Special Gifts in Our Lives

     As we think about the Christmas holiday we often think about gifts. Gifts and Christmas go together! God has reminded me of several special gifts in my life and that I need to focus on these this year at Christmas. 

So, I thought I would share these special gifts with you:

The Gift of God’s Son

o  Without baby Jesus there is no Christmas – He is the primary reason for celebrating at Christmas time.

o  This is a remarkable gift to us because wrapped up in baby Jesus is all of the goodness and grace the world will ever need.

o  So, our hearts should be full of worship and praise because of this special gift.

o   Mt. 1:21 – “And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”

The Gift of Relationships

o   We need each other and are really dependent upon each other

o   Spending time together on purpose is important. Like: having Fun together, Encouraging each other, Keeping each other accountable, Caring for each others needs and many more…

o  This is a great time of year to let each other know how much you appreciate them and love them

o   1 John 3:11 – “This is the message we have heard from the beginning: We should love one another

The Gift of Grace

o  I think that at this time of year when non-believers are more open to hearing about Jesus – it is easier to find common ground

§   Even secular radio stations (KSOI 101) play songs like: Hark the Herald Angels Sing

·   "Born that man might die no more"

·   "God and sinners reconciled"

o   God has given us the opportunity to reach out to those who do not know Him and share the glory of His grace. We should look for these opportunities.

o   We will be spending Christmas dinner with our neighbors across the street. It will be fun to be with them and relate together during this special time of the year

o   1 Corinthians 9:22 – “Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone so that I might bring them to Christ.”

The Gift of Gratitude

o  We have a lot to be thankful for and Christmas is a great time to express our thanks to God and those around us

o  Even in the midst of difficult economic times and unsettled tension around the world

§   God is still in control

§   He is unchanging and faithful and these challenges do not faze him

o  Our thankfulness will grow as we trust God

o  Psalm 100:4 – “Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and bless his name.”

 

So, hopefully during this Christmas Season we can all embrace these special gifts in our lives. 

Merry Christmas to you all!!

Is Flexibility in Leadership Important?

One of our church elders recently sent me this article. I found this information to be interesting and enlightening. These perspectives on the tendencies of different generations seem to apply to the work place but can be used in multiple settings to attract these different generations. 

What do Traditionalists, Boomers, Gen Xers and Millennials (Gen Y) have in common?

They all want flexibility.

This new mix of generations brings many advantages for businesses, from life experience and honed expertise to innovation and finesse at navigating technology. Organizations  must strive to attract new talent while retaining the knowledge and expertise of the time-honored generations. Flexibility is crucial for all generations as we continually define and redefine how, when, why and where people work.

Who are these generations? What are the benefits of having this generational span in organizations? And how does leadership attract, retain and motivate them simultaneously?

The Traditionalists (1900-1945, 75 million), known as the "radio age," are a massive generation that predates modern technology and networks. They possess invaluable information and historical perspectives, and their knowledge and expertise need to be captured before all have left the workforce.

Like Traditionalists, Boomers (1946-1964, 80 million), known as the "TV age," have a wealth of knowledge and expertise that is indispensable to the organization. They generally possess a "can do" attitude. Boomers are experienced in forging relationships and are seen as mentors in their organizations. From a management perspective, flexibility is something this generation is seeking as they want and need to remain in the workforce longer but would prefer reduced workloads and more control of when and where they work.

Gen X (1965-1981, 51 million), known as the "computer age," has a strong affinity for technology because they are coming of age in a time when technology is being used as a tool for personal and professional empowerment. They have a strong streak of individualism and use technology as a vehicle for self-expression. They have more faith in themselves than established institutions and are adept and comfortable with change. This generation is noted for introducing successful, large-scale, flexible work arrangements.

Millennials (Gen Y) (1982-1989, 78 million) and the beginnings of some new entrants of the Screenagers (1989-1994, 24.3 million), known as the "Internet, digital age," are the real "digital natives" and view technology as an inclusive tool for social networking and reaching out to communicate and collaborate. Technology is transparent to them. The barriers of time and space have different meaning for this generation. Content is what drives them. They prefer using technology to communicate, and this generation is the largest and most networked in world history.

From a leadership perspective, Gen X and Millennials are accustomed to using technology to enable a looser, more improvisational work style and feel that traditional work environments are restricting. They place high value on work/life balance. In fact, Millennials don't make a traditional distinction between work and personal life. Both generations use technology to work smarter and more efficiently while trying to minimize process. They leverage mobile technology to work anytime, anywhere, putting less emphasis on "being there" as an indication of commitment.

Overall, companies are challenged with the changing definition of work and work styles. It is in the organizations best interest to empower employees with the tools needed to work anytime, anywhere. Employees now work outside the company's offices more than ever before. And as flexible work styles and increased mobility become the norm, secure and easy-to-use remote access to business resources becomes non-negotiable.

Beth Gulas, President of WorkForce Management (bgulas@aol.com, www.workforcemgmt.com), helps organizations understand how to collaboratively bridge the generational gaps and realize greater business success.

Choosing Wisely

So much of our lives is about the choices we make. This is especially true as leaders. Our individual choices effect us personally and they effect those we influence through leadership. There is a new business book coming out by David Cottrell entitled, "Monday Morning Choices: 12 Powerful Ways to Go from Everyday to Extraordinary." In this book Cottrell offers 12 principles for successful living, grouped into three types of choices:

Personal Choices

These are the choices people make that mold their character, including accepting responsibility, commitment, values and integrity.

Action Choices

These are the kind that lead to success, and include being focused by sticking to your objectives, maintaining enthusiasm about work and life, and being willing to deal with difficult issues head on instead of avoiding them.

Investment Choices

These have nothing to do with the economy or how you are investing in the stock market. Instead these are choices that we make by investing in relationships, accepting constructive criticism, seeking the truth, and giving back to others.

Our choices truly do make a difference in our lives. I hope that as a leader you can use wisdom with your personal choices, your action choices, and your investment choices.

Thanksgiving and Leadership

We have all heard it said that leaders lead by example. I believe this is really a true statement. In 1863 Abraham Lincoln led by example when he proclaimed that the last Thursday of November would be a day of Thanksgiving and praise to God. His proclaimation goes like this...

By the President of the United States of America.

A Proclamation.

The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God. In the midst of a civil war of unequaled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign States to invite and to provoke their aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere except in the theatre of military conflict; while that theatre has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union. Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defence, have not arrested the plough, the shuttle or the ship; the axe has enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore. Population has steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege and the battle-field; and the country, rejoicing in the consiousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years with large increase of freedom. No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy. It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American People. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquillity and Union.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the United States to be affixed.

Done at the City of Washington, this Third day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of the Independence of the Unites States the Eighty-eighth.

By the President: Abraham Lincoln

President Lincoln used his leadership to point people to the source of our generous provisions. Will you as a leader use your influence to instill in others the importance of being thankful? Along with this will you direct people's attention to God as the source of  every good and perfect gift?

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you!!

Leadership Tips from Bill Gates

Bill Gates writes about four leadership tips that he applies:

1. Take two “retreats” every year.

“Leave your office to develop long-range strategies.” Leadership transcends the tactical management and leads the strategic initiatives. A great way to refresh and refocus is to get out of the mold, so you can gain a different perspective on where things are heading.

2. Read books on other topics.

“Read books on topics that don’t pertain strictly to your business or industry. It’s the best way to maintain a broad perspective.” Leaders need to open up broad channels of input; you need to assess what other industries are doing as they impact yours. Microsoft did not attain its level of success by forgetting about their customers were doing. Their customers were small and medium businesses in healthcare, government, finance, and “mom and pop” shops, etc. All these other industries are intertwined with all the rest of the world.

3. Identify problems early.

“Identify problems early by tracking “exceptions,” such as sales figures that suddenly sag for a particular product. Jump on them right away.” Know what to expect and you will find anomalies. Once you found an anomaly, you have found a potential problem worth exploring. But, all in all, you need metrics in place to track anything.

4. Stop at the end of each day

“Stop at the end of each day to analyze how well you used it. If you wasted time on things you didn’t need to do, eliminate them tomorrow.” Just imagine how much more efficient and effective you will be!

Heart and Leadership Check-Up

The greatest resource for leadership development is the Bible. We can read about many development practices for leaders in God's Word. One great challenge is for a leader to “Guard His Heart.”

 How can you focus on guarding your heart?

 By looking for Straight “A’s” in your heart and in your leadership:

 A – Attitude:  This is a decision of the will and it is about choosing the right attitude.

q       Philippians 2:5-7 – servant

q       Romans 12

 A – Affection: What are the affections of my heart? What are the expressions of my heart?

q       Philippians 1:3-8

q       Foundation of our affection – Jesus; act like Jesus

A – Alignment:  GC2 – Great Commandment and Great Commission

q       Align your heart and people to the main thing

q       Ephesians 4:1-4 – this is our description of power

q       Key = Unity. It is important to remember that many times when we are aligned there can be eruptions. Pursuing unity does not necessarily mean 100% agreement. 

A – Application:  As leaders we need to be doers of the Word. As we are doers the skills exhibited will be honoring to God.

q       Unsharpened axe vs. Sharpened axe: James 1:22 - sharpened axe; Ecclesiastics 10:10 – unsharpened ax

q       Key = keeping your axe sharp

Well, now comes the tough question, are you getting Straight "A's" with your leadership? I'm guessing we all have room for improvement. I hope this is helpful as you think about your heart for leadership.

Praying For Our Nation

We are going through a time of great uncertainty as a nation. What is around the corner? The good news is that God knows what is around the corner and we can depend upon Him. As leaders our greatest response to uncertainty is prayer. I read this article this morning from Patricia Raybon and found it very encouraging - I hope you do as well and that it leads you to pray.

1)       Be still.

Commit to stop spinning in circles about the “financial meltdown,” the “impending financial catastrophe,” the political campaign – how it’s all going to turn out, what’s in the news, who’s ahead in the polls – or even about your own family’s financial future, says Raybon. “Instead, follow the examples of Bible heroes and first be still before the holiness of God.” Especially during a crisis, but on every day, “take real time to get quiet and turn your attention solely on God – focusing on the Lord, breathing in his rest, peace, wisdom and his amazing presence.” She cites Psalm 91:1 as a reminder. "They who dwell in the secret place of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty." (Psalm 91:1) The result? Renewal, refreshment, vision, power in prayer.

2) Seek God.

Put aside your worries and concerns to instead seek God’s face. Seeking him “changes our focus from the news, the problems, the crisis, ourselves – back to God. As we humbly seek him, meantime, we’ll recognize he is already taking care of our nation and its concerns, providing his answers to our problems.” She cites the Matthew 6:33 as a familiar but key verse: "Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."

3) Be Humble, Fast and Forgive.

Glorify God and unlock his prayer answers by humbly turning from the wickedness of unforgiveness against others. Or as Jesus said: "And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins." (Mark 11:25) Adds Raybon: “Ask the Holy Spirit to remove vengeful, evil feelings about others from your heart, especially during the tenseness of these tumultuous days. Look to Jesus instead for his light and healing. After the cleansing of forgiveness, you will pray with renewed power.” A reminder: "The Lord is far from the wicked but he hears the prayer of the righteous." (Proverbs 15:29)

4) Turn from Evil.

If you have a hidden fault – one you know is offensive to God – now is the time to turn from it for good. Focus today not on what Wall Street executives did. Instead, examine your own life. As the Lord told Solomon in II Chronicles 7:13 “When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, if my people who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

5) Get up.

Put some “feet on your prayers.” Go help somebody else. Indeed, as the Lord told the prophet Jonah regarding Nineveh’s national crisis, “But Nineveh has more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left, and many cattle as well. Should I not be concerned about that great city?” In other words, use this time of national crisis to reconcile yourself to God – but also to others, by helping somebody else. Ask God to show you another’s needs you can meet. In that way, praying is not just about asking, “it’s about how we live,” says Raybon. “That’s the message in these biblical stories. Be humble. Seek God. Pray. Clean up our own living. Then God will also heal our land.” 

For more information about her ministry visit: www.patriciaraybon.com. 

Leadership Quotes to Ponder

• Vision is the currency that purchases the buy-in of leaders.

• Become pre-occupied with those you haven't reached as opposed to those you are trying to keep.

• Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things.

• When your memories exceed your dreams, the end is near.

• Vision begins with a burden.

• A leader is a dealer in hope.

• Lead with courage, because there is much at stake.
  

• Don't tell people how to do things, tell them what to do and let them surprise you with their results.

• The best executive is the one who has sense enough to pick good men to do what he wants done, and self-restraint to keep from meddling with them while they do it.
  

• Leadership is the art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it.
  

What do you think?

Making Waves

Our Children's Ministry Director recently gave me an article to read about change. Creating healthy change is a big part of leadership. Environments of change should not be "change for the sake of change, but change for the sake of progress." This article by Larry Shallenberger highlights some important steps to consider when going down the path toward change.

Brain Waves

Effective change begins in the mind of the leader. It is important to carefully analyze the change you are thinking about instituting. This analyzing should include considering the dynamics that will come into play in your situation. So, be sure to start with this question - what do I hope to accomplish through this change?

Sound Waves

Now that you are clear and the why's of your change begin to think about how you will communicate this change. Shallenberger says, "Lasting change always starts with the invisible and progresses to the visible. Change minds before structures." So, the second question is - can you make a compelling case for your change in two sentences?

Light Waves

Once you have communicated the change and the reason for this change you are ready for implementation. In most cases, if the reasons are communicated clearly and in a compelling way this step should not be to difficult. The important thing to remember here is to execute with excellence. So, the third question is - what do we need to do to launch this change with 

excellence? It is during this wave that you can go to great lengths to build trust with your team. Trust from your team will come as you communicate with them and get them the needed resources to help with the launch of the change.

Shock Waves

Harvard Business Professor Leonard Schlesinger says this, "By accomplishing anything of value, a whole segment of the population will not appreciate what you are doing." So when the waves come - how should we respond to criticism? 

• Listen Graciously
• Honor this person for having the courage to come and confront you
• Lead with Strength

If you are convinced that this change is right for your organization, be careful not to shrink back when criticized. Nothing creates confusion faster than a wavering leader. Remain steady and have the courage to continue implementing your change.

Change is a part of life. Organizations that are unwilling to change soon become ineffective. So, be willing to make waves for the sake of moving forward.

Story of Influence

In 1986, something remarkable happened in the little town of Conyers, Georgia. High School officials there discovered that one of their basketball players - who had played forty-five seconds in the first of the school's five post-season games - had actually been scholastically ineligible. They discovered this after the championship game was history. What did they do in response? Had they just swept it under the rug, no one would have noticed. The studenthad only appeared once for forty-five seconds! It was not that big of a deal. But that's not how they saw it. They returned the state championship trophy they had won just three weeks before. They could have kept quiet and kept the trophy, but they had too much moral intelligence to do that.

To their credit, the team and the town, althought they were sad, stood behind the school's decision. The coach said, "We didn't know he was ineligible at the time...but you've got to do what's honest and right and what the rules say. I told the team that people forget the scores of games; they don't forget what you're made of."

This is an amazing story of integrity. Integrity in leadership is critical for the credibility of the leader.

So, here's a few lessons for our leadership from this story:

1. 90% of our leadership life is about our character.

2. The invisible trumps the visible. The inside should always come first.

3. From our being as leaders flows our doing.

4. Small compromises by leaders can go unnoticed for a period of time but eventually these compromises will have a negative impact on the leader's influence.

So, integrity in our leadership should never be compromised!!