Competencies

God offers rest, not just for our physical bodies but for our hearts as well. 1 Peter 5:7 says, “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” God is calling for our souls to rest.

Demands for our time seem to clamor endlessly. When was the last time you had a peaceful moment when you were not thinking about that next thing to do? Usually the decision to commit to too many things is because we can’t seem to say “no.” How do you say “no” in these busy times? Is “no” being selfish, or is “yes” being selfish when you do not have the time to do well the thing to which you said “yes?”

Everybody can spot qualities of lousy leadership when is it directed at them. When the disciples were arguing about who was the greatest among them, Jesus said, “Let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves. For who is the greater, one who reclines at table or one who serves? … But I am among you as the One who serves.” (Luke 22:26-27) Michael describes ten characteristics of lousy leaders, those who are not servant-leaders.

To be effective a leader must delegate many responsibilities, as well as – whenever possible – the necessary decision-making authority. However, there are two critical areas that uniquely require the leader’s personal attention: vision and leader development.

Swedish Mission Council (SMC) knows the benefits of Organizational Development (OD) first-hand. Just over 10 years ago, SMC was in crisis. We share our story, not to say we got everything right, but as a testimony that with God’s help and leadership commitment, remarkable organizational change is possible …

It may be that no Christian characteristic has suffered more in the workplace than honesty. It shouldn't be that way. Jesus wants His people to be known as a people of truth. It is important that those around us can trust what we say without wondering whether we really mean it or not.

Giving advice is rarely as useful as listening. It’s never as powerful as a great question.

Steve Gladen, pastor of small groups at Saddleback Church for more than a decade, gives brilliant advice to take your small group to the next level. What makes a group system thrive? Definitely, strong leadership, welcoming groups, small group guidelines. Saddleback’s success from small groups comes from its focus on health. He balances the biblical purposes of fellowship, discipleship, ministry, worship and evangelism.

Above all, self-awareness is voluntary. The information we gain can only be applied by us — no one can force us to use what we learn about ourselves. But for the willing and the courageous, any chance to be crafted into a better leader will be welcome.

I’ve experienced one that I believe often trips leaders up. It’s called the confirmation bias. It’s a thinking bias that looks for information that supports our preexisting attitudes, beliefs, and actions. So, how can leaders counter the confirmation bias?

Leaders tell me they wish their people had more ideas ‒ creative and innovative suggestions that will improve the organization. Maybe we don't know how to ask.

It only makes sense when you wake up to the fact that, as a leader, you need to manage diverse gifts, personalities, and talents to have an effective team.