Tag: SIBI

A Tenacious Leader

A tenacious leader possesses a certain ability to hold on to something tightly with an incredible determination.

Look around. It does not take much to see how tenacity affects all areas of life, from recreation to religion. When we examine our priorities we generally find our tenacity.

How can we become more tenacious?

1) Be passionate and remove the impossibility factor.
2) Know what is worth dying for.
3) Have a clear vision of God.
4) Challenge yourself and others to do something great!

These ideas can create a whole new approach to our leadership and move others to greater heights of fulfillment in the Lord’s kingdom.

Procrastination

Procrastination can be one of the most destructive traits in anyone’s life, especially leaders.

It might not be a problem if the decision is inconsequential. If, however, the decision carries consequential value, then procrastinating can be devastating.

Why do people procrastinate?

1) Fear of making the wrong decision
2) Lack of adequate information
3) Not a priority to the decision maker(s)
4) Need for 100% agreement
5) Comfortable with the status quo

There are more, but the results are the same.

When procrastination appears to be a common approach, confidence in leadership wanes and apathy results. Why care about anything if making a decision takes too long?

The Actions of a Leader

Words can be twisted to mean something different than were originally intended. They can be taken out of context and used against us. The same was true of Jesus, as religious leaders tried to trap Him in His words.

However, their greatest struggle was determining what to do with the fact His actions were amazing, miraculous. Peter reminds us that He went about doing good.

Nicholas Sparks said, ““You’re going to come across people in your life who will say all the right words at all the right times. But in the end, it’s always their actions, not words, that matter.”

A great lesson for leaders.

Leading From The Middle

Life in the middle of the road generally appeals to those who prefer to avoid leaning too far to the left or right. A sense of balance comes to mind when the phrase is used.

We live in a culture that is often characterized by extremism.

Many people believe they should correct everyone on every social media platform that posts ideas or agendas with which they disagree.

Life in the middle of the road is not about being uncommitted, complacent, politically correct, or compromising. Rather, it involves balance, learning to think before we speak, considering the feelings others, recognizing that the goal is helping someone get to heaven.

What’s Missing?

What seems to be missing from the type of leadership God needs for His people?

If you were asked this question, how would you respond? What kind of answer would you give? What is missing in leadership today?

Perhaps the list would include courage, patience, wisdom, character, vision, compassion, or even decisiveness.

The answer to the question may rest in the nature of each situation. The culture in one congregation varies from that of another. The needs of one congregation are different from another.

Before we think about what’s missing somewhere else, maybe we should begin at home.

A Leader’s Devotion

The Greek word for devotion involves “insisting on staying close to someone or something.”

The power behind the first part of the Greek definition is amazing. Devoted spiritual leaders will…

insist on staying close to people. Leaders learn the needs of the people. Helping others reach heaven demands a leader’s devotion.

insist on staying close to the plan. The plan is really the map. Leaders must not deviate from the plan, or the goal is unreachable.

...insist on staying close to the Lord. Leaders know the true source of their strength is not in themselves, but the Lord.

Take the Risk

“Nothing ventured, nothing gained” is an idiom related to risk. Few areas in life witness true and great success without some level of risk.

The willingness to take risks opens us up to an area that allows God to demonstrate the greatness of His power, exceeding our ability to think.

Instead of hiding behind a fear that inhibits our growth and development as the church, leaders need to explore the possibilities of what can happen if we just allow God to work through us, beyond the comfort zones of our past traditions and extend our abilities into areas that promise faith and hope.

Love to Lead

I used to tell my children that if you don’t love what you are doing, then do something else. Life is too short to do something you don’t love.

Then, I found a quote from Al Lopez, ”Do what you love to do and give it your very best. Whether it’s business or baseball, or the theater, or any field. If you don’t love what you’re doing and you can’t give it your best, get out of it. Life is too short.”

How true! We face a crossroads between our talent and what we love to do. When we combine them, we find a beautiful combination of success.

Connected Leaders

Traveling often means looking for some way to connect to the internet. The internet is the tool through which we connect to others. Without it something is missing.

Try a Google search about leaders being connected. Within seconds you will discover millions of articles on the subject. I cannot exhaust them all in a few lines.

Leaders must be connected to those who are following, but how? Here are 5 suggestions.

1) Get involved in their lives.
2) Be more transparent.
3) Give others something to believe in.
4) Relate individually.
5) Give genuine compliments.

Live, Love, and Laugh

Live well – The application holds merit physically and spiritually. How well are we living? Are we simply living for the moment or living well with eternity in view?

Love much – Leadership will only succeed when those we are leading know we love them. Our desire for their highest good will be seen in our words and actions. It takes much love.

Laugh often – A good sense of humor is a vital characteristic for leaders. It is easy to get wrapped up in the struggles of daily life and forget the importance of laughter.

With these three expressions, we find greater influence in our leadership.