Tag: SIBI

Why?

Of all the questions one could ask, this three lettered word makes a complete question by itself.

This question is also prevalent when thinking about our leadership.

Why are leaders needed?
Why do we need to make this decision?
Why now?
Why should we lead?
We could resolve many issues by answering the question…why?

Look through the gospel accounts and consider the questions asked by Jesus that begin with why.

Why are you worried?
Why are you afraid?
Why are you testing Me?
Why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,” and do not do what I say?

Think about it!

True Success

Hearing about those who attempt to lead without growing themselves is fairly common. Hearing about those who attempt to lead without growing others is also common, and sad.

Jack Welch once said, “Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others.”

When spiritual leaders do not grow first and then grow others, everything and everyone suffers.

The true legacy of leadership is based on growing as a leader and growing others to be leaders.

Be a student of leadership and lead others to be the same.

Creativity…

I love watching the imagination of children this time of year. From marrying Prince Charming to Belle dancing with the Beast to shooting a web like Spider Man, their imagination is refreshing.

Leaders need creative power to lead others, to provide a better focus on the future and what can happen when we believe. When leaders create a vision for what can be and how to make it happen, people will follow.

Observe the world built by a child’s own creative power: their ability to see what is unseen, believe the impossible, act it out in their minds, and speak with incredible creativity.

Try it and see how it works for your leadership.

Merry Christmas

A Teaching Leader

Leadership thoughts are found everywhere. I appreciate friends who are constantly looking for and sharing these thoughts with me.

A few years ago, a good friend sat down to have some tea before going to bed and on the tea bag he read, “To learn, read. To know, write. To master, teach.” Unknown

The thought is powerful and has great application to our leadership.

The last part of the thought encompasses the whole of it. Most of us have heard, known, or experienced how the greatest amount of learning takes place when we teach. Teaching the material helps us master it.

Hand of Leadership

God’s hand holds consequence and reward. It creates fear and hope. The writer of Hebrews says it is a “terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” They also express how Jesus is sitting on the right hand of God, a place of prominence and power.

James also instructs us to humble ourselves “under the mighty hand of God.”

What does this have to do with leadership?

The hand of leadership provides hope and leads with humility.

There is prominence and power in the hand with which we lead. We have an opportunity to make a difference by the hand of a leader.

Epaphras…

Epaphras is only mentioned three times in the New Testament. Two of those three are located in Colossians. The third location is Philemon.

However, when we examine these three references, we find why he is a wonderful example of leadership.

Epaphras was a beloved, fellow bondservant of Christ, indicating he was loved, faithful, and a devoted follower of Christ.

He is noted as a fellow prisoner in Christ, indicating he suffered persecution for the sake of Christ.

Epaphras was one who labored earnestly (wrestled) in prayer on behalf of these Christians.

Leaders need to be faithfully devoted to Jesus, willing to suffer for Him, and wrestle in prayer for others.

Bravery

To be brave is connected to showing courage. Bravery is an action taken at the moment it is needed.

Most who claim to be brave fail to demonstrate what is needed when the moment arises. Sadly, it seems to be easier for people today to move on rather than act bravely. The church needs leaders who recognize the need of this moment and act bravely.

When we look at Jesus, we see the greatest act of bravery in history.

Leaders must follow His example and humbly submit to the will of the Father, giving themselves in service to the kingdom.

Leaders are Followers

If someone plans to serve as a leader, they must first be a good follower.

If we are unable to follow, then how can we measure the success of our leadership?

Jesus called people to follow Him before He sent them into the world to lead others to Him.

When someone decides they know a “better” way than to follow the plan of our Lord, problems are on the horizon.

The better we follow the example He has provided for our leadership, the greater our success will be in the kingdom. Take the time to listen, learn and lead.

Selfless Leaders

There is some powerful implication behind this idea for leadership.

We live in such a self-centered world. Our efforts and concerns tend to be primarily structured in a “what’s in it for me” mentality.

The selfish mindset is so subtly developed and so difficult to overcome. Albert Pike said, “What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us; what we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal.”

Our leadership will fail miserably and our legacy devoid of meaning unless we learn the last half of this thought.

All we do should be done for others and the world. This is what truly lasts.

The 80/20 Rule

Leaders identify the need to spend 80% of time on strengths and 20% on weaknesses.

Should this not be the opposite? We need to understand that when we spend the majority of our time on weaknesses, they may get stronger, but strengths get weaker because we have not kept them sharp.

Great leaders spend the majority of their time continually working on strengths, keeping them strong and growing. Then, they find others who are strong in the areas they are weak and use them to fill the gaps.

Know your strengths and weaknesses. Know yourself. Work on the appropriate areas and build a team to help the rest.