Leaders

Many of us find ourselves in leadership positions, but we wonder sometimes if we’re really leading. And, frankly, sometimes there are folks around us who also wonder if we’re leading. Here are a few questions to ask yourself to see if you’re really leading as a Christian leader.

Obviously it’s almost impossible to really know someone’s character before they start work. But that’s no excuse for just ignoring it. We can at least try to find out what drives people and how they react in difficult situations. And it does not stop with recruitment – what about staff appraisal and development?

Leaders see it all the time ‒ employees responding poorly to change initiatives. Maybe a new approach is required ‒ one that acknowledges the resisting forces and, in understanding them, reduces their sway.

When team members have the courage to build trust and make themselves vulnerable, it lays a foundation for a team, and it changes everything else that comes from that team.

Have you ever known someone who let power or position go to their head? I’ll bet it was hard for you to follow or respect that leader. Power is an essential force in human relations that can be used for good or evil, but to be a benevolent force it must be tamed; therefore, Christ’s stewards must consider the responsible use of the power He places in our hands.

Simply by valuing others, we can open up lines of communication that we thought were closed.

Always remember, if you’re doing anything of substance and meaning, criticism will come your way. It can’t be avoided, but it can be advantageous if you respond properly.

How do you recognize numbness in your own leadership? Here are three warning signs.

For any organization to last, there needs to be a blend of leadership strengths and gifts. Once in a while there’s a leader that can do all of these things, but that is rare. This is why it’s so important to choose the right people to lead, develop and grow an organization.

Who on earth would choose to be a leader? It is such a tough calling. It rarely leads to fame or fortune. Over the years as a leader I’ve often wondered about the cost and whether it is all worth it.

Boss: "I wish my people would take more initiative, be more creative, get outside the box." Employee: "I wish my boss would turn me loose, untie my hands, let me show what I can do."

What does Paul mean by the term, “life that is truly life”? What other life would we seek to “take hold of”? The implication is that any other form of life that is not founded on generosity and a desire to be rich in good deeds is counterfeit life. That is a powerful and disturbing teaching. Are we willing to take it seriously? If so, we may be surprised by the message of hope that lies within it.