Do you want to talk or do you want to be heard? Those are different! When our hearts are full of fuel (anger, anxiety, etc), we often want to “get it off of our chest,” which means express it with the full fuel we are feeling. The problem with that is that the fuel (emotion) is so overwhelming that the… Read more »
No one could figure that this promotion would change the heart of this leader… but it did. Power and prestige do strange things to the human soul. What they really do is reveal what is not settled with the Lord! Perhaps our inner world of confidence, significance, etc. appears resolved, but when we come into power, it is as if… 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 »
When Your Friends Go Crazy! He was going through a challenging season – major work decisions, high stress. Truth is, he was quite difficult to be around. Chaos, high tension and fear was the cloud following him. Others can be difficult to be around when they are going through a tough season. Of course, we can be just as challenging,… Read more »
Recently I was in a hot meeting. High stakes, strong emotions, people seeing differently. The good news is that they were people of integrity. Finally at one moment, I turned to a leader who was outspoken, strong and intense – all good qualities! My challenge was for him to lead. Lead the moment! Lead the way home so that those… Read more »
The fruit of the Spirit is not optional for leaders of impact. Love, peace, patience, joy, gentleness, and the rest are qualities that bring influence and motivate others around us. The fruit of the Spirit is one of the ways God gives us authority in the eyes of others. The fruit of the Spirit (listed in Galatians 5) is being… 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 »
Joshua 1-2 Authority How does Joshua gain authority? He earns it in his serving with Moses. Leadership can be given, but if not at first it is eventually earned when people see the heart(s) of the leader(s) over time. Joshua was viewed as serving with Moses, serving Moses, and connected to the move of God How can you, and those… 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 »
Leadership is influence. When leaders lead, others are influenced…for good or bad. The source of that influence is the focus of this lesson. Leadership begins when we lead ourselves, when we live a life worthy of our calling and lead out of that inner world. Here is a frightening truth: THE FOLLOWERS ALWAYS EXPERIENCE WHAT IS GOING ON IN THE… Read more »