Tag: Wayne Roberts

A Learning Leader…

The subjects of leadership and learning are interrelated. John F. Kennedy said, “Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.”

A mindset that exists, often referred to as a leadership myth, is the idea that once someone becomes a leader they having nothing left to learn. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Arrogance is a dangerous attitude to possess. It leads to a lack of gratitude, separation, and a delusional personality. Ultimately, it destroys any possibility of leading from a godly position.

Leaders must constantly learn. They must be, as Wayne Roberts has said, “A student of the Word and of the world.”

Both require one to be a learner.

A Grain of Salt…

I recently received another lesson about salt from my friend, Wayne Roberts, and I thought I would share it. 

“To take something with a grain of salt” refers to an Ancient Roman recipe for an antidote that protects against all kinds of poisons. The recipe was to take two dried walnuts, two figs, and twenty leaves of rue; pound them all together, with the addition of a grain of salt. It was believed that if a person took this mixture fasting, he will be protected against all poisons for that day.”

Leadership training is a valuable resource for protecting the church from possible “poison.”

Thank you, Wayne.

SALT Fun Fact #7

“In biblical Judaism, salt was mixed with animal sacrifices (Leviticus 2:13). This salt was a symbol of wisdom, discretion, and an enduring covenant. In the East, salt is an expression for the league of mutual amity. When the Arabs make a covenant together, they put salt on the blade of a sword, from whence everyone puts a little into his mouth. This constitutes blood relations and they remain faithful to each other, even when in danger of life. Leadership is a continual commitment, a covenant of sorts, to sacrificially exercise wisdom and discretion.” Wayne Roberts

Thank you Wayne for filling our bucket with amazing and powerful thoughts related to leadership and its connection to SALT. May we commit ourselves to the covenant of leading. May we give, and give up, whatever it takes to proceed with such wisdom and discretion.

SALT Fun Fact #6

“Michelangelo’s ‘Last Supper,’ shows Judas knocking over a salt shaker, which is meant to symbolize an act of the devil (the reason some throw salt over the shoulder…to blind the devil). When good leadership opportunities are wasted, the devil has his way with people. Great leaders stand over the shoulders of others to guide, train, and warn against Satan’s traps.” Wayne Roberts

The thought here does not encourage nor support “lording” over others. This was condemned by Jesus and Peter. Leaders must learn to distinguish between lording over others and the process of guiding, training, and warning against Satan’s traps.

SALT Fun Fact #5

“The world’s largest salt flat (4,000 square miles) is in Bolivia (Salar de Uyuni). It becomes mirror-like when a thin layer of water lies on top. This reflectivity makes it a very useful tool in calibrating scientific equipment from outer space. Real leaders lead by example. That example should be a reflection of the best we can be and one that sets the standard by which others can measure themselves.” Wayne Roberts

Scripture continually emphasizes the need for leaders to set an example, following the example of Christ that others may understand the standard they must follow. They must see it first and then emulate it.

SALT Fun Fact #4

“The expression ‘salty dog’ comes from the practice of European hunters who rubbed salt on the backs of prized hunting dogs to prevent ticks. It came to refer to anyone who was a friend or favorite person. Real leaders recognize the value of people and they recognize their role in equipping people to reach their full potential.” Wayne Roberts

One of the most significant lessons and needs within leadership involves the ability to recognize the value of others and the responsibility of leaders to equip others to reach their potential in kingdom service.