Tag: Sunset

Planning…Strategically

Everyone knows the value of good planning. Leaders will especially appreciate the need to make proper plans to reach established goals.

Plans are not wishes or resolutions.

Plans are not goals.

Plans involve the activities necessary to reach for our wishes, keep our resolutions, and achieve our goals.

There is an old adage that says; “those who fail to plan, plan to fail.”

We all need short and long-term goals, both on a personal and professional level. However, once your goals are established, focus on the details of a proper plan to ensure success.

Looking Back

Rarely do we examine our time and influence in leadership. When you look back on 2024 consider a few questions.

Were you a good steward of your time in leadership?

Are the lives of others better because of your influence and example?

How many souls did you reach for Christ?

Are you accomplishing your goals for the year?

What changes would you make to improve your leadership?

These are a few of many we should ask as enter the final quarter of the year.

Look back and consider how you will set the stage for next year. Ask a few questions and make the needed adjustments.

Anticipation

Anyone with children knows the question, “Are we there yet?”

When we consider the basis for the question it might change the perspective we have toward spiritual leadership.

The idea screams of anticipation. The excitement of reaching the destination coupled with the struggles of waiting through the journey.

Spiritual leaders, above all, should know the excitement of reaching the destination.

What is it in our life that we anticipate? What is it we are so excited about we cannot help but ask, “Are we there yet?”

The thrill of spiritual leadership is found in knowing the destination that awaits us.

Power of Rest

Leaders need to remember the importance of rest.

Personally, this is not my strong suit. The thought of taking a full day off without checking e-mail, carrying and answering the cell-phone, writing a thought for the leadership post, or something work related is strange.

Maybe you do not suffer with this mindset, but if you do, then consider the following.

Time to rest and recover is valuable to the overall work performance of everyone.

Rest helps create greater enthusiasm and energy to reach the goal.

Our family life improves. Work performance increases. It is a win – win situation.

Family Leadership

There is still much we can learn from the family unit to help our spiritual leadership.

Families must be skilled in conflict resolution. No family is free from problems: financial, personality, health, communication, etc. How conflicts are resolved determines the success of the family.

Families must learn to cooperate. The idea of sharing one bathroom, rationing the food supply, and taking care of household chores, demands working together.

Families also need a common purpose. There will always be different personalities, opinions, objections, conflicts, and the list goes on. However, when families understand and strive for a common purpose, they are able to resolve problems, cooperate, and work together.

Being Spent

Spiritual leaders need to consider the words of Paul, “I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls.”

Paul was willing to give of himself in every way for the benefit of others. Specifically, he desired their salvation.

In a self-serving and self-driven world, it is challenging to find those who have a greater desire to give than receive. However, as spiritual leaders, our focus must be on giving ourselves to others so that they might be saved.

I pray our spiritual leadership is of such nature that we look for ways to give of ourselves to help direct people to heaven.

Pursuing Excellence (part 2)

People often want to not only have the best, they want to be the best. We hear thoughts like, “Be the best you can be,” or “Do the best you can do.”

The challenge comes in how we define “best.”

Pursuing excellence is a different mindset, yet one worth pursuing.

The pursuit of excellence provides consistency to leadership.

Pursuing excellence acknowledges the present situation and need. It demands that we strive to learn and improve. And pursuing excellence strives to constantly make proper application.

We should give thought to the direction of our leadership.

Making a difference in our life and in others is an excellent pursuit.

Pursuing Excellence (part 1)

Everyone wants the best. We want the best technology. We want the best car. We want the best clothes and food. We want the best service. We want the BEST!

The problem comes in defining “the best.”

The bottom line? The definition is subjective. The best for one person may not be the best for another.

Additionally, what is the basis for the definition? Will the best be defined by work effort? Cost? Achievement? Time spent?

When considering leadership, one might think the pursuit of the best is the right direction. However, it depends on the definition and the foundation of the definition.

Instead, let’s try pursuing excellence.

Influential Reminders

Several years ago, I received a card from an elderly lady who lived in Washington State. I met her and her husband more than 25 years ago. I used to visit each week, as her husband’s health was failing.

After his death, we continued to visit and developed a wonderful friendship.

A few years later, her daughters moved her to Washington to be closer. Until her passing, I received several cards with notes, reminders of how much our friendship meant.

In leadership, it is noteworthy to maintain contact with those who have influenced our life.

It can be as simple as a card, a reminder of their impact.

Survey Says

Family Feud, a popular game show, hosts the famous line, “Survey Says…”

Contestants provide answers to questions nearest the most popular answers given by people who were surveyed.

When we consider our influence within our homes, what would the survey say is the priority of our life?

When we examine our character on the job, what would the survey say about our work ethic?

When we take into account our outreach to others, what would the survey say about the “type” of people we seek to influence?

There is value in surveying every area of life and measuring it by the example provided in Jesus.