Here’s a vital point: Leaders will often find themselves in moments and even seasons of conflict. How we lead through the conflict can accelerate our leadership or limit our future! On a scale of 1-10 how effective are you at leading through conflict? What are some skills you use to navigate hot moments? When you think of conflict, what are… Read more »
Jackie went to Bible College full of dreams like every other young leader. No different than high school, some students were the cream of the crop and others, well, you know. Jackie had fire for the Lord, but was not voted most likely to succeed. That distinction was reserved for a few others, those favored by the masses and the profs. A few… Read more »
Leaders often find themselves in a critical directional decision making matrix. Making the right decision for the organization is only half of the moment. When leaders make the “right” decision for their organization but scar the process, the ethics of the process (how people were treated, what they experienced, etc.), often convolute the “rightness” of the decision. If you are leading and finding yourself in… Read more »
“What if I’m not the leader?” That was the question asked by a leader in a newer setting. Conflict was evident, and the leader was aware that people were not “following.” Sometimes what leaders mean by having others to follow is that he or she (the leader) has all power and others must simply respond with “yes” to any request or… Read more »
I have a friend who pastored a church about a decade ago. Likely, people would have said he did an okay job. Progress was made, but it was nothing really outstanding. He went on to several other ministry assignments. The church then called another pastor and time continued to pass. Today the church is double the size! How did that happen?… Read more »
Moses is away, meeting with God. The people were alone and feeling abandoned (feelings are not always reality!!!), so they turned to an idol. Idols are always made up gods. As a leader, Moses could have said, “I can’t be gone any more.” Leaders can often live out of the fear that if they are not present things will go… Read more »
What is God doing when you feel alone, abandoned and afraid? Moses was called to the presence of God (Exodus 32). The leader leaves the community. Yes, to meet with the Lord (leaders must lead from His Presence not from their own wisdom). The Lord was speaking with Moses, working with him. But… He was also working in those left… Read more »
I was sitting two thirds of the way up in the sanctuary. That night the church would gather, and people were on different sides of a situation, which means conflict. I was grateful the issues were not about me. It is always easier to lead a “hot moment” when you are not the reason for the “hot.” When people arrived… Read more »
I’ve written a number of posts about conflict, getting hooked, etc. My discovery is that leaders can LOSE LEADERSHIP in those moments that may never be regained. Conflict management (not conflict avoidance) is a significant leadership skill. How do we lead “hot moments” full of emotion and high stakes? 1. Get yourself to emotional neutral so that you are not… Read more »
I knew the conversation would be hot, filled with emotion and “sides”. In preparation, I sat with the Lord to quieten my soul. A key factor in “hot” moments is the ability to listen. When our emotions run high, reaction typically trumps responding. As I sat in reflective prayer, the Lord put in my heart John 17. This is considered… Read more »