Believe in people so strongly
and so genuinely
that other people will join you
in believing in them, too,
even if you never ask them to do so.
Showing posts with label leadership. Show all posts
Showing posts with label leadership. Show all posts
the real fight in leadership
they don’t want to go on their own,
but need to go...
mentally.
physically.
emotionally.
spiritually.
relationally.
professionally.
culturally.
eternally.
or...
offer them revelation,
so instead of fighting against you
they join into the greater battle...
the real fight in leadership...
of fighting against their current selves
so they can become their Truer selves.
"None of us know our faults.Forgive me when I sin without knowing it. Don’t let me do wrong on purpose, Lord,or let sin have control over my life.Then I will be innocent,and not guilty of some terrible fault.” (Psalm 19:12-13)
if the hat fits...
Leadership is like wearing a hat.
Anytime you put it on, you are (whether on purpose or not) hiding a true part of who you are while drawing attention to the rest of you.
So make sure the hat "fits" and is worth putting on in the first place.
Anytime you put it on, you are (whether on purpose or not) hiding a true part of who you are while drawing attention to the rest of you.
So make sure the hat "fits" and is worth putting on in the first place.
is it this simple?
What if the opportunity to L.E.A.D. others is just this simple?
- Listen
- Encourage
- Adapt
- Develop
"...to equip people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up." (Ephesians 4:12)
colored perspective
Every day. you and I take a risk.
We either risk something to be proactive and intentional, or we risk what it means to be reactive and passive. Each decision reflects this.
That's why I appreciate Richard Branson's metaphor on this:
Start painting. The colored perspective you can offer the world just may be exactly what it needs.
We either risk something to be proactive and intentional, or we risk what it means to be reactive and passive. Each decision reflects this.
That's why I appreciate Richard Branson's metaphor on this:
It's like painting. You start with a blank canvas. You can paint anything – anything – and there, right there, is your first problem. For every good painting you might turn out, there are a zillion bad paintings just aching to drip off your brush. Scared? You should be.
You start.
You pick a colour. The next colour you choose has to work with the first colour. The third colour has to work with the first colour and the second. The fourth colour...
You get the idea. You're committed now. You absolutely cannot stop. You've invested. There is no reverse gear on this thing.
People who bad-mouth businessmen and women in general are missing the point. People in business who succeed have swallowed their fear and have set out to create something special, something to make a difference to people's lives. Are the colours just right? Are the planes polished? Do the crew look good? Are they comfortable? Are the seats OK? What's the food like? It costs how much...?Whatever opportunity God has invited you to seize, seize it. Be of courage.
And whether you're a surrealist or a CEO, there are always bills to pay and money always arrives later than you ever dreamed possible. In the teeth of a downturn, petty financial hassles can turn into major, life-changing crises, and tough decisions often have to be made. This is the side of business that journalists like to write about – but it's the least exciting, least distinctive part of business. It's secondary. It's dull.
What really matters is what you create. Does it work or not? Does it make you proud?
- Richard Branson, Business Stripped Bare
Start painting. The colored perspective you can offer the world just may be exactly what it needs.
"In the morning sow your seed, and at evening withhold not your hand, for you do not know which will prosper, this or that, or whether both alike will be good." (Ecclesiastes 11:6)
the danger of momentum
We all like momentum, but it is deceptive.
When you have momentum, it makes everything look better than it is.
When you don't have momentum, it makes everything look worse than it is.
- Andy Stanley
It's why one of your roles in any arena of momentum -
be it life, work or play -
is reminding people what reality is and isn't.
The best way?
Celebrate actual momentum when it happens.
And if it doesn't happen?
Point toward somewhere it is outside of your circle and humbly ask, "What can we learn from that?"
How?
"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith" (Hebrews 12:2)
doctoring up social media
I was at the doctor's check-in desk last week, sharing private info in a moderately quiet voice. I ended with, "Hey, one more question - where's the bathroom?"
A lady sitting behind me in the waiting room started loudly answering my question.
Social Media is kind of like that some days.
You have to choose to either lean into certain conversations you intended to have or embrace the audience around you and increase your engagement.
True story.
"To answer before listening - that is folly and shame." (Proverbs 18:13)
pioneers and settlers
One hurdle of trying to make your mark is once you feel you've made it you may let it mark you into retirement.
What if the point of life isn't arrival or competency?
What if the point of life is Life?
I'm reminded of the late Henri Nouwen who once asked, "Did becoming older bring me closer to Jesus?"
Once upon a time, we lived this way.
Before skyscrapers and cities there was simply "the open range."
Before experts and consultants there were simply "immigrants."
What if this tension still exists -
are you a settler or a pioneer?
What if the point of life isn't arrival or competency?
What if the point of life is Life?
I'm reminded of the late Henri Nouwen who once asked, "Did becoming older bring me closer to Jesus?"
Once upon a time, we lived this way.
Before skyscrapers and cities there was simply "the open range."
Before experts and consultants there were simply "immigrants."
are you a settler or a pioneer?
- Settlers see stopping points.
- Pioneers see starting points.
- Settlers see life as a possession.
- Pioneers see life as an adventure.
- Settlers see home being four borders wide.
- Pioneers see home being a wagon train.
- Settlers see God as the Sheriff who maintains law and order.
- Pioneers see God as the ultimate Scout who knows where new territory can be claimed.
But do we truly risk and fail forward?
Do you try things that don't work? Do you innovate?
It's been said “Pioneers take the most arrows but also get the best land.”
"Terah took his son Abram, his grandson Lot son of Haran, and his daughter-in-law Sarai, the wife of his son Abram, and together they set out from Ur of the Chaldeans to go to Canaan. But when they came to Harran, they settled there." (Genesis 11:31)The LORD had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you." So Abram went. (Genesis 12:1,4)
a sideline insight
A sideline insight:
What God does in you on the sidelines is as important as what happens under the lights on the field.
Just make sure you're in the arena either way.
What God does in you on the sidelines is as important as what happens under the lights on the field.
Just make sure you're in the arena either way.
"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better.
The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat."
- Theodore Roosevelt
5 things I probably won't tell you as a pastor
I came across an article called "11 Secrets Leaders Won't Tell You." It's well written with several points I'd nod my head at.
Still, I wondered if I were to create a list as a pastor what would be on mine. Here's my best shot at it:
1) "I really take joy in what I'm doing."
This is an odd way to begin my list of secrets, but I don't often say this out loud. Perhaps I should, but when I do the reaction is puzzling. People who hate their jobs or feel stuck in their circumstances can take on a subtle jealousy when they see someone else take pleasure in work or life. I sense this when I share my joy among people who reply with a tilted head and raised eyebrow, "Must be nice."
The irony is my job is incredibly challenging. When others say, "I'd never want to do what you're doing," I know exactly why. Pastoring is emotionally exhausting, incredibly messy and spiritually burdensome. Toss into that leading a non-profit and coordinating teams of volunteer leaders all on different schedules, and it adds up. Still, through Jesus we can claim joy even when life or career wear us down. It's why I shared this unique conclusion in the introduction to my book Uncommon Wisdom From The Other Side:
2) "I'm a real guy, but I'm also a professional."
There are people who love that I can be their friend, but won't ever choose to see me as a leader or pastor. There are others who like what my title represents or the biblical guidance I can give them, but struggle with visualizing me being tempted or having real life problems.
It's awkward for me to remind people that the inverse of their preference exists. I've watched congregation members get tense because they didn't want my voice to have any kind of authority in their lives, while others wanted more of my voice than I was able to give and ended up frustrated at my human limitations.
3) "Knock it off."
I get emails, text messages and more containing the venting of people who would have me or our church do things differently. Honestly, it works me up because (as context) I personally can't do or endorse something unless I see God in it myself... so we wouldn't be doing it in the first place if it didn't meet that criteria. I'm all up for someone questioning us for accountability, but when it's a loud personal preference I want to look at the person and say, "Knock it off" - especially when I am seeing lives changed through whatever is being criticized.
At times, I will speak up. It can't be my first response, as I've learned it's easy for others to become more focused on my bold reaction than on how they first came at me. Suddenly my words become the new sound-byte, because (let's face it) it's easier to react to someone's reaction than it is to consider what they're saying underneath it all.
Which... is another reason why I don't respond this way. When someone charges at me with a topic in hand, I can't react to their reaction either. Whether because of my position or my awareness, I'm responsible to be patient with people who won't be patient back. The occasional reward is I get to hear the real topic happening inside of them. Often the people who need to be loved most tend to come at you in unloving ways.
I don't get to say "knock it off."
But, seriously... "knock it off."
4) "That's cowardice."
I understand that people are going to typically take the path of least resistance. Still, the Holy Spirit reminds me that this isn't always right and won't change unless it's pointed out to them. With great fatigue, I've attempted to share that God has a better ideal for the situation that what they did or are about to (even though their choice made great sense circumstantially to them).
To be clear, the Lord would have us love each other - not pull back... work things out toward one another - not "agree to disagree" as we part... lead our families - not have our spouses/kids/parents/siblings create funks we fall into... restore relationships into trust - not look for ways to continually second-guess each other... talk face-to-face - not banter behind a screen.
All of that is counter-cultural, which means it's rare... and likewise, easier to find justification in cultural habits to be cowards who settle for the path of least resistance... even though what God proposes is what we secretly yearn for.
5) "I'm about ready to quit."
For the record, I quickly typed this statement out without realizing it would be my last thought. It's both incredibly honest and incredibly scary to see it included. I tend to be a quick writer and move on from one thought to the next, but this one rattled out of me... and sobered me up to stop and stare it for a while.
I understand that a pastor saying such a statement is cause for everyone to scurry about in anxious fear. People tend to be in a church until they feel like going somewhere else versus staying with it though thick and thin. We've seen households move on somewhere else simply because they feared something uncomfortable happening or continuing to happen. It's why I don't say out loud that I am tempted to quit my job just like anyone else is tempted to quit theirs... because it can turn people into mice fearing a sinking ship, when what's actually happening are loud mechanical noises that can be addressed.
Perhaps one day God will change my calling from where I'm at to somewhere else. In the meantime, I'm going to keep giving my best to what's in front of me and assume that my human inklings of throwing in the towel are less about the "throwing" and more about the "towel" - the Lord would have me use it to wash the feet of others who are tempted to feel the same way.
-----
I could write more, but this is where I'll stop... because chances are whatever #6 would be is something I have yet to realize. Maybe you can help me discover it over waffles?
1) "I really take joy in what I'm doing."
This is an odd way to begin my list of secrets, but I don't often say this out loud. Perhaps I should, but when I do the reaction is puzzling. People who hate their jobs or feel stuck in their circumstances can take on a subtle jealousy when they see someone else take pleasure in work or life. I sense this when I share my joy among people who reply with a tilted head and raised eyebrow, "Must be nice."
The irony is my job is incredibly challenging. When others say, "I'd never want to do what you're doing," I know exactly why. Pastoring is emotionally exhausting, incredibly messy and spiritually burdensome. Toss into that leading a non-profit and coordinating teams of volunteer leaders all on different schedules, and it adds up. Still, through Jesus we can claim joy even when life or career wear us down. It's why I shared this unique conclusion in the introduction to my book Uncommon Wisdom From The Other Side:
Your heart will gain scars.
You’ll be misled by others.
Close friends will seemingly abandon you.
The resources may run out.
You may fake your faith some days for the sake of others.
Simple things Christians say will annoy you.
The church you serve may appear two-dimensional in your three-dimensional stress.
Students will let you down.
You will disciple at least one Judas.
People will say all kinds of unkind things about you and your family.
And it is the best possible way to live.
There are people who love that I can be their friend, but won't ever choose to see me as a leader or pastor. There are others who like what my title represents or the biblical guidance I can give them, but struggle with visualizing me being tempted or having real life problems.
It's awkward for me to remind people that the inverse of their preference exists. I've watched congregation members get tense because they didn't want my voice to have any kind of authority in their lives, while others wanted more of my voice than I was able to give and ended up frustrated at my human limitations.
I get emails, text messages and more containing the venting of people who would have me or our church do things differently. Honestly, it works me up because (as context) I personally can't do or endorse something unless I see God in it myself... so we wouldn't be doing it in the first place if it didn't meet that criteria. I'm all up for someone questioning us for accountability, but when it's a loud personal preference I want to look at the person and say, "Knock it off" - especially when I am seeing lives changed through whatever is being criticized.
At times, I will speak up. It can't be my first response, as I've learned it's easy for others to become more focused on my bold reaction than on how they first came at me. Suddenly my words become the new sound-byte, because (let's face it) it's easier to react to someone's reaction than it is to consider what they're saying underneath it all.
Which... is another reason why I don't respond this way. When someone charges at me with a topic in hand, I can't react to their reaction either. Whether because of my position or my awareness, I'm responsible to be patient with people who won't be patient back. The occasional reward is I get to hear the real topic happening inside of them. Often the people who need to be loved most tend to come at you in unloving ways.
I don't get to say "knock it off."
But, seriously... "knock it off."
I understand that people are going to typically take the path of least resistance. Still, the Holy Spirit reminds me that this isn't always right and won't change unless it's pointed out to them. With great fatigue, I've attempted to share that God has a better ideal for the situation that what they did or are about to (even though their choice made great sense circumstantially to them).
To be clear, the Lord would have us love each other - not pull back... work things out toward one another - not "agree to disagree" as we part... lead our families - not have our spouses/kids/parents/siblings create funks we fall into... restore relationships into trust - not look for ways to continually second-guess each other... talk face-to-face - not banter behind a screen.
All of that is counter-cultural, which means it's rare... and likewise, easier to find justification in cultural habits to be cowards who settle for the path of least resistance... even though what God proposes is what we secretly yearn for.
For the record, I quickly typed this statement out without realizing it would be my last thought. It's both incredibly honest and incredibly scary to see it included. I tend to be a quick writer and move on from one thought to the next, but this one rattled out of me... and sobered me up to stop and stare it for a while.
I understand that a pastor saying such a statement is cause for everyone to scurry about in anxious fear. People tend to be in a church until they feel like going somewhere else versus staying with it though thick and thin. We've seen households move on somewhere else simply because they feared something uncomfortable happening or continuing to happen. It's why I don't say out loud that I am tempted to quit my job just like anyone else is tempted to quit theirs... because it can turn people into mice fearing a sinking ship, when what's actually happening are loud mechanical noises that can be addressed.
-----
I could write more, but this is where I'll stop... because chances are whatever #6 would be is something I have yet to realize. Maybe you can help me discover it over waffles?
Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that you may be healed. (James 5:16)
3 things leadership means
If you're the leader of anything...
this practically means at least three things:
This is not easy to do.
You'll likely be greater at one or more of these, and weaker at one or more of these.
It's also not a complete list.
What's missing?
this practically means at least three things:
- Anyone ready to “buy in” is given a shot.
- Anyone "in" is given accountability.
- Anyone bowing "out" is given love.
This is not easy to do.
You'll likely be greater at one or more of these, and weaker at one or more of these.
It's also not a complete list.
What's missing?
"The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ." (1 Corinthians 12:12)
good leaders
(yes, you ARE one)
are less concerned with what makes people happy and more concerned with what will make them healthy.
You can't teach a man what he thinks he already knows... what she thinks she already knows...
but I'll bet you knew that.
What can you do?
The best compliment you give to those you lead: Demand their God-given best.
The most practical gift you give them: Serve them at your God-given best.
how I won't pray for you
Maybe it's because I'm a pastor, or maybe it's because I'm their friend. Perhaps it's a little bit of both.
Sometimes I sense they want me to pray for something I'm not sure I can pray for.
For example, I once had a family ask me to pray over a medal they were going to give to their son who was heading off to serve in the military. I have no critique for their motives. Essentially, they were asking that I could impart something supernatural onto the medal that would make it protect him while he was there.
Obviously, that's not something I can do. It's one thing for God to say to Moses, "Hey, your staff will do this now..." and another thing for me to make a similar declaration about an inanimate object without first checking in with God to see if He wanted to work that way.
So I prayed on my own for wisdom, and eventually circled back to the family. "I'm sorry," I began. "I can't do what you're asking me to do. What I do know is God would much rather first look out for your son's eternity than promise you he will be safe at every turn. He's challenged me to pray with and for your son for that reason. I'd also like to be a prayer partner and pray for his safe return and journey with God while he's away, but I can't pray for this medal to do what you want it to do."
They replied, "What if we make a donation to the church?"
I answered, "I wouldn't know about it because I'm not the guy around here who personally keeps track of any of that. I do that on purpose so I can give you honest answers like this one."
They thanked me for my honesty. It was pleasant.
Then I learned two days later that they'd left the church and found someone down the street who would pray for the medal like they wanted.
I told you that story to tell you this one.
This happened a few months after the first situation occurred. Perhaps fueled by that a bit, I explained, "I can do one of two things. I can pray that prayer, and we can assume that God's greatest plan for your life is safety. Or I can pray that you will experience the life God has for you to live. That means I will not directly pray that God makes you safe, but allow Him to know and declare what the ideal tone for your life needs to be. If you want, I will pray one step further... that God makes you dangerous – so dangerous for Him that when you walk into a room all the demons of hell flee because of your presence. How does that sound?"
He nodded his head, thought for a moment and eventually said, "The second one." We prayed that prayer. That family is also still around in our church today... and yes, they're quite dangerous for Jesus.
I'll let you figure out your own application now.
"Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20)
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