We are each leading in 2017. You may be leading a major corporation or a mega church. Others are Pastors or Board members in small and medium sized churches. Others lead mission organizations with worldwide influence. Still other leaders work with dynamic local community boards. Whatever your position and level of authority, you are leading and influencing others. This New Year is an opportunity to think about leading more effectively.
These two quotes illustrate the challenge and opportunity we have as leaders.
“Leaders are the ones who run headfirst into the unknown. They rush toward the danger. They put their own interests aside to protect us or to pull us into the future. Leaders would sooner sacrifice what is theirs to save what is ours. And they would never sacrifice what is ours to save what is theirs. This is what it means to be a leader. It means they choose to go first into danger, headfirst toward the unknown. And when we feel sure they will keep us safe, we will march behind them and work tirelessly to see their visions come to life and proudly call ourselves their followers.” (Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek)
“The most valuable component of leadership is not power, position, influence, notoriety, fame, talent, gifting, dynamic oratory, persuasiveness, intellectual superiority, academic achievement, or management skills. It is character. Character is the cradle of credibility for the leader. Without the element of strong, noble, honorable character, leadership and all its potential achievements are in danger of cancellation. Every leader is only as safe and secure as his character.” (The Power of Character in Leadership by Myles Munroe)
The challenge to myself and our readers in 66 countries is to review and evaluate our personal leadership style. Talk to your coach, your mentors or your associates then write a short paragraph describing what your leadership style should look like this New Year.
Leadership is … praying, meditating then implementing in a God-pleasing and effective way.
Yours in Service,
Laurie D. Kennedy
Leadership Coach
Jethro Group
ldkjethrogroup@gmail.com