Ministry often reinforces inattentiveness to Christ.

Want to know the top 5 behaviors of high potential leaders?

The Eblin Group suggests these:

1. Proper pacing by building in regular breaks from work.

2. Less time using personal functional skills; more time encouraging team members to use theirs.

3. Manage workload so there’s time for unexpected problems or issues.

4. Focus less on day to day issues and more on strategic opportunities.

5. Regularly steps back to define or redefine what needs to be done.

I don’t know if I’m a high potential leader or not. But I do know that I need to adhere to these principles.

Good pacing, encourage others, margins, big picture and redefinition.

Listen to this advice from The Message:

God helping you: take your everyday ordinary life, your sleeping, eating, going to work and walking around life and place if before God as an offering.

God has a reason...and a plan.

"God works all things for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28

Oswald Chambers says: "The circumstances of a saint's life are ordained of God. All your circumstances are in the hand of God.”

I like that because many times a leader is faced with a situation where you want to say “Why?”

But, I really understand that God has a plan. Many times we see the reasons for the plan in the rear view mirror.

And we experience God’s plan day by day as we follow Him. So what does that mean for a leader?

One: start your day intentionally committing to follow God’s lead.

Second: understand that the people you encounter are brought into your day by God.

And third: live in the confidence that God has the solution for anything you face today.

Burned out?

I saw this on CNN: With modern chief executives increasingly becoming frazzled and run-down, promotions should come with a health warning. Probably two-thirds of CEOs are struggling. The best way to avoid a breakdown? Build a support network and try to maintain a healthy work-life balance. End of quote.

No question. Today’s leaders face overwhelming challenges. The boardroom or the corner office no longer guarantees a sweet life of luxury and respect.

So how does a leader who follows Jesus adjust?

With a solid, wise, Godly team that provides feedback, ideas, support and counsel.

With a balance between work, play, family and God.

With a proper pace. Unhurried, balanced and calm.

Jesus said it best: Are you tired? Come to me. Learn the unforced rhythms of Grace.

Focus Forward

How do you as a leader balance tradition and forward progress?

I work for an 80 year old organization with a rich history. There is often the temptation to rest in the past.

But we work on a rapidly changing culture. We deal with mind-boggling technology changes. As much as we cherish the past, we can't live there. We must move forward to avoid irrelevance, if not extinction.

We value the past, but we don't live in the past.

We build on the past with a direction to the future.

We hold to our core values, while adopting a willingness to change.

And the paradox is that consistency of values plus a willingness to change preserves the core values and stimulates progress in the future.

Paul the apostle in the 1st century said: "Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead.”

I Wish I Had Done It Sooner

've found most people don't regret what they’ve done. I've found many who regret what they didn't do.

I think of the opportunities I've missed by ignoring an opportunity.

I think of times I wouldn't step out of my comfort zone and take a risk. I think about times I moved too slow.

Jack Welch is the famed former CEO of GE. He had a reputation for ruthless decisions. Recently, Bill Hybels conducted an interview. Bill asked if Welch had any regrets from his years in leadership. Jack replied: Yes. I wish I hadn't moved so slowly.

I can relate. If I had taken action on some situations right away, I would have avoided years of struggle.

Jesus emphasized the importance of TODAY. James his brother said, "Don't put it off till tomorrow. We have no assurance of tomorrow.”

Deal with little problems promptly, before they become BIG problems.

"No Guilt" Fun

I used to feel guilty about wasting time having fun. I was taught that every single moment we live must count.

Recently I've found that the greatest waste of time is unproductive tasks.

Like spending HOURS trying to get a new software program to work. I smack my forehead and say: I could have been relaxing.

I now realize the most destructive waste of time is not in “having fun”, but spending hours doing useless work.

Jesus made every moment count. Yet, he went to a wedding. He played with kids. He went boating and fishing. He went to a quiet place to pray and rest.

So, when you work, work with intentionality.

And when you play, play with abandon, forgetting the long list of emails in your in box.

And let the joy of the Lord be your strength.

~Wayne

Leadership Wisdom from the First Century

These days, a leader has plenty to worry about.  We have reasons to be discouraged or depressed.

I got a very fresh insight on the proper demeanor of leadership from Paul's letter to the Philippians.

Paul had plenty to worry about--plenty of reasons to be depressed.  But listen to this summary of what he wrote:

ALWAYS be full of joy. Let everyone see that you're considerate.

Don't worry about anything. Instead pray about everything.

Tell God what you need. Thank him for all he's done.

Then you will experience God's peace. His peace will guard your heart and mind.

Now, how's that for strong, timely leadership counsel?

Modify Your Dream

I have this quote written inside the front cover of my journal: Modify your dream; not of what you’ll do, but of who you’ll be.

I didn’t write down the author of this quote, so at the risk of plagiarism, let me expand.

People care more about your character than your accomplishments. People care more about the kind of person you are than the kind of leader you are. If you’re a great leader with a lousy personality, you won’t succeed. If you’re an average leader with character, integrity and personality, you’ll be successful.

Integrity counts.  Character counts.  People skills count.  The greatest leadership skill is people skills.  More leaders fail for lack of people skills than for lack of competency. God cares more about what you are than what you do. 

Proverbs 29 says:  When the godly are in authority, the people rejoice.

~Wayne

Empowering your Team

I read this in the Harvard Business Review:

“The time has come for chief executive officers to transform themselves into chief enabling officers who enable, encourage, and enthuse employees."

As organizations downsize, they’re decentralizing their structures and allowing the team to make decisions from the ground up.  The CEO becomes a player-coach bringing out leadership qualities of the team."

Even Jesus said that His followers would accomplish greater works than He accomplished.  That’s because He trained and empowered His team to effectively change the world.

By investing in 12, then 300, then thousands, and eventually millions,  His followers continue to make an impact.

So how can you multiply your effectiveness?  Not by doing it all yourself, but by building the strength and leadership of your team.

Leading Through Crisis

How does a leader lead during times of crisis?

Normally a good leader provides big picture, future direction type leadership.

But in a crisis, a leader is called upon to lead the organization through the crisis.

When the building is on fire, you don't call a committee meeting to vote on what to do.

You yell “fire”, take direct action, give commands to get people to safety, and save lives.

In a crisis, a leader will take more direct management control of the situation.  Obviously getting input from board and staff, but providing more directions and decisions than in normal situations.

1st Century leader, Paul, said:

I have learned in whatever state I am to be content.

I know how to be brought low and I know how to abound.

In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.

I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

~Wayne

Healthy Leaders

In order for an organization to be healthy, it’s leaders need to be healthy

1. Healthy leaders are lifelong learners.  You’re never too old or too experienced to learn new stuff.
2. Healthy leaders are committed to serve and pour themselves into others.
3. Healthy leaders have a dynamic view of life and ministry and a Biblical set of values and mission.
4. Healthy leaders have times of renewal.  They develop their walk with God and get away alone to hear from the Lord.
5. Healthy leaders have a balanced life perspective that helps shape their organizational leadership skills.

Paul told Ephesians leaders that God is able through His mighty power at work in you to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.

How's your team? Guidelines from the world of sports

Good teams have diversity and talent: They recognize and use all of their varied abilities.

Enthusiasm and fun: They know how to keep it enjoyable.

Good teams show creativity and open-mindedness: Don’t get locked into a game plan, but adjust creatively.

Good teams have unified goals and clear rules: Great teams have defined goals.  Everyone knows their assignments.

Good teams show quick resolution of conflict: disagreements should not be left to smolder, but resolved quickly.

Good teams backup and support and need depth to win and have a good bench. 

Good teams have a willingness to take risks and know it’s sometimes better NOT to play it safe, but go out on a limb.

Jesus pulled together a widely diverse set of personalities and molded them into a powerfully effective team that changed the world.

Think Team!

Peter Drucker says, “The most effective leaders never say “I”.  They think team.  They understand their job is to make the team function.  They accept responsibility and don’t sidestep it, but “we” gets the credit.  This is what creates trust and get the job done.”

I like this concept.  Philippians 2 says:

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.  Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interest of others.  Your attitude should be the same that Christ Jesus had. 

This kind of selfless thinking goes a long way in effective leadership and creates a climate of mutual success and accomplishment.

Great Leaders Listen

What are the traits of the most admired senior executives?  According to a survey by Next Level Leadership:

1     They listen.  They know part of the job of leader is to get people to talk.

2     They’re present.  Most admired leaders give 100% attention in meetings.  They’re not distracted by email or text messages. 

3     They prepare.  They accomplish more because they prepare.  They publish their agendas.  They expect others to be prepared as well.

4     They’re open.  They seek to uncover problems and get them resolved. 

5     They challenge.  They don’t intimidate. They ask open-ended questions. 

Jesus did that a lot.  He listened intently.  He gave even women and kids total attention.   He was so open to people they told him everything.  And he questioned and challenged those around him.

That’s why Jesus is one of the most admired leaders in the history of the world.

Traits of Admired Leaders--They Listen.

What are the traits of the most admired senior executives?  According to a survey by Next Level Leadership:

1     They listen.  They know part of the job of leader is to get people to talk.

2     They’re present.  Most admired leaders give 100% attention in meetings.  They’re not distracted by email or text messages. 

3     They prepare.  They accomplish more because they prepare.  They publish their agendas.  They expect others to be prepared as well.

4     They’re open.  They seek to uncover problems and get them resolved. 

5     They challenge.  They don’t intimidate. They ask open-ended questions. 

Jesus did that a lot.  He listened intently.  He gave even women and kids total attention.   He was so open to people they told him everything.  And he questioned and challenged those around him.

That’s why Jesus is one of the most admired leaders in the history of the world.

Stay in your Strength Zone

Andy Stanley has written a book describing the Next Generation Leader.

If you’re a Next Generation Leader: recognize you have limited strengths.

You don’t need to be an expert in everything.  Don’t spend time on projects outside your strength.

Narrow your focus to increase your influence. Discover your zone and stay there.

Delegate everything else.   Really, the less you do, the more you’ll accomplish.

Paul, the 1st Century apostle described this principle this way.

When I am weak, then I’m strong.  God’s strength is made perfect in my weakness.

When I realize that I can’t do it all, I rely on the resources of others.  It’s not a one man show.  And when I realize I can’t do it all, I rely the more on God’s strength.

The Leader as Shepherd

When we were in Israel touring Jerusalem, our guide made an interesting comment: “The great leaders in Israel’s history have been shepherds.”

I’ve been thinking on those words ever since. Great leaders are shepherds.

King David was the “shepherd king.” He wrote a Psalm calling the Lord his shepherd.

What do shepherds do? Shepherds provide and guide, protect and correct.

Jesus referred to Himself as the Good Shepherd. A good shepherd gives his life for his sheep.

Our guide made another observation: in America, shepherds drive the sheep from behind. In the Middle East, shepherds lead their flocks from out front, because sheep know the shepherds voice and follow him.

Good leaders guide and provide, protect and correct. Good leaders sacrifice for their people. And good leaders lead by being in front of their team. And the team recognizes the leader and follows.

Power Isn't Power Until You Give it Away

Recent elections in the U.K were very interesting—especially as the leader of the Conservative Party and the Leader of the Liberal Democrats tried to reach a power-sharing agreement.

Power sharing is increasingly common in the world of business and politics.  But how do you bring two opposing viewpoints to a position of power-sharing?

Jack Welch head of GE talked about the GRPI model.

G: Goals: what goals do we have in common?

R: Roles: what role each of us can play?

P: Plans: how will we coordinate our work? How will decisions be made?

I: Interpersonal Norms: what ground rules do we need to build trust?

First century Christ-follower Paul encouraged young Timothy saying God has given us a spirit of power, of love and self-discipline.

The best way to gain power is to share power—to give it away.

Formula for Success

I was at a stop light this week and a bumper sticker caught my eye, it said, “Do justly, live kindly, walk humbly with your God.”

Some of you would recognize the source as the old prophet, Micah. It’s a wonderful formula for success in life and relationships.

Here’s my paraphrase: Do justly. Always do the right thing. Live kindly. Do the right thing in an attitude of kindness. Walk humbly with your God. If you’re humble before God, you will display a natural humility to those around you.

How about that for a good leadership principle? And it’s about 2,500 years old. 

Changing your Strategy

As a leader you need to be flexible. 

Walt Shill of Accenture says, “Strategy, as we knew it, is dead.”

Corporate leadership is finding that flexibility and accelerated decision making are more important than predicting the future.

Companies have long planned for changing circumstances. What’s new is the heavy dose of opportunism.

Review the budget every month rather than quarterly to react faster to change.

The writer of Ecclesiastes says, “Since no man knows the future, who can tell him what is to come.”

Work with your team under God’s direction to create good plans. But daily seek God’s direction for dealing with the daily needs and opportunities.

~Wayne

Start Small

Think Smart, Start Small

I love this quote: If you're going to try cross-country skiing, start with a small country.

Cross country skiing looks fun.  But I wouldn’t start out by skiing across China!

So if you’re taking on a new challenge, start small. I often say, “Crawl before you walk, walk before you run, run before you fly.”

My nephew had a dream to hike the Appalachian Trail.  He’d never done mountain hiking before.

So he started in Maine and hiked to Georgia. But he started in October and walked through some of the worst winter conditions in history.  More projects fail from lack of planning and counting the cost.

Jesus said that if you plan to build a tower or go to war, first sit down and estimate the cost. And if you take up cross country skiing, pick a small country to start.

Keep Our Eyes on the Goal

Are you in the season of strategic planning.  I’ve got a great phrase for you from First Century planner, Paul of Tarsus.

He said this, "I've got my eye on the goal where God is beckoning us onward to Jesus.  I'm off and running and I'm not turning back.  So let's keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us."

I love that. Keeping our eyes on the goal.

Get off and running with the plan. Don’t look back.

Keep goal focused to achieve all that God has for you.

Who says the Bible is impractical?

I’m living this advice in our strategic direction.

“So let's keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us."

Philippians 3:14,15  (The Message)

Leadership isn't telling people what to do.

 Jana Eggers, CEO of clothing company Spreadshirt, says,  “Most people think good leadership is about making the right decisions -- but in a big organization, that's hardly ever true,” she says, “Once a company expands beyond a handful of people, the boss's real job is to look at the big picture while others make the day-to-day decisions.” 

That’s right, your job as a leader is to inspire your team to make good decisions every day. I want to hire and develop a team that doesn’t need a lot of hand-holding. So what are you doing to inspire your team to take initiative and work with an inspired attitude? What are you doing to build into the lives of others?

Jesus took a ragtag group of diverse personalities and developed them into a team that turned the world upside down.  He told them that they would do even greater works than He did in His earthly ministry. That’s good leadership! 

Blue Ocean Strategy

What’s Your Strategy?

Many in industry are working harder than ever to achieve the same results they did five years ago. They’re operating in what would be called a “RED OCEAN” philosophy.( It’s a book by Chan Kim and Renee Mauborgne.)

Red Ocean Strategy means you:  Compete in existing market space, beat the competition, exploit existing demand.

“If the business model isn’t working, try harder.”

Blue Ocean Strategy means: Create uncontested market space, make the competition irrelevant, create and capture new demand.

“We simply need to have fun as an industry again.”

God’s word says this: Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your energy as unto the Lord. Jesus said you don’t put new wine in old wineskins. That’s real Biblical Blue Ocean thinking.

Face the Challenge

Face the Challenge

I read this quote in FastCompany magazine: "A problem may look hopelessly complex. But there's a game plan that can yield movement on even the toughest issues. And it starts with locating a bright spot -- a ray of hope."

It’s true. The journey of 1000 miles begins with the first step.  A problem or project may seem insurmountable or overwhelming. But the important thing is to start. Just do the first thing, whatever that is.

The book of Proverbs tells us: Don’t despise small beginnings.

So if you’re facing a huge challenge, take the first step. A small first step is better than the grandest concept not implemented.











It may be a small step for you, but a giant leap for the challenge before you.

Crisis Reveals Character

I know a man who lacks confidence in his leadership skill. He continually claims that he’s not a good leader and shouldn’t be the number one guy.

However, recently he experienced a crisis in his business. He wisely gathered his team, collaborated on a solution, and created a project management plan to deal with the situation. He then assigned team members to implement the plan in their areas.

He kept his cool. He used his team. And most of all, he trusted God’s guidance and sovereignty in wisely handling the situation.

He didn’t develop character in the crisis. The emergency revealed his true character.

Character is not built on the gridiron or the stage. Character is built in the workout room or rehearsal hall.

Unhurried Time with God

A malady in today’s corporate and even Christian leadership is we’re more concerned about outward appearance then we are about character.

A friend in business told me, “the more public and outward my ministry, the more important my private and inward character”.

The more leadership responsibilities I am given, the more I need to be led by God.

The busier my schedule, the more desperately I need unhurried time with God. The more people’s lives I touch, the more in touch I need to be with Christ.

Jesus Himself in his public ministry took time from the crowds withdrew to a quiet place and found strength in solitude and silence. He encouraged His followers to do the same.

Blink!

The book BLINK! proposes that for the experienced, discerning mind, first impressions are almost always the right impression.

Some call it “trusting your gut”. Others call it “instinct”, I call it “Holy Spirit-directed intuition”. God’s Spirit testifies with our spirit about what is truthful and right.

I like how the followers of Jesus in the First Century did it. The apostles were wrestling with a decision and praying for direction. Finally, Luke writes, “It seemed right to the Holy Spirit and us….”

The Holy Spirit’s guidance and our best experienced wisdom. James instructs, “if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God and He will give it.”

God's Design for you

A pastor friend gave me this acrostic for our God-given design:
D is our DESIRES: God created us in such a way that He can motivate our desires in our service to Him.
E is for EXPERIENCE: God uses our cumulative life experiences to prepare us for His next assignment.
S is for SKILLS: God wired our DNA is such a way that our natural skills create unique opportunities for service.
I is for INDIVIDUAL: We are unique. Our God made personality can move us into individual service opportunities.
G is for GIFTS: Besides our God-given skills, He endows us with certain spiritual gifts such as compassion, hospitality, leadership and encouragement.
N is for NICHE: There are needs and opportunities that God has specifically given for your own individual design.
God has a desire for you and for your life. Isn`t that exciting! Let`s see how God uses His unique design in you to serve Him.

Drink coffee. Do stupid things faster with more energy.

I’m an avid coffee drinker…and I love this quote:
Drink coffee. Do stupid things faster with more energy.

If you’ve ever had the coffee jitters, you can relate. Sometimes I run across people that are so hyper, I want to say: “Next time, pick the decaf.”

All humor aside, haste does often make waste. I’ve often done things way too fast, only to have to do it over, which takes four times as long as doing it right the first time. I need to learn to slow down, think it through and do it right.

One philosopher said: Don’t be afraid to go slowly. Only be afraid of standing still.

Paul of Tarsus said this to the people of Rome:“God’s purpose is not hit or miss, dependent on what we do or don’t do. But a sure thing determined by His decision flowing steadily from His initiative.”

Keeping The Big Picture

One of the deadly sins of leadership is getting lost in day-to-day details and losing the big picture. You can’t both manage operations and effectively plan strategy for the future.

Line level employees should be spending 80% of their time managing day-to-day and maybe 20% looking forward. However, as a leader advances in his leadership role, he or she should be maybe 20% day-to-day and 80% planning, strategizing, dealing with the overall mission and vision.
So step back and look at the big picture.

Allow your team to take ownership of the details. They’ll enjoy the new trust you show them. And you’ll be freed to do what you’re supposed to do as CEO. And your team will feel better about day-to-day stuff knowing their leader is thinking about where we’re going.

Paul of Tarsus said: “Forgetting about what lies behind, and pressing towards the mark of God’s high calling.”

And remember, don’t spend your time staring at the dashboard instruments checking the fuel, the speed, the oil pressure and the water temperature. Look up and enjoy the ride.

The only thing we have to fear is fear.

 
Fear: the Big De-motivator
Fear is not a good motivator.  Maybe it can work in the short run, but it’s not effective long-term.

Trust is a much more effective motivator, but building trust can be a long process.  It takes truth-telling and transparency.  It requires love, compassion, and communication.
Love is a much stronger motivator.  In fact, the Bible says that perfect love casts out fear. 
Well, in my history, I’ve worked in both environments.  One CEO struck terror in his team.  You just knew that when he requested a meeting, you were in for a verbal beating.  We lived in mortal terror of the board.

I’ve also worked in an environment of love and trust with a boss who cared for his people and trusted them to do the job. A staff person will do almost anything for that kind of a leader and board when they set the overall direction and trust the staff to carry it out effectively.
~Wayne
 

The Greatest Management Skill: People Skills

It’s no secret that the greatest leadership skill is people skills.

Leadership is about influencing people. And you can’t influence people if you don’t know how to connect and relate.

I’ve learned that leadership is not about title and position. Leaders know that people go along with people they get along with.

The early church grew because the outside world observed the love that followers of Jesus had for one another.

Jesus brought His leadership to the highest level when He said: Love others as you love yourself.

Paul of Tarsus said it this way: As Gods chosen people, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

John, the Apostle of love said: Don’t just say you love people, really love them. And, prove it by your actions.

If that’s true in your life, it will show to those you seek to influence.

Baby Boomers and Generation Y

Did you know, effective 2010, Generation Y now outnumber Baby Boomers. Ninety six percent are part of an online social network.

It took traditional radio 38 years and TV 13 years to reach 50 million users, but iPhone applications hit 1 billion in only 9 months.

Gen Y operates much differently from Gen X.

Gen Y wants to be more supervised through feedback and review. They thrive on goals.

In a changing workplace, do you as a leader understand the more youthful worker?

You may have to change your leadership style in order to relate to a Gen Y worker?
A wise leader adapts his leadership style to fit the situation and the worker.

First Century leader Paul said he became all things to all men that he might win them.

If we’re to successfully engage the next generation, we may have to adapt to their work and learning style.

The New Normal

The New Normal

A major ad executive put it this way, "People are going to emerge from the recession completely changed."

A recent survey showed 32% of respondents said they're spending less across the board. These consumers expect this cutback to be their "new normal”.

People have tightened their belts. That’s not all bad. The secret to contentment in life is not to get more but to desire less. Tightening our personal, corporate, ministry or government belts might be a good thing.
God’s word says: Godliness with contentment is great gain.

Proverbs says: “Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle.”

and

“Whoever trusts in his riches will fall.”

So maybe we become richer by focusing on the inward character qualities rather than the outward accoutrements of success. Maybe your business, your ministry, your family will be better by having less.

Wayne

A New Way to Live

Jesus gave eight principles of happiness each so simple, yet so profound.

These guidelines run counter to what our culture teaches about happiness.

Culture teaches the rich and famous are happy.
Jesus teaches the poor in spirit are truly blessed.

Culture teaches the free-spirited are most happy.
Jesus says those who grieve over losses are most comfortable.

Culture holds that the powerful are the ones who win.
Jesus says the meek and gentle win everything.

The world sells conspicuous consumption.
Jesus warns of spiritual junk food.

The world says people deserve what’s coming to them.
Jesus says those who experience His mercy will show mercy to others.

The world presents a buffet of sleaze.
Jesus said those who’s inside world is pure will see God.

The world promotes competition.
Jesus says His followers promote peace in all relationships.

What a wonderful world it would be if we lived that way.