Leadership Thought Of The Day…

“At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.” Albert Schweitzer

Who are the fire-lighters in our lives? We all have them and we need those who are able to say or do that one thing that excites the passion within us to act and achieve.

We need to consider another side to this thought; for example, leaders need to be involved in lighting the fires of others.

Whose fire are we lighting by our leadership?

The time given to the words and actions necessary to create that motivation in the lives of others is what changes the world.

Who knows, but in that moment when we stop to extend a helping hand, speak an encouraging word, or share the most valuable gift, that we are making an eternal difference.

We need to pray daily that God will grant us the wisdom to see the opportunity, the wisdom to know what to say, and the courage to speak.

Considering The Consequences…

In our culture we too often fail to give thought to the consequences of our actions. Sadly, not only do we fail to think about the immediate results, but also the long-range consequences.

At any specific moment, a word expressed or action taken can change a situation in ways that leave a lasting impression.

People are always watching and listening. They measure the strength of our character by the consistency demonstrated between our words and actions.

Before we choose to speak a word in anger, think about the consequences of those words. Once the words are spoken we cannot take them back. Yes, we may wish we had not spoken rashly and we may apologize, but once spoken the words can become haunting scars with lasting consequences.

Our actions have a similar impact. Interestingly enough, we may participate in an activity that does not characterize who we really are or want to be, yet when others see us, the consequences can become difficult, if not impossible, to correct.

Our influence in the lives of others is too valuable to give little thought to the consequences of our choices.

A Common Purpose…

What binds us together? The uniting agent that makes us one is something deserving far more attention than usually given.

Our common purpose, wrapped up in this unifying agent, is summed up in Jesus. The blood that flowed from His body and covers our sins makes us one and points us in the same direction.

Understanding the depth and magnitude of such may be impossible from our physical and temporal worldview. We should, however, consider several implications connected to the sacrifice made on our behalf in relationship with others.

First, work harder and more patiently in helping others develop their skills and abilities instead of being so quick to condemn and reject.

Second, always speak well of people publicly and address the major concerns with them in private.

Third, remember this is not about us and what is going to make us better, but about helping others reach their potential.

Fourth, our pride is not worth the result of division when it comes to God’s people.

Much more could be said if space allowed. We have a common purpose and the value of maintaining unity is worth the effort.

Leadership Word Of The Week…Simplicity

Most people are familiar with the old K.I.S.S. acrostic when it comes to public speaking. One of the letters in the acrostic represents the idea of simplicity.

Simplicity can be explained by the following: 1) understanding, 2) clarity, 3) definable, 4) plain, and 5) natural.

The opposite of simplicity – complex – tends to leave people in a fog. When leadership is complex, people wrestle with confusion or convolution.

The challenge is learning how to bring simplicity to leadership?

Identify the main thing (priority) and keep it the main thing. Find the area or task that is done well and do it really well.

Narrow the focus to one primary task. One of the challenges to leadership is getting involved in too many areas at one time creating “a mile wide and an inch deep” approach to leading.

Simplify terminology. Work to use terms and phrases that do not cause someone to run to the dictionary to understand what is said.

A few simple ideas will be beneficial to strengthen our leadership in ways that will simplify what we are striving to achieve to the glory of God.

Oh To Be Like Thee… Part 1

We often sing a song by this same title, but do we understand the depth of what this means for Christianity and our leadership?

Scripture speaks of the need to be an imitator of Christ. Peter clearly identifies that Jesus left an example that we should walk in His steps.

What exactly does this mean? What is the context for Peter’s statement to Christians? How can we make the proper application when we demonstrate conviction by singing, Oh To Be Like Thee?

Over the next few weeks we will examine several areas from the life of Jesus connected to the thoughts behind this statement. The areas under consideration will make us uncomfortable. Hopefully, they will drive us to a deeper conviction of how we apply the principles of walking in His steps.

By exposing these areas each week, our prayer is that we draw closer to our God, understand more fully the example left for us to follow, and then live our life as a reflection of His example.

Where will it take us? We will dig in next week.