New Year, New Leadership Challenges

As we begin a new year, I'm already reminded that being a leader is tough, but the need is great for leaders to step forward to meet the challenges of the day. I read the following in the Maxwell Leadership Bible, and thought I'd pass it on...

God is the ultimate leader, and He calls every believer to lead others. God could have arranged His creation in any number of ways, but He chose to create human beings who possess spirits and the capacity to relate to Him and follow Him, and yet who are not forced to do so.

When mankind fell in to sin, God could have executed a plan of redemption that did not include sinful people, but He has called us to participate and to lead others as we follow Him. God made that clear from the beginning when He stated, "have dominion" (Genesis 1:28).

The call to leadership is a constant pattern in the Bible. When God decided to raise up a nation of His own, He didn't call upon the masses. He called out one leader - Abraham. When He wanted to deliver his people out of Egypt, He didn't guide them as a group. He raised up a leader to do it - Moses. When it came time for the people to cross in to the Promised Land, they followed one man - Joshua.

Every time God desired to do something great, He called a leader to step forward. Today He still calls leaders to step forward for every work - both large and small.

Who are you leading? Who is looking to you for leadership? What difference can you make in 2010? It's going to be a great year!

Potential.... scary thing

One of the great joys of life for me is seeing people reach their potential.  Last night, the IHS rugby team had their first official scrimmage of the season.  The guys have been working hard for several weeks in practice, so it was good to finally go out and hit somebody for real.   I'm still learning my role as an assistant coach, and there is a lot about the game of rugby that I still have to learn.  But what I do know is that seeing these young men "get it" on the field is / was an exciting thing.  And yes, I thought Ben, Jake, and Zac were amazing on the field.  Ben stepped up in the 8man position and led, both in his play, and verbally.  Jake was pushing guys around and was quick to the ball... even had a carry.  And then Zac, as a freshman and getting his first game action, showed everyone what he can do as he continues to learn the game.  His good hands and quick feet left some of us a little bug-eyed.  

So enough of the bragging... here's my point.  All of us are created with purpose.  All of us have potential.  We all bring "something" to the table.  The question:  Are you reaching your potential?  Are you beginning to connect the dots and live in the purpose that  you've been created for?  Only then will you excel... only then will you and I really find true joy in our lives. 

The first game for the Eagles comes March 5 as we host Franklin.  We've got just a few weeks to get better, and take another step toward our potential as a team.  In life, we don't know how much time we have.  We don't know how many opportunities to fulfill our calling we really have.  Go make the play... do what you're called to do.

Shut up and listen

I had lunch with one of our Group Life leaders yesterday.  I love the opportunity to set down, especially over coffee or lunch, and just chat.  Sometimes it's about family matters, sometimes leadership principles, and sometimes important things like UT football.  I think this leader and I covered just about all of the above.  It was the second such meeting that I've had this week, and I have several more scheduled for next week.

One of the things that we talked about was how important it is to listen to people.  Listen to what they say, and, as importantly, to what they don't say.  This leader is far wiser than I, but it was a great reminder of this simple skill.

Whether you are a leader in your family, in your church, small group, or business, maybe the best thing you could do for your organization, is just shut up and listen.  In the crazy culture that we live in, it will be a breath of fresh air to the person across from you... 

shhhhhhh... just listen