#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 !!

# 8 "Put a 10 on people"

Have you noticed how people rise to your level of expectation? I remember a very good leader who raised leaders around him, seemingly effortlessly. After a brief discussion with him, he said to me, "John, I tell people that they have what it takes. I tell people that I believe in them and that they have huge potential. I don't presume that they will answer the call to lead but I help them to, by telling them they can do it." What amazing leadership! I wonder how many more leaders (and more effective ones) we could have raised up if we had simply put this principle in place more intentionally? John Maxwell calls it "putting a 10 on people's head".

Jesus used the same principle. He chose leaders very differently to how we do today. He looked at potential and 'heart'. He even looked past small character blemishes. Where people saw Peter as an impulsive, inconsistent fisherman, Jesus saw a man willing to follow Him, albeit if he blows hot and cold. My challenge to you today is that you put a "10" on people form today. Watch them respond to you differently. See them rise up to their potential as you believe in them.

Happy leading!

# 7 "The Law Of Inclusion"

Man's greatest need is acceptance and to be loved. This is true regardless of age, economic status, culture or social status. There is a small key here that we can implement as leaders, that if we do this, on a regular, basis, we are sure to see followers soon become leaders alongside us. I call it 'The Law of Inclusion'. Everybody desires to feel included. We all desire a sense of belonging. Deep in the heart of all people is a desire to do something significant, meaningful and life-changing. One of the ways we can foster this desire is to make 'ordinary' people feel included in our world and in our 'sphere of influence'.

President Woodrow Wilson said "We should not only use all the brains we have - but all that we can borrow." So don't stop with just their brains, enlist their hearts and hands too! Another president, Lyndon Johnson, was right when he said, "There are no problems we cannot solve together, and very few that we can solve by ourselves." We need to look at our callings as leaders and ask ourselves "who can I include?". We need to look at potential. Jesus did exactly this when He hand-picked 12 disciples. He included them into His world.

In the nursing profession it is common knowledge to live by a certain phrase, "watch one, do one, teach one." The principle refers to learning a specific technique, doing it and then letting the apprentice do it while you watch. Harvard Business Review produced an article on 30 successful executives and said that every single one of them learned their skills firsthand directly from a mentor. For people to learn from us, we need to include them and mentor them.

Take some time everyday to include new people into your tasks and responsibilities as a leader. Watch how they develop in your midst, simply because you cared enough to include them.

Happy Leading!

# 6 "Leaders are people of faith, having 'a different spirit'"

So what was it that made Caleb so different that God would say "he had a different spirit"? What made people rally around Caleb (and Joshua) and caused them to possess the inheritance that God had for them? Numbers 14:24 "But because my servant Caleb has a different spirit and follows me wholeheartedly, I will bring him into the land he went to, and his descedents will inherit it."

You may recall the account in Numbers chapters 13 and 14. God presents His people with a tremendous opportunity. God tells 12 spies to go and see the land that He is giving them, their own inheritance. God wanted to see and hear what is in the hearts. Can they see what He sees? A land of milk and honey. Everything they have ever dreamed of. Then when they returned, only Joshua and Caleb could see the opportunity. The other 10 couldn't see it as "my land". All they could see were the giants, the big fortified cities and the obstacles before them.

In this life God has presented all of us with our own "promised land", be it a growing business, people being added to you, souls for the kingdom, a growing church, ongoing health, etc. But God will wait, look and listen to see what in your heart. Can you believe Him? Even if there are obstacles in the way?

Be like Caleb who, when the people complained, he silenced the people before Moses and said "let us go up at once and occupy it for we are well able to overcome it." Numbers 13:30

Be different and have a different spirit!! After all, with our God, you are a champion!

# 5 "Bold Faith and Humility"

A story is told of a missionary who ended up shipwrecked on a remote island where the natives nursed him back to health. For the next twenty years he lived among them. When they were sick he cared for them. When they were hungry he taught them how to grow food. When they were lonely he kept them company. When they were wronged he defended them. Later when other missionaries came and talked about Jesus, the islanders insisted that Jesus was already living among them. When the new missionaries were introduced to “Jesus” they discovered that it was none other than their old friend they thought was dead. I love this story. It really does raise the bar for us and sets a great example for us live by.

Similarly, in this life, it requires tremendous faith to rise and be counted for God if we're going to lead people and accomplish something great. Somehow God calls us as leaders to have faith in Him and His purposes, His timing, His leading and His calling. Two of the main ingredients God is looking for, in leaders, are faith and humility. They sound like opposites but they're not. Humility is simply acknowledging before God that He alone is the Source of all your abilities. Hebrews 11:6 says "without faith it is impossible to please God". God is always "attracted" to people with faith, especially if its bold, humble faith. We read so many accounts of men and women in the Bible who simply believed in God and His ability to save, deliver, heal and conquer. We read of Moses, Abraham, Joshua, Elijah, David, Jeremiah, Ruth, Ezra and many others who had a bold faith in God. However this faith must never be mistaken as arrogance but rather its a faith that is in God, and what He can do. The humility that God requires is not an inferiority complex or a drawing back or a shyness. No its simply an acknowledgement that God is the giver of you gifts, your callings, your abilities and your future.

Try to live with this balance of having bold faith with an underlying humility in God. Trust God that as fruit and success comes your way that you will give Him the glory for it. This is humility. Forget about people who misunderstand your life, your words and your actions. Keep believing and trusting God. Keep speaking words filled with faith. Keep your head up high, a smile on your face and go for it. Lastly, here's a thought: nobody has ever been rebuked by God for having too much faith. God has never said "son, you trusted Me for too much". Go ahead and "make His day" by keep trusting Him.

Happy leading!!

# 4 "Character vs Gifting"

Your gifts and talents will only take you as far as your character. I have seen many people over the years with amazing gifts and talents but they never had the character to nurture and foster them. Character is like the foundations of a house, its below the surface and unseen. You know it's there but without it, a house will not last. Helen Keller said "character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired, and success achieved."

So here's the burning question; "do you have the character, to sustain your calling, your gifts and your talents?" You see Sampson had a tremendous gift - his physical strength. But at he did not have the character to keep himself 'successful' to the end. He tragically fell to Delilah, after being tempted. Who or what is the Delilah in your life that will try to trip you up, so that you become another statistic of fallen leaders? In this life you will face many trial, tests and temptations, that God will allow, for you to grow and come through as "more than a conqueror". Every time you pass these character tests, you set yourself up for more fruit and ultimate success. In fact Jesus says "whoever is trusted with very little, can also be trusted with much" (Luke 16:10 NIV). Jesus wants you to walk in all the potential of your gifts, but you need to be faithful first with a little.

Friends life is designed to test our values and morals. And rest assured, it will!! Settle it. But, these, once passed, will strengthen you, equiup you and enlarge your leadership capacity. Your CV, your qualifications, you degree, your reputation, your gifts, your talents, these all may get you to the top, but if you don't have Godly character as a strong foundation, you won't stay there. Too many people focus entirely on gifting when its actually Godly character that we should be aiming for. As you lead people, make Godly character your goal. When you do, God will trust you with more.

Happy leading

#3 "YOU are the song"

So we're called to live a life that honours Jesus, glorifying Him and causes others around us to marvel at God's nature in us. Right? Well this is leadership. Its living a life, on purpose (or intentionally), that mostly glorifies Him. Now I'm aware that none of us live in a realm of total perfection. However while we do life together, nothing should stop us from living with a constant attitude of "Lord I want to worship you and honour you in everything I do and say". This is like the bride who keeps herself beautiful and attractive for her groom. Like the church keeping herself attractive for Jesus our groom. Another way of saying this is "Lord, may my entire life be a song of worship to You". Friend YOU are that song !!

Isn't it funny how music always grabs our attention! How much more then can we draw people's attention by our lives that "show off" God's nature and attributes to the world around us? When we realize that we are "a song" to God, people will watch us and learn from us. They will watch us and see God working in us and through us. In Matthew 5:14-16 Jesus said "let your light shine.....so that men will see it and glorify God in heaven". This puts the responsibility squarely on us to "let" our lives reflect Jesus. Don't separate your daily life from worship times, thinking one is less honourable to God than the other. Its ALL a worship to Him. Don't think God is more please with your Bible study and worship times than your cleaning up at home and serving clients at your work place. No, it’s all a worship to God. So do it all as a worship song to Him.

So go ahead and "make His day" and shine your light. Let your very life be a song to Him and let others, whom you lead, watch you. You are the song, so sing - bold, loud and proud!!!

Happy LEADING !!

# 2 "Called, equiped and growing"

As leaders, God calls us to stand out from the crowd. Yes that's right, stand out. Settle it once and for all that from now on you will need to lead strong and lead well, causing others to follow you, as you follow Christ. The good news is that God equips us over time. But to answer "yes" to God's call, we need to recognise our weaknesses, our strengths, while seeing the God-potential in us to obey that call. This attitude requires a balance between a God-confidence and humility. Not easy to do. It requires faith in God. The "catch-22" in this is that many times God calls people who seem to lack the necessary skills for the task at hand. However, God mostly looks for character and then adds the skills needed, over time, watching us grow and develop. If God had to wait for each potential-leader untill they had acquired all the skills needed, we will never have leaders around us. No, God's way is to choose imperfect, available volunteers who have the character to be used by Him, in humility, obedience and faith. As God calls you and equips you, remember that it takes time to grow in it and show fruit, consistently through the years. Many will not understand the fact that you make mistakes and most will not see that you are a "work in progress".

God's Word says that each of us have recieved various gifts, talents and callings. See Romans12:4-9 and 1Timothy4:12. Shew, I'm so grateful for God's "equipment" in us! All of these are for a purpose greater than ourselves. They're not for you. They're always for others. God supernaturally calls you, then equips you for the task, then over the years you will continue to grow in your calling, producing more and more fruit as the years pass by.

So from today, don't put unnecessary pressure on yourself to be "the perfect" leader. And don't portray yourself to be that either. Live humbly, yet confident in Him and His grace that enables you to grow into your potential. Take the gifts, talents and calling that God put in you and pray that they increase and grow. Be patient as He crafts and slowly chips away at you, watching your growth and development. Glorify Him for His work in you and through you to others. Wow what a privilege!

Happy LEADING !!

#1 "The Attitude of a Leader's Mind"

"It's not what you are that holds you back, it's what you think you are not." - Denis Waitley

Someone once said "every organisation rises and falls on leadership". This is so true. Not only for a business, a family, but also in the Kingdom of God and the Christian Church. We have Jesus as the head of the church, who will never fail, but we also have "men" who fulfil certain callings and offices to help equip the saints into our glorious future. They are imperfect vessels doing their best. All of us are.

Denis Waitley rightfully says here that your thinking has a lot to do with weather or not you will indeed become the leader that God has intended or not. God wants us to think the right thoughts - about ourselves. Not too highly. (Romans 12:3) Not to low either. But how can we minimise (or even cancel) the 'wrong' thinking of ourselves?

I believe it starts by seeing yourself as God sees you. I know, this is easier said than done but I challenge you to find out what God's word really says about you. Now believe it! Then you need to sift every feeling and thought about yourself, through these truths. Next, we need to discover who we really are - our strengths, our weaknesses, our default settings, our tendencies, our insecurities, the list goes on ..... Let some close people around you regularly 'check up' on you, give them permission to make sure you don't think to highly of yourself or to low. Ask them questions like "how am I doing as a leader?" "Where can I improve?" "What weaknesses in me do you think I probably don't see?" Be encouraged. These adjustments we make in our leading abilities is a life-long process. And remember: "we are all a work in progress". Small steps, small adjustments, all the way to the end!

Happy leading !