#15 Saying 'thank you'

 

Of all the words we say to people around us whom we are honoured to lead, I cannot think of two more important words than “thank you”. Nothing encourages people more than when they hear the words “thank you”. It instils a sense of self-worth, accomplishment and dignity. Now I know that people shouldn’t depend on hearing “thank you” to stay motivated, but as we do it, every now and then, you create a sense of ‘team’. I call these two words the “twin-turbo” effect. When you intentionally use them in your team, it’ll feel like you've just upgraded your output to a powerful twin-turbo one. I challenge you to go out of your way to appreciate the people in your life, your business, your church, etc. You will see how they just want to help and serve even more. Of course the biggest reason why we thank people is because it really is just about being kind and polite; creating an atmosphere of excitement and energy around you. When you do say “thank you”, think of creative ways of doing it. People appreciate it. More than you could ever imagine.

Happy leading

#14 Confidence

 

To “be confident” really means to believe in God, firstly, and then to believe in the gifts / abilities and callings that God has put in you. I love the scripture that says “for God's gifts and his call are irrevocable” in Romans 11:29. What this means, to the believer, is that God has given each one of us specific gifts and talents, which He will NEVER take away.

For many, this means that some of these gifts are lying dormant, waiting to be unlocked and used. For others it may mean that you can be confident in this: God HAS given you specific gifts and calling and that no matter how often how fail, you will always have them. This fact gives us tremendous confidence in our God, who trusts us with these and endorses us to be a carrier of them saying “I believe in you, that you’ll represent me well as you use the gifts I've given you. No matter how many times you fail, get up and try again. Together we’ll make a difference.” The other aspect of this is truth is that God Himself is our confidence. He alone can be trusted. He alone is faithful and will do all His will in His time, while using us. Go for it and be CONFIDENT !!

Happy Leading

#13 "The Golden Rule"

I ran into a guy the other day who had many negative critical comments about Joost van der Westhuizen. (Joost, a former South African Rugby player, confessed to committing adultery, while being a Christian). I challenged my friend to respond to Joost’s fall in a more Godly way. I said “how we respond to people who have sinned, reveals the kind of person we are”. He was shocked at first, then blushed and then said he's sorry. He said “I've never thought of it this way. Wow. You are so right”. He sent me a message later that day and said that his whole world is shaken, for the good.

What the world needs is REAL love. Not judgment. Not haughtiness and pride. Not arrogance and being critical. I suppose you can call it “The Golden Rule” as it is commonly known. But actually Jesus said “Matthew chapter 7 verse 12 says “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets”. The Message says it this way "Here is a simple, rule-of-thumb guide for behaviour: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you, then grab the initiative and do it for them. Add up God's Law and Prophets and this is what you get”.

Happy Leading (while you love people well)

# 12 "When The Chips Are Down"

When you’re going through tough times, trials and tribulations, it’s time to be a
team player! Many times God would want you to “bite the bullet” for the team and endure some pain, to see the ultimate victory in your church, family, community. Read this true account below of courage, team-spirit, and the blessing of unity and sacrifice ....ITS GONNA BLOW YOUR SOCKS OFF! Happy Leading.

In the 1976 Olympics the twenty-six year old Japanese gymnast Shun Fujimoto showed courage and a team-spirit that is still unmatched. He broke his right knee on the floor apparatus, in fact, his kneecap and his patella was fractured, an injury that under ordinary circumstances would have immediately ended his participation in the Olympic Games. Fujimoto decided he would tell no one, not even his coach. Fujimoto knew that without his participation Japan had no chance for a team gold medal and he therefore told no one of his injury. Facing his fears he courageously stepped up to the rings apparatus, needing a 9.5 score to secure a Gold medal for the Japanese team over the Russians. He performed a near-flawless routine hitting every element and with very few even minor visible errors and deductions. Then, as if holding their breath, everyone watching for the dismount, which he would have to stick perfectly to secure the team gold medal for Japan. But how could a gymnast with broken kneecap possibly withstand the pain, the strain and the impact of a world class dismount from the eight foot high rings? Fujimoto somersaulted through the air and completed his brilliant routine and, to the amazement of everyone, sticking his landing and never moving an inch, in spite of the excruciating pain from the impact, which caused further injury dislocating the broken kneecap and tearing ligaments in his leg. Gritting his teeth and holding his landing position without a waver, Fujimoto
willed himself into the traditional stick-finish pose. Cheers erupted both for
his heroic performance of courage and the Olympic gold medal Fujimoto and his
teammates earned. The judges awarded him a 9.7 – the highest score he had ever recorded on the rings. His score on the rings was not only a personal best, but it allowed Japan to edge out Russia in the closest team win in Olympic gymnastic history.

We will never forget the tremendous courage, dedication and self-discipline shown by male gymnast Shun Fujimoto. The heroic story of male gymnast Shun Fujimoto is incredible in every respect. Toughness defines athletes, just as skill and talent do. Some, by their deeds and their demeanors, become the toughest of them all. If you don’t have mental toughness, you are never going to perform to your full physical potential. From time to time there are athletes who give us
a brand new perspective on what that potential might be. Eternal respect is
perpetuated for those who compete in the face of overwhelming odds and real
pain and danger.

Read the full story http://gymnasticszone.com/the-worlds-toughest-gymnast

#11 "Your Attitude Is Contagious"

A while ago I saw something from Josh Maxwell that was just too good not to share. So here it is......

Several things on a team are not contagious. Talent. Experience. Willingness to practice. But you can be sure of one thing: Attitude is catching. When someone on the team is teachable and his humility is rewarded by improvement, others are more likely to display similar characteristics. When a leader is upbeat in the face of discouraging circumstances, others admire that quality and want to be like her.… People have a tendency to adopt the attitudes of those they spend time with – to pick up on their mindset, beliefs, and approaches to challenges.

One of my mentors, Fred Smith, once told me there are two kinds of people in any organization:
polluters and purifiers. Polluters are like smokestacks, belching out dirty smoke all the time. They hate clear skies, and no matter how clear the air is, they can find a way to poison it with gloom.
When the people around them “breathe” their toxins, they feel sicker and sicker. Purifiers, on the other hand, make everything around them better. It doesn’t matter what kind of rotten atmosphere they encounter. They take in the toxic words of polluters in the organization just as everyone else does, but they filter the words before passing them on. What goes in may be gloomy and negative, but when it comes back out, it’s fresh and clear.

When you spend time with others, do they walk away feeling better or worse? Do you clear the air, giving them a fresh perspective and positive encouragement? Or do they go away feeling
gloomy? Watch how people respond to you, and you’ll know which kind of person you are.

# 10 "Self Leadership"

"But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God" 1 Samuel 30:6. There are times when you need to find your strength in God alone. In this passage, David returns from a victorious battle with his army, only to find that all the women, children and possessions have been taken captive. Their whole city was burned. He and his soldiers weep and cry out to God. But then, most importantly, HE GETS UP from mourning and finds strength in God. Friends, as leaders, one of the things that make us leaders is the ability to get up again. The ability to rise up from a loss is not common but as people of God it should be a natural reaction to a set-back. I call this "self leadership". It's the God-given ability to lead youself, especially when times are tough.

I once heard a friend say "with every new level, is a new devil". Funny but true. God leads us from one level of glory (leadership and influence) to another. However before we can lead others into this next level of glory, power and influence, we MUST lead ourselves. Allow God's grace to lift yourself out of self pity, victimisation and even depression. Something happens on the inside of a leader that causes him / her not to stay down. It's an ability to lead yourself into the call and purposes of God. I encourage you to stay bold and strong as you forge ahead into all that God has for you.

Happy leading.

# 9 "Little by little"

A well-known Bible teacher tells of a pilot friend who received word from the control tower saying, ‘You’re cleared for 5,000 feet.’ When he got there, he had to hold for further instructions. Next came the words, ‘You’re cleared for 10,000 feet.’ Gradually, the controller took him level by level to 35,000 feet where he was cleared to fly to his destination. God spoke to this Bible teacher and said, ‘I wish you would trust me like that. Instead you want to go straight to 35,000 feet in one thrust!’



Try to understand this: God sees the end from the beginning and He has already mapped out your journey. He knows that if you rise too quickly, there are dangers. You may be in the cockpit, but God’s in the control tower. And His Word for you today is: ‘Trust Me and I’ll get you safely to your destination.’ God’s plan for your life can’t be rushed. When you try to move too quickly, you end up in a tug-of-war with Him. And you lose every time!



1 Timothy 4:15 says ‘Be diligent so thateveryone may see your progress.’ Before God could trust David to lead thenation, He first had to see how he’d handle his father’s flock. It was here

that David built a relationship with God and developed the qualities that would sustain him through the tough times ahead when he was king. God will let you practice in a place where your weaknesses can be worked on, your gifts developed, and where your mistakes won’t affect too many others. That’s because He cares for them too! If God has put you on hold today, it’s because He loves you and wants only what’s best for you.



Face your past without regrets. Handle your present with confidence. And prepare for the future without fear! Never Give Up, Look UP!

Happy Leading !!