to lead?
Are we willing to make the necessary sacrifices to lead effectively?
Will we commit to the task of continually developing our abilities to lead?

The answers provide a foundation to help us know who we are and our approach to improving our leadership.

Generous Leaders

Leaders should exemplify generosity. Leadership is built on giving our time, energy, money, emotions, and ability.

When leaders demonstrate generosity, others learn the value of the gift. However, our generosity must be checked.

Intention: What is the motive behind our gift?

Object: What is the object of our generosity? Work? Family? Church? Lord?

Planned dedication: Is there a planned purpose?

Action: Are we ready to start giving?

Self-examination: What are we losing by holding on to it?

What suits our giving? Do we give what is left over, easy and convenient, or is our generosity suited by the best?

Knowledge, Understanding, Experience

Knowledge often highlights knowing facts or information.

Understanding includes factual information, but it carries meaning and application.

Experience takes on sharing in the same events or activities in order to gain full comprehension.

Paul wanted to know more than facts about Jesus. He wanted more than an understanding of what those facts meant and how they applied. He wanted to know Christ on the basis of experience.

The privilege of going through what Jesus experienced, “the power of His resurrection, the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death,” meant more than book knowledge.

Imagine a leadership based on this knowledge, understanding, and experience.

Improving Your Leadership

Leaders understand the necessity of growing, improving who they are and all they do. They understand that leading others assumes a responsibility that demands growth.

While certain choices are made one time for all time, other choices require a daily commitment to achieve. For leaders to become better in who they are and what they do, deciding daily to improve goes far in achieving results.

Be decisive. It is about a decision to move beyond the present circumstances.

To remain neutral only supports stagnation and ultimately failure. Leaders know the dangers and seek to avoid such an outcome. Challenge yourself to get better.