Leadership Thought Of The Day…

“For most of life, nothing wonderful happens. If you don’t enjoy getting up and working and finishing your work and sitting down to a meal with family or friends, then the chances are you’re not going to be very happy. If someone bases his/her happiness on major events like a great job, huge amounts of money, a flawlessly happy marriage or a trip to Paris, that person isn’t going to be happy much of the time. If, on the other hand, happiness depends on a good breakfast, flowers in the yard, a drink or a nap, then we are more likely to live with quite a bit of happiness.” Andy Rooney

Whether a fan of Andy Rooney or not, the idea behind this thought is significant. What this thought really speaks to is the need to understand the power of leadership in the home.

When our family becomes the priority of our leadership, the events of life take on a whole new perspective, and when this perspective is properly aligned, the result is true happiness.

May we always consider the foundation of our leadership responsibility.

Now Here Is Something To Be Thankful For…

Today is Thanksgiving. While we are thankful everyday, there is something special about the opportunity to focus on those specific areas and people in our lives for which we give thanks.

On a personal note, today is more special than just Thanksgiving. Today is the celebration of a day the most special woman in my life was born. Today is my wife’s birthday and I want to share a few reasons I am thankful for her and our life together.

I am thankful for her selfless giving. If there was ever a person born with a servant’s heart, it is her.

I am thankful for her love. This special woman continues to teach me what love means, just by her example.

I am thankful for her counsel. Her wisdom has shaped me as a husband, father, grandfather, and friend.

I am thankful for her friendship. Those who know her as a friend are blessed, and I am blessed above all.

Her life is one dedicated to putting others above herself.

There is no one on earth I am closer to and no one I am more thankful for in my life. Happy birthday to the most beautiful, special, thoughtful, and lovely woman I know. TTBOTM

Biblical Leadership 101…Part 4

While working through various areas of biblical leadership, one of the key qualities involves thinking on the right things.

Solomon spoke about the power of one’s thoughts, “as a man thinks in his heart, so is he” (Pro. 23:7). The very idea is amazing to contemplate; the way we think has the power to characterize who we are, to define us.

One of the most significant passages, however, that addresses the point of today’s post comes from Paul’s letter to the church at Philippi.

Throughout the letter, Paul speaks of standing firm with one mind, being of the same mind, having the mind of Christ, and then he implies the need to think on the right things (Phil. 4:8).

Notice the areas mentioned in this passage: true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, things of good repute, excellence, and anything worthy of praise.

Consider the powerful nature of a leadership that thinks on the right things.

Imagine the attraction to people of the world with a group of Christians whose mental focus is on these eight areas.

Leadership Word Of The Week…Pursue

When we seek to attain or accomplish something, it is referred to as “pursuing.” Adding diligence increases the chances of success in our pursuit.

What we pursue as leaders is determined by the core values of our character. If our character is biblically based, our pursuit is divinely grounded.

How we pursue anything influences the direction of those who follow. The nature of our pursuits is supported by the passionate and driving force in our lives.

Why we are in pursuit shapes the purpose of our existence as leaders. What gets us up in the mornings and out the door is directly connected to what we pursue.

Where the pursuit takes us is dictated by the plans we implement to reach the goal. At times, the direction may not be what we expect, or the most comfortable, yet it must be pursued.

What are we seeking to attain and accomplish?

Is that pursuit something we are passionate about and willing to give our lives to pursue?

Will we wait until the opportunity passes us by, or are we in pursuit?

Leaders shape the future by their pursuits.

Conflict Resolution…Part 2

Understanding why conflict exists is only the beginning. As a first step to gaining a perspective to conflict resolution, we now focus on some suggestions to consider.

1) Anticipate conflict. As challenging and, frankly, unwelcome conflict is, resolving conflict begins with an anticipation it is coming. With anticipation comes preparation, and when we are prepared we are better equipped to find resolution.

2) See the opportunity. Imagine the difference in facing conflict when we recognize conflict as an opportunity to improve our leadership, strengthen our ability to help others in conflict, and bring completeness to our faith.

3) Deal with one at a time. Conflict is no respecter of time or person. Conflict does not set a schedule to arrive at our doorstep when it is convenient. At various times, we will face an overwhelming flood of conflict. The best approach is to deal with it one at a time.

4) Focus on the objective. When conflict occurs, the tendency is to lose sight of our objective. Our vision is clouded by the devastation of the conflict and we cannot see the greater objective that often accompanies the outcome. Focus!

More next week…