Transformational Leadership…

Styles of leadership exist by the handfuls. A Google search reveals thousands of articles written on various styles of leadership.

My thoughts were quickly drawn to the idea of transformational leadership. The idea is self-explanatory, leadership that transforms the people around them, shaping the direction of the future.

However, what really had my attention was the method demonstrated in this style of leadership.

Transformational leadership characterizes leaders who have integrity and exemplify consistency in their example. This style of leadership encourages, supports, and helps followers look beyond their own self-interests and focus on the good of the team. They notably inspire others.

The article went on to say; “in short, transformational leaders are exceptionally motivating, and they are trusted.” The result accomplishes great things.

Of all leadership styles, this one connects true to the heart of spiritual leadership.

What style of leadership characterizes you and me? Are we transforming others to live closer to God?

Are we striving to transform the lives of others by the character we demonstrate in leading them to heaven?

One Special Day…

There are some days in the year a little more special than others. This is one of those days.

Why?

I could list a number of reasons, but I will share one. Twenty-six years ago today a precious girl was born into our family. I remember my tears of joy over having a daughter and the excitement of our third child.

My wife and I have been blessed to see this beautiful girl blossom into an incredible young woman.

She is now grown, married and has children of her own.

I am thankful God has blessed us with such a wonderful family. I am thankful to have been given the opportunity of watching the changes in our baby girl who has grown into an even greater woman.

As I reflect on the past twenty-six years I am reminded of how important spiritual leadership is in the family. I am proud of her and her husband, along with their desire to raise three (and soon to be four) children with the same spiritual foundation.

Happy Birthday to a very special woman. Your mom and I love you!

Leadership Word Of The Week…Cultivate

To acquire or develop, to win the favor of, prepare and use…cultivate.

The very definition of the word is powerful. Considering every area of leadership, we can see the need to cultivate.

Relationships must be cultivated. We work to acquire and develop relationships at every level.

Trust must be cultivated. We strive to win the favor of others so they will follow and work together.

Vision must be cultivated. We prepare the plans and use the resources available to achieve the goal.

These three areas are only the beginning in order to understand the necessity of cultivation.

Leaders must also understand the need to cultivate leadership. Where will leadership come from in the future if we are not cultivating leadership?

Acquiring and preparing others to lead is the determining factor for the success of the future.

Cultivate leaders by mentoring. The greatest way to invest in the future of leadership is to invest yourself in others.

Cultivate leaders by leaving a legacy. When we are gone, what will we leave behind? Will it be a foundation of integrity for the future?

Cultivate… a word demanding our action.

Principles Of Leadership…

Each Monday for the next few weeks we are going to be looking at a specific principle of leadership. Within these principles we will also consider an application for our spiritual leadership today.

Leaders know who they are and always seek improvement.

One of the most challenging areas in leadership involves an honest self-examination. A good friend of mine who serves as the CEO for a multimillion dollar organization says leaders must constantly “assess, adjust, improve, make mistakes and own them.”

We could appropriately describe this process as the cycle of leadership.

Seeking to improve ourselves in leadership is vital to the success of the family and church.

One way to improve is through asking some difficult questions.

Do we really want to be a leader?
What motivates our desire to lead?
Are we willing to make sacrifices to lead effectively?
Are we committed to continually developing our abilities to lead?

Other questions could be asked, but this provides a foundation to help us know who we are and our approach to improving leadership by this principle.

Leadership Thought Of The Day…

“It’s not always easy to do the right thing. But, doing the right thing makes you strong, it builds character, it forces you to make decisions based upon your beliefs and not what other people think. In life, and in business, you have to stand for what you believe in and sometimes you have to stand alone. But, what makes you a leader is having the courage of your convictions.”Queen Latifah

Are we doing the right thing?
Do our decisions reflect our beliefs?
Will we stand up for what we believe?
Does our leadership demonstrate the courage of our convictions?

These questions are not always easy to answer. The truthfulness of our answers challenges us to align our actions with the very core of who we are spiritually.

Courage is really the choice we make to act upon our convictions at times when doing so moves us into a minority.

Will we answer the questions and take action?