Tag: Sunset

Dealing with Failure…

When leaders fail, trust and respect are lost. The task before leaders is learning how to regain what they lose.

Consider three negatives: 

  1. Do not try to ignore or deny failure. 
  2. Do not attempt to cover up the failure.
  3. Never blame someone else for it.

Instead, four positives are needed: 

  1. Admit the failure. 
  2. Specify the failure. 
  3. Ask for forgiveness.
  4. Give a step by step plan for overcoming the failure.

More could be considered, but a simple upfront approach is where healing begins.

Engaged Leaders…

Three words describe the concept of an engaged leader: occupy, attract, involve. These words may have reference to someone’s interest or attention, but all three are key to understanding the need for leaders to engage others.

Occupying the attention of others indicates we keep them focused and connected.

Attracting others demonstrates we bring them to a place where they can participate. 

Involving others means we include them in the experience.

If we are not doing this, then we have to wonder if we are really engaged leaders.

To necessitate spiritual growth, leaders must be engaged.

Confidence, Courage, Compassion – Integrity…

Confidence, courage, and compassion are three of the strongest words in leadership. Douglas MacArthur used these words in this thought, “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.” 

The last thought powerfully establishes true spiritual leadership – integrity.

If leaders demonstrate the qualities identified and possess the integrity to stand behind them, their leadership will be stronger and point others to the God who gave them this position.

Finding Answers for Leadership…

Trials are part of life. Fear, anxiety, and frustration take control quickly. People seek answers.

When adversity occurs, or questions arise, where do leaders go to find answers?

Leaders provide guidance, direction, encouragement, support, and answers to help others overcome their fears, anxiety, and frustration. Where do leaders find these answers?

Prayer is a good place to start.
Spend time listening to God’s word. 
Counsel the wisdom of others.
Learn the value of trust.
Admit mistakes that occur.
Never miss an opportunity to learn. 

The more prepared we are for the questions plaguing others, the stronger our leadership becomes.

When Leaders Fail…

Regardless of our political position, developments within the administrative system of our country seem to raise questions about leadership.

It is fascinating to see quotes and principles regarding leadership and what happens when leaders fail to be trustworthy.

On more than one occasion, news reporters express the idea of accountability. Specifically, one analyst expressed that what leaders do when mistakes are made is “confess the mistake, take responsibility, and let the chips fall where they may.”

Leaders will experience failure. They make mistakes. How leaders strategically maneuver during these times determines the level of trust to be gained or lost by those who follow.

A Tenacious Leader…

One who stands firmly and possesses the quality of determination is tenacious. When leaders have tenacity in relationship to the truth, spiritual development will result.

Think for a moment about the nature and application.

When talking about how to face challenges, work through personal problems, establish direction, develop plans, achieve goals, and guide through tough decisions, leaders must exemplify tenacity.

The persistent character of tenacity to pursue a solution until it is successful takes time. Leaders who possess tenacity lead with perseverance and lay a foundation for success.

Developing this powerful quality is worth our effort when leading others.

Unscriptural or Uncomfortable…

A thin line exists between the two and leaders are challenged to recognize the difference. How?

Know the book. When knowledge of God’s word is weak, leaders will not know if something is Biblical or not.

Seek wisdom through prayer. This is not a prayer before a meeting, but a “without ceasing” approach to seek God’s guidance.

Ask the right questions. Asking why we do something opens a door to greater understanding.

Be patient. Decisions should rarely be made in one meeting. Give it time, but be careful not to procrastinate.

A few steps will help us determine the difference in what is unscriptural versus uncomfortable.

A Healing Leader…

A thought expressed by a good friend is worth sharing. 

“I find a leadership lesson in the experience of helping the church heal. Leaders cannot allow themselves to see people as groups, as factions; we must see them individually. As leaders, we may preach to a congregation, but we teach one soul at a time. For, we never know which one might become the next leader.” Paul Myers

Read the last line again and let it sink in for a moment. We may proclaim the word of God to multitudes, but leadership is developed through transforming one soul at a time. 

Who might be the next leader where you serve?

A Spiritual Leader…

How should we define “spiritual” leadership? 

Here are a few possibilities. Spiritual leaders…

1) Move people to be more like God.
2) Rely on grace found in the blood of Christ.
3) Work to accomplish the will of God.
4) Encourage the fainthearted.
5) Admonish the unruly. 
6) Strengthen the weak.
7) Seek first the kingdom of God.
8) Pray without ceasing.
9) Search the scriptures daily.
10) Trust fully in God’s providential working.

These are only 10 suggestions, but take a lifetime to develop as leaders. God’s word challenges us to grow into His spiritual leaders.

A Band of Leaders…

A friend of mine once said, “Always remember, you can’t make it on your own.” 

Solomon reminds us that “two are better than one.” Why? 

  1. Good return for their labor
  2. Help the other up when someone falls
  3. Keep each other warm
  4. When alone and overpowered, two can resist 

He concludes with this thought, “A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart” (Eccl. 4:9-12). Alone, we are vulnerable, but there is strength in numbers. 

Leaders must encourage one another, grow to maturity, and defeat the enemy together. The strength gained lays a foundation for a greater future.