If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don’t cover up the truth with boasting and lying. 15 For jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. 16 For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.
17 But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. 18 And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness. James 13-18
Since my last post I have been asking God for direction on what would be a good topic to write about. In this time of elections and the economic stress the world is facing I believe it fitting this blog is about leadership. In our world of abundant information this topic seems to be saturated with materials in areas of who is the most successful leader of our time as well what leadership style will lead a person to overwhelming control.
A key element for an impactful leader is someone who has a listening ear. This person must hear in details that allow for the digestion of information in a concise manner. Not only must the person be able to ingest rapidly flowing information, but must be able to store this information in the proper area so it can be of value when needed. Listening in detail provides the opportunity for the person speaking to feel the listener is engaged and values their thoughts.
One of the most dangerous aspects of being a leader is how we control our words. I must tell you that my train of thought is to tell truth and not to mince words. My wife continues to inform me that it is ok to not mince words, but my delivery could be better. Words can be destroyer or builders! Here is a place we need to find ourselves if we are leaders or not. Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. James 1:19. Speaking is powerful and creates a deeper insight to us and individuals so let what we speak ring true to who God wants us to be seen as.
A servant heart is needed to be a leader who can intermingle with others. Many times leaders remain a safe distance for others who they are leading. Using my experience as a current leader I find myself remaining in contact with people who I lead, but not close enough to the situation for all involved. I do find it works well for some people, but others need more contact and connection while looking for nothing in return. With a servants heart we must use our leadership role to help others. True servant leaders’ finds people are attracted to them not because they have to tell everyone they are a leader, but because people can feel the emotions a servant leader radiates. Once we are in a leadership role with a serving heart we have to be prepared to place others lives before our own.
Reverting to one earlier thought about our economic situation and the election bring this part of leadership into full view. We must be a humble leader! Why do I say this… to be in a role of responsibility is truly a blessing for the Lord? Do leaders need to be people whose decisions are swayed by other opinions without careful contemplation? No! We have to be humble in the manner knowing that God is in control of all things and he is allowing us the opportunity to be a leader. Therefore we must be clear in how be speak, how we interact and react to situations so we are not seen as a person who thinks they are in this alone. By having a humble spirit in leadership we can empower others to support you as well as provide the confidence to others whereby they become leaders.
In closing in order for us to be the ultimate leader we must be patient in all things. When there is an uprising against you and all the people you trusted have turned away, remember to patient because the Lord has the answer. Patience will allow you trust the Lord and rejoice in all things. The employee is struggling completing the task you felt should have been completed some time ago be patient for the Lord will reward you in your dealing with this person. Therefore being patient will lead you away from harshly judging of others. We must all keep in mind that we can view this great leader exhibit all the attributes of being a model leader, but at any time they can fall. So pray for your leaders at all times!!
Grace and Peace to you,
Rod
Rulookingforjesus's Weblog 