Tag: Sunset

Leadership Opportunities…

Opportunities are circumstances providing possibility, either to be gained or lost.

It’s a matter of faith. If we cannot see the possibilities, we will never take advantage of the opportunities.

But, how will these opportunities reach their greatest potential?

1) We must open our eyes to the physical and spiritual needs of all people.
2) We must be ready to get involved, meaning we need to get our hands dirty.
3) We must rely completely on God to open the doors and use us to His glory.

Leaders must seize opportunities with faith in the incredible possibilities God provides.

Passion for Thinking Big…

Imagine what would happen if leaders thought big. The passion that drives greatness can be nothing short of global.

Nelson Mandela once said, “There is no passion to be found playing small––in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.”

Far too often, we place limitations on what God can do through us, because we have settled for less than our capabilities.

Avoid the “grasshopper syndrome” demonstrated by the spies in Numbers 13:33. The way they saw themselves directly influenced the way others saw them. Think about it! 

Leaders must not fall prey to this limited, small-thinking mindset. Think Big!

Attentive Listening…

David often pleaded with God to listen to him. He desired an audience with God and wanted Him to listen intently and take action.

Communicating with God is significant to leaders for a couple of reasons.

First, leaders understand the need to communicate with the One who is in control of all things. To have an audience with God yields the greatest power in every situation. 

Second, leaders must understand the need for effective communication with others. Followers want to know their voice is heard, that leaders are attentive and will take action. 

When leaders communicate effectively, issues are resolved more quickly and progress results.

Scars to Remember…

Most people have scars, maybe the result of surgery, an accident, or some foolish activity. At times we have emotional, mental, and spiritual scars left for the same reasons.

What do scars leave behind?

First, they remind us of what created the scar.
Second, scars remind us of physical, emotional or spiritual pain.
Third, scars show the incredible wisdom and power of God.
Fourth, scars remind us to be cautious about developing future scars.

However, the greatest reminder for leaders involves those left in the hands and feet of our Savior. These scars should always remind us of what our leadership is all about.

Primal Leadership…

Primal comes from a Latin word meaning “first.” The idea relates to beginnings, first things, primary, essential, and foundational elements of all that is connected to life.

For leaders, it is essential to understand the primary / first elements that must be in place in order to achieve success.

These building blocks for spiritual leaders include integrity, honesty, strong work ethic, passion, confidence in God, discipline, and balance.

Additional elements may exist, but these are the “primal” ones of leadership.

When leaders build on this foundation, their strength of character provides hope for everyone who follows.

Leading by Love…

Leaders must exercise caution when it comes to their influence when leading others.

When our conversations focus on “me, myself, and I,” we need to evaluate who we promote.

Spiritual leadership turns its attention to the good of others, even at the expense of self.

Jesus taught about the powerful nature of love. The lesson is that all people will know we are His disciples when we have love for one another. If our words and actions promote self, then we teach a different lesson.

Leadership may be challenged by this battle, but love wins every time.

Actions and Motives…

Leaders give of their time and ability. They possess a willingness to help others reach their greatest potential for God and His church.

Leaders are also selfless. While the ideas are interrelated and it can become difficult to distinguish them, the difference is the action of one and the motivation in the other. 

Effective leadership makes the sacrifice, but the reason they make it is the selfless heart of God’s servant.

William Barclay once said, “Always give without remembering; always receive without forgetting.”

The thought speaks to actions and motives. It should motivate us to lead this way.

Leading with Hope and Help…

The despair in our world over COVID19 makes for an interesting read from David. Consider the application for leadership today: “Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him for the help of His presence.”

Two thoughts:

1) Hope is only found in God. When hope is misplaced, the result is despair, disappointment, and discouragement.

2) Help comes from God’s presence. We find comfort and confidence in knowing God is ever-present. He knows and cares.

Leaders need to communicate a hope that is found in God and take comfort in the help of His presence.

Genuine Interest…

Leaders must have a genuine interest in others, which is often easier said than done, because we tend to have more interest in some than others. We are aware of emotional vampires, individuals who suck time and energy out of our existence.

A genuine interest in others requires a few key components.

Ability to listen. We must listen with our ears, but also our eyes and heart.
Eye contact. Without eye contact, we communicate a lack of interest.
Appropriate questions. Appropriate questions show care about the lives of others. 

Consider these few steps toward an effective leadership.

Confidentiality and Leadership…

Leaders should always remember that confidentiality is about a sacred trust. Followers need to know they can place their feelings, their very lives, into the hands of those who lead them.

1) When leaders keep confidentiality, relationships build resilience of character.
2) The ability to keep a confidence makes leaders more approachable.
3) Confidentiality is a privilege that helps develop greater leadership.
4) Keeping a confidence exudes a more Christlike nature.

Confidentiality is critical for leaders. They must guard what has been placed into their sacred trust. When they do, the resulting development of character builds a leadership worth following.