Tag: Sunset

A Normal Leader?

The thought sounds crazy, right? Can a leader be normal?

Maybe we should define normal first. Regardless of how we define it, there is nothing normal about spiritual leadership. Why? 

Because spiritual leaders…

are concerned about their influence inside and outside the church.
consistently live what they believe.
know God’s mission involves helping people get to heaven.
work for a cause greater than themselves.
share in planning and developing goals for spiritual maturity.
produce results that glorify God and fulfill His will.

Therefore, spiritual leaders are those who live consistently, knowing the work they share in produces God’s desired will. Does that sound normal?

Transparency

Transparency in leadership is often challenging.

Transparency means we take instruction and make application to ourselves first, without an emphasis upon others.

Transparency instills confidence in others that our efforts, both personally and professionally, are always for the good of the whole.

Transparency involves an openness in our communication, laying everything on the table, good or bad.

We need more transparency in leadership. This is the example we find in Jesus, and it is exactly how we should approach leadership in the church today.

Leading a Team

Understanding teamwork and how to lead a team is significant to the overall success of any organization. However, there are some “do’s and don’ts” to the process.

Working as a team does not place everyone in an equal position. There are specific roles each member must fulfill for the unit to function properly.

Working as a team does place everyone on the same page. When goals are communicated and understood, everyone understands their specific tasks to reach the goals.

Training as a team has great advantages in our overall health and growth. When we work together, the team wins. This is the role of great leadership.

Help Me!

Regardless of the activity, children commonly say, “Watch me.” Children want reassurance of a parent’s or grandparent’s presence and approval for doing a good job.

An interesting leadership connection exists in this thought. People want and need reassurance of a leader’s presence and approval for their job performance.

Leadership consists of moving people from point A to point B, and the process in between involves reassurance and approval.

However, we have to consider what we should do if their job performance suffers. Children have the answer, “Help me.”

How is our leadership today?

Compass

A compass is designed to point us in the right direction.

The idea of a moral compass applies the same concept to right or wrong behavior and would connect to a standard that points direction for one’s behavior or conduct.

The standard by which our moral compass must be calibrated is God’s word. If God’s word provides the basis for our moral compass, then personal opinions have no place.

The battle front is everywhere: television, movies, marketing ads, internet, and every direction we turn.

It is challenging, no doubt, but the result will make a difference.

Participatory Leadership

While some leadership styles involve force and manipulation, spiritual leadership thrives on participation. Spiritual leaders rely on the group overall and working together to achieve the goal(s).

Decisions and policies are made by and for the group.

Motivation is based on shared purpose and adequate communication.

Shared representation is built on “we” not “I.”

Participation in the role of leadership involves patience, allowance of independence, assumption of responsibility, and the need for cooperation.

We strive to reach a common goal and need each other if we are to make a difference.

Trustworthy Communication

One of the key principles of leadership involves communication.

When leaders do not keep others informed, suspicion grows, distrust blossoms, doubt develops, and anxiety raises its ugly head.

Spiritually speaking, there is a great need for Christians to be informed by leadership.

What kind of information needs to be provided?

Information about plans for the future, changes to be made, challenges or hindrances facing the plans, and existing needs.

When leaders communicate, trustworthy and loyal relationships develop. It is time for God’s leaders to lead.

Changing Influence

Think about your leadership. How will your influence be remembered in the church and community where you live and serve?

Harry Truman said, “Men make history and not the other way around. In periods where there is no leadership, society stands still. Progress occurs when courageous, skillful leaders seize the opportunity to change things for the better.”

Will you be remembered because you made a change for the better?

Will your leadership impact the eternal good of others?

If it seems the world stands still around you, maybe it is time you stood up to lead. Seize the opportunity to change things for the better. Lead as God would have you do!

Showing Up Everyday

Learning to work through the times when we feel less than our best can be difficult. Jerry West says, “You can’t get much done in life if you only work on the days when you feel good.”

Remember your purpose. Do not lose sight of why you lead.

Put one foot in front of the other. Sometimes, just getting started helps.

Focus on the goal. The result is worth the effort.

Remain dedicated to finish. It is not how you start, but how you finish that makes a difference.

Leadership motivates us to show up everyday!

Spiritual Direction

Leading with the head and heart can introduce numerous challenges. Although both are needed, caution must be exercised.

Many pilots fly by what is known as IFR (Instrument Flying Rules). IFR involves relying on a plane’s instruments instead of one’s own senses. Certain conditions can create a false sense of direction when relying on what one can see, which potentially leads to pilot error.

A leader’s task involves providing direction for others. In order to provide the right direction, preventing error, they must use the God-given instrument available.

God’s word is the only instrument needed in order to provide true spiritual direction.