Take Prayerful Risks: The courageous leader is not afraid to try something that requires a miracle! From Moses to Joshua, from David to Nehemiah, from Peter to Paul. God uses people who realize that without him their plans and leadership will ultimately fail. Have Fierce Conversations: The courageous leader is not afraid to have difficult and sometimes painful conversations. Paul’s …
Trust is the Coin of the Realm
Over the years, I have learned that TRUST enhances leadership effectiveness, as much as any other single factor. I believe a leader needs to demonstrate vulnerability to those she leads and serves, which may be counter intuitive to some. Maintaining one’s integrity and closing integrity gaps, large and small, are keys to developing the TRUST factor! Some years ago, as …
Of Kings, Presidents, and Faith
“… give us a king …” 1 Samuel 8:7 In what has been for many the most vitriolic and distasteful primary election in memory, we now know that Donald Trump will be the Republican Party presidential nominee and, barring a complete collapse, Hillary Clinton will be the Democratic Party presidential nominee. For some, this is a welcome development. For others …
This does not compute
Effective leaders exhibit deep personal humility and an unshakeable will regarding the mission/vision/values of the organization. Many bigger than life leaders have charisma oozing from their persona! Many are hard drivers who have an amazing level of persuasive influence. Many are able to get a lot done in a relatively short period of time. Some fall victim to the pride …
The Adaptive Challenge
Many pastoral leaders are overwhelmed by operational leadership challenges – day to day activities to keep the “ship afloat.” Submitting to the tyranny of the urgent is a common malady. As a colleague/coach/consultant of pastors, I hear this complaint more often than any other. Therefore, when I suggest that at least twenty percent of the pastoral leader’s time should be …