Introduction: A Leader Worth Following

Transcription

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Copyright © 2010 Leelo-Dianne Bush, PhD.
All rights reserved worldwide.
No part of this ebook may be copied, distributed or sold without
the express written permission of Dr. Bush.
Contact [email protected] or call 239-540-4660.
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Introduction:
A Leader Worth Following
Some time ago, I heard leadership described something like this:
“… if you turn around and discover that no one is following you, all
you are doing is taking a walk!” Or as Proverbs 14:28 teaches, "A
large population is a king's glory, but without subjects a prince is ruined."
Maybe that is why some organizations change leaders frequently. It
might be that they have not selected leaders that others are willing to
follow. Another Proverb states: “When a country is rebellious, it has
many leaders, but a man of understanding and knowledge maintains
order” (Proverbs 28:2).
A good leader then, is someone who motivates his followers. He or she
negotiates skillfully, is comfortable with taking action and always has the
best interest of the group in mind. A great leader does one more thing.
He or she is visionary, having an eye on the future. With this in mind, a
great leader not only leaves a legacy, but also develops others to take
over the reins in the future.
Make a list of the qualities of a great leader, based on the areas our
group of authors wrote about. Check off the ones that apply to you and
underline any that need work. Start today, to address areas you noted,
which would benefit from additional growth.
Leelo-Dianne Bush, PhD
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Leadership Definitions
“Leadership is the discipline of deliberately exerting special influence within a group to move it toward goals of beneficial
permanence that fulfill the group’s real needs.” John Haggai
“Leadership is a process of influence. Anytime you seek to influence the thinking, behavior, or development of people in
their personal or professional lives, you are taking on the role of a leader.” Ken Blanchard
Finally, the United States Army’s definition is, “influencing people – by providing purpose, direction, and motivation – while
operating to accomplish the mission and improving the organization.”
Leadership … translates vision into reality!
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Press ‘0’ for an Operator
I love Walt Disney World. I admit it. I use my children as an excuse to go myself. If
WDW offered me the right job tomorrow, I would be there in a heartbeat. Part of the
reason is because of the “magic”, as my 6 year old puts it. Part of the reason is
because it is a shining example of what can happen when you believe in your dreams.
However, the main reason, simply put, is customer service.
They are the best at customer service. They are better at hospitality and making you
feel welcome than a lot of churches across this country, which is a shame. They
simply welcome you and take care of you.
Customer service is a very simple concept. If you treat others, as you would like to be
treated, done deal. Good customer service cannot be described in a three-volume
policy manual or a script detailing out how to solve every possible crisis. Great
customer service is pure and simple empathy. Put yourself in their shoes and do as
you would have done to yourself. When you complicate it more than this, you screw it
up.
Submitted by Todd Miller, MCLC.
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The Truth About Excellence
For years I put the topic of excellence in the same category as competition. Both have
the inherent quality of triumph over failure. However, competition suggests the need to
be better than another individual while excellence is striving to do your personal best.
Competition is like the number 3 contending with the number 4. Each number is
necessary in order to complete the science of mathematics. Each individual is
necessary to complete the whole family of man.
Excellence is not competing; it is performing to the best of your ability and experiencing
your own self worth through it all. When we strive to accomplish a goal, big or small, it
should be done with love, creativity, orderliness, integrity and wisdom – that is how we
reach excellence.
Submitted by Jenny Grace Morris, MCLC.
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“The brighter your light of faith, the further it will
allow you to see in the dark.”
The road God has for us to travel is dark. On our own, we can’t see down that dark
road. Yet when we have faith it is like a candle glowing. As we move along in the
darkness of our world, our faith is the candle that lights our way yet it gives off only so
much light. We have to move in order for further illumination to occur.
So even if we are in complete darkness, God’s light will always give us at least enough
clarity to see our next step. His light shows us the path we are capable of traveling.
As we move ahead, so does the light, helping us to see what’s next in our journey.
Submitted by Evan Bush, MCLC
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How Do You Inspire Confidence?
To inspire confidence, take the fear out of the future. Let others know you have faith in
their abilities. People desperately need you to believe in them. Yes, even those who
seem to have it all together. Sometimes those who are most successful and
accomplished need your words even more than others because they feel the most
vulnerable. So don’t scrimp in the praise department.
When you see things are not going well, don’t tell your group they have failed. Rather
tell them they are making progress and getting better with each effort. People try
harder when they feel encouraged.
Also make sure you keep communication lines open. Keep your team informed and
seek their input. Others will begin to follow your example when they see your positive
results.
By Leelo-Dianne Bush, PhD.
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Divine Expansion
“Expanding our territory leaves us exhilarated, not exhausted.”
Darlene Wilkinson,
Author of “The Prayer of Jabez for Woman”
As a single parent for many years, I know how life tends to pull us in many directions
and we can feel like we are on an endless treadmill with no peace and no clear picture
of the abundant life God came to give us. So when we hear about the Prayer of Jabez
and think about expanding our territory or areas of influence, this can be daunting, to
say the least. We have to remember that how we spend each minute is a choice. We
have many choices. We can lie around and feel sorry for ourselves or we can divide
and conquer, so to speak, by “possessing the land,” the Promised Land that God
desires for each of us in which to live.
The first step in achieving this life is not more work, but rather “resting” and abiding in
Him. If we trust God and ask Him to expand our borders, He will do so in a manner
that is not exhausting, but in a manner in which we are using and directing our natural
gifts and talents for His purposes. Then we enter into His “anointing of ease.” So
rather than being like Martha, concerned about many things, if we take the time to sit at
the feet of Jesus and listen for His instructions and discern His leadings, we will spend
“less” time and energy, and find ourselves to be “more” effective for Him and His
purposes.
Submitted by Kathy Bateman, MCLC.
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Is Your Purpose Going Unfulfilled?
Jesus’ purpose was to do the will of God, not to satisfy His own human desires (John
6). When we follow Jesus, we should have the same purpose. He set us apart before
we were born (Jeremiah 1:5). These words should cause people living chaotic lives to
think twice. Did God really put any of us here only to juggle work expectations, family
responsibilities, busy schedules, and more? More importantly, what purposes does
God have for His people that are going unfulfilled simply because of all the lives being
lived without any deliberate discernment?
Christians are just as susceptible to the same trap and often times need to evaluate
their own lives. Do you know God’s purpose for your life? Do you know what your
spiritual gifts, passions, and interests are? Ask God to help you answer these
questions. Devote time for prayer and reflection. Expect Him to reveal His plan for
your life, and then begin to live in accordance with the will of God. Once you know
how God wants to use you, it will be much easier to pass on opportunities not in
alignment with His will.
Submitted by Debbie Stankovich, MCLC.
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What Is In Your Box?
Many years ago a man would travel from town to town with a glass box. He would set it
on a table, covered with a cloth. Then he would put $100.00 on the table next to it.
Any person who would put up $10.00 could keep the $100.00 if he could keep his hand
on the glass for five minutes. When the money was paid the man would remove the
cloth to reveal the biggest rattlesnake anyone ever saw. When the challenger put his
hand to the glass the snake would strike at it and even the bravest man would jump
back.
His faith in the glass could not keep his hand still.
Our faith in God needs to keep our hand still. What is in your box?
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Aim To Do the Right Thing – Always
Sometimes doing the right thing isn’t the easiest or cheapest course of action to take,
but it is always the best thing to do.
Someone is always watching, even when you aren’t aware. Believers know God sees
even when others don’t.
What are the benefits of making right choices?
1 – You sleep very well at night.
2 – You don’t have to look over your shoulder.
3 – You leave a legacy and the world becomes a better place.
4 – When you do the right thing, your confidence increases.
5 – You never have to worry about being found out. In fact you might
secretly hope you are found out!
What are other reasons for doing the right thing?
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A Time For Everything
To keep our life in balance, we must establish margins. Margins or clear, safe
boundaries define what we will allow in our life and leave room around us so we can
live with ease and not be pressed from all sides with activities and relationships in an
unhealthy way.
Our first instinct must be to breathe, to rest, and take care of ourselves. If we don’t feel
good and remain focused, we can’t do much good for others. While meeting our basic
needs to survive is fairly instinctual, it is not as easy to prioritize margins and
boundaries because then others are affected by our decisions.
But once our boundaries are in place, we are freer to live life simply, and in more
outrageously generous ways, to give of ourselves, our possessions and our time.
“There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven”.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 NIV
Submitted by Kathleen Brooks, MCLC
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Are You Spontaneous Or A Planner?
Planning each day can be as much fun as planning for a future event. In both
scenarios expectations must be positive. Expect to see your good ideas come to
fruition and focus on the affirmative. Be sure to take time management into
consideration. If a day is filled with multiple errands, plan to accomplish as much as
you can in an orderly fashion. Don’t jump from one end of town to the other and back
again; use wisdom to plan out your path to avoid retracing your steps. Also make
room for spontaneity. Be sure to keep an open thought so that if something
unexpected comes your way, you are not rigidly set on your agenda so that new
directions can’t be taken.
Don’t forget to ask yourself how your plans may affect other people. Family,
friends, business acquaintances are important in your life and you don’t want to
alienate any of them. One person I know planned their wedding on a day he knew his
sister would be on a trip overseas – not a good idea, unless your sister happens to be
an incorrigible trouble maker.
If you enjoy having something to look forward to, there is no harm in thinking
about your next holiday trip upon returning from your first.
Never despair. If your course of action doesn’t turn out as you expected, don’t
lose heart. Adapt. “Make lemonade out of lemons”.
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The Greatest Good You Can Do
The greatest good you can do for others is not just give them of your resources, but
also teach them to develop their own resources.
Consider feeding people in third world countries. If we only give them food, they will
always be reliant on others and our task will never end.
If we teach them to grow their own food, they will become resourceful and feel the
awesome sense of accomplishment.
No one should be deprived of the joy brought about by a genuine sense of
accomplishment.
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Overcoming Fear
Fear is the elephant in every room that no one wants to confront. People are scared of
all sorts of things; some valid, some stupid. Generally speaking, however, fear is a
reaction to some sort of stimuli. It manifests in all sorts of ways, but basically, it is a
perceived threat. It is a threat to our physical well-being, financial well-being,
emotional well-being, and/or spiritual well-being. It is always a threat of some sort to
our personal being.
It is perceived because “God did not give us a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power, of
love, and of self-discipline.”
We have all that we need to overcome the things that scare us. All the tools are at our
disposal if we choose to use them, but too often even that scares us. We have the
power. We have the love, and if we choose to exercise it, we have the self-discipline.
These things will help us crush fear.
Don’t let fear control you because all it wants to do is steal your dreams and peace.
Replace your fear with faith and live in the victory that Jesus gave us when He hung on
the cross. Fear is defeated if you accept the victory.
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Are you a chicken or a pig?
Long ago, there was a chicken and a pig in a farm yard. One day the chicken got what
he thought was a bright idea. He asked the pig to go into a 50/50 partnership with him
in a “breakfast only” restaurant.
But the pig said, “Not so fast. I would have to be 100% committed and you would only
have to contribute.”
When you seek to fulfill God’s plan for your life, are you 100% committed, meaning do
you put 100% into it? Or do you just contribute what is comfortable for you at that
time?
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Whose Resources Are You Relying On?
A young, rich man asked Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus said,
“Go, sell everything…give to the poor…you will have treasure in heaven,” (Mark 10:1722). The man’s face fell, and he went away sad because he had great wealth. It was
hard for him to hear what was required of him to inherit eternal life. In the verses that
follow, Jesus tells the disciples how difficult it is for rich people to enter the kingdom of
heaven, His point isn’t so much that wealth is a barrier, but that self-reliance is. When
people have sufficient resources to meet their physical needs, they are less likely to
rely on God.
Just imagine what God could do in the world if every believer was literally willing to put
everything on the line to advance the Kingdom of God! Make God your chief financial
officer and rely exclusively on him for financial advice and direction. Remember that
His ways are not our ways, so be prepared for some unorthodox approaches!
We must always pray God will reveal His plans for our lives, and trust he will provide
what is needed as well.
Submitted by Debbie Stankovich,MCLC.
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The Only Way To Fail
There is only one way someone can fail. That way is to give up.
All successful people leave in their wake, one effort after another than has not
concluded with the desired results. But were those efforts not taken, the real prize
would never have been won.
So never give up. And when you feel like giving up, acknowledge the feeling of
frustration because it is real, but still, never, never, never give up.
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Light Always Overcomes Darkness
Try this test for yourself, if you’re not sure it works.
You have two rooms next to each other with a door between them. One room has the
lights off and the other has the lights on. When you open the door, what happens?
Does the darkness of one room fill the other or does the light fill the dark room?
If you have God’s light in your heart when you enter into darkness of this world, His
light will overcome that darkness. I guarantee it.
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“I Love It When A Plan Comes Together”
Planning is an immensely important task in life. It is a discipline that should be taught
to everyone because it is essential to success. Having managed over a hundred
projects in my professional life and countless more in my personal and academic lives,
I can promise you that a plan is essential to success.
People tend to fall into the “80/20 Rule” when it comes to planning. About 20% of the
people do it and do it well. The other 80% do not plan well at all. They either, have no
plan whatsoever and walk blindly into the future hoping all will go well, or they over
plan to the point where the plan itself becomes the purpose.
The plan should fit the project. If your project is to wash the car by yourself, then a
simple little plan in your head will likely get the job done. If your plan is to wash the car
with your children, you will need to articulate your plan a little better. If your project is
to invade Normandy, then a more detailed plan with supporting documentation is
definitely warranted.
In either case, however, it is important to remember that “The horse is made ready for
the day of battle, but victory rests with the Lord.” You need to plan, and plan well. You
need to plan accordingly and be prepared for battle, but victory lies with God.
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Sound Values Eliminate Stress
Acting in congruence with our values (those principles that are most important to us),
gives us peace and helps us achieve life balance. It is easy to get off track when we
aren’t consciously speaking and acting in line with our values.
When we establish life balance by keeping our foundational values and faith in the
center of our “boat” so to speak, we eliminate stress and acquire a wonderful peace.
The weight of our life is in our values and faith and thus when storms come to knock us
off balance, and they will, the weight in the boat will not allow us to capsize.
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Is The Race Running You?
Are you running the race or is the race running you? How do we take hold of this
abundant life? How do we run the race that God has set before us without allowing
ourselves to be run down by the rat race?
As women, we wear a lot of hats and it’s easy to have an identity crisis or to identify
ourselves by what we do for a living or whether we are a wife, mother or
homemaker…It’s important to remember that what we do, is not who we are. Our
doing comes out of our being…our identity is who we are in Christ. Without a clear
picture of ourselves as God sees us, we tend to think that it is what we do or how we
do it that pleases Him. Our lives become more about performing than pleasing Him
and seeking His direction. Our sense of self worth should come from the value God
places on our lives, not from our jobs or the accomplishments of our children or what
kind of home we have, or what kind of car we drive.
"... I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance." John
10:10 (AMP)
When we know who we are in Christ and when we seek Him to find out His purpose for
our lives, we will find that He will take our natural talents, spiritual gifts and desires, and
with His Spirit, flow through us to help us do with ease what we could not accomplish
on our own. That is not to say that everything He will ask us to do will be easy, but it
will flow forth more naturally than any idea we might have on our own, apart from Him.
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Get Over It
“Anger is an acid that can do more harm to the vessel in which it is stored than to
anything on which it is poured.” Mark Twain
Anger held onto, becomes toxic. It affects the one who carries it far more than others
around him or her. Anger can adversely affect your health. It can ruin relationships.
Anger is very real and God created this emotion so that its driving passion, when
channelled correctly, would motivate us to stop injustice and change the world. But not
used properly it has a destructive power unlike any other emotion.
Forgive the offender and make a decision right then, to get over it.
"In your anger do not sin" : Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.” Ephesians 4:26 (NIV)
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Ethics
Everyone should know the Golden rule: "Do unto others as you would have them do
unto you." As a leader, we know how important it is for us to express honesty, integrity
and love toward family, friends, strangers and clients because we would like to be
treated this way. But how do we respond when others violate this basic precept?
Some might turn away and chose to ignore it. But the courageous response would be
to encourage others to do the right thing as well. Taking a stand for principle is often
difficult, but if unethical behavior is left unchallenged then the perpetrator may never
recognize or feel obliged to take the right course of action. If you do tell them the truth
and they change, the world has become a better place.
"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing."
(Edmund Burke)
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Are all your ducks in a row?
How many times do we hear people say, “When I get my ducks in a row…”
Did you know that God already has our ducks in a row? We need just to step out in
faith to see evidence of it.
When we act in the flesh and get our own ducks in a row without faith, what happens?
The ducks scatter!!!
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Vision and Mission Made Simple
Vision and mission are the fundamental elements of a life lived on purpose. Yet, they
are the most elusive concepts to so many people. When Jesus appeared to the
disciples, His vision for them was simple and ambitious. “...make disciples of all
nations…” (Matthew 28). Jesus was clear about what (vision) had to happen. The
how (mission) was also clear. “…baptizing…teaching…”
Jesus’ vision was that all people would come to know Him as their Savior. Jesus’
mission was to do the will of God, which included dying on the cross so we could be
reconciled with God. The relationship He had with the Father directed His steps on
earth. That was how He stayed focused on the big picture. We must do the same.
Every Christian needs to know God’s vision and mission for their life. Your life should
reflect the vision God has planted in your heart because of your relationship with Him.
Does it?
Submitted by Debbie Stankovich, MCLC
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Go Ahead And Do It!
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do
than by the ones you did...” Mark Twain
How can we best live with no regrets? We must harness the day, do all we can and
leave the results to God. You will never regret the effort nearly as much as failing to
act.
What is one thing you can do today, that if left undone, you know you will regret?
By Leelo-Dianne Bush, PhD
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Connectivity
With the phenomenon of social networking, we hear a lot about connectivity these days
– staying “connected.” While this trend seems like a worthwhile endeavor, I wonder
what it is costing us in terms of real “relationship.” Would Jesus have a Facebook
page? Oh, but He does! He has given us the Bible, a whole book of pages of postings
and comments from those whose lives he touched. And yet those interactions all took
place “in person.” And the news of the gospel was originally spread “on foot!” It made
me wonder, how connected “are” we… really?
Our first “friend” should be Jesus. Our next connection should be with our families.
Are we spending more time emailing our high school sweetheart than talking to our
spouse or children? This age of social networking has provided all kinds of
opportunities, and along with those opportunities, many temptations. How often do we
actually make eye contact or verbal contact with our co-workers? Or is it easier to just
send an email from one side of the room to the other? Do we call a friend on the
phone or meet with them over coffee? Or do we send an email or post a comment to
their Facebook wall instead? How “connected” are we?
Ask God to help you make “divine connections,” past, present, and future, and to
connect you in the manner that will be most meaningful at the time. And don’t forget
the love that can be communicated in a smile, a hug, a touch or the spoken word.
Those forms of communication should never go out of style.
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How Do You Get Results?
“Leadership is the art of getting someone else to do something you want done because
he wants to do it.” Dwight Eisenhower
Why might he want to do it? Let’s look at reasons.
He wants to prove he can do it to himself.
He wants to prove someone else wrong who thinks he can’t do it.
He feels others’ confidence in him and doesn’t want to let them down.
He has such a great passion inside him for making a difference, he
anything or anyone stand in the way.
He knows it’s do or die.
How else can someone be inspired to do what needs to be done?
won’t let
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Our Life Speaks Louder Than Our Words
Doing the right thing no matter what the outcome is counter intuitive and yes, even
counter cultural in many ways today. Having integrity when “no one is looking” is
essential in order to live out a public life of integrity.
First we must know how to identify what integrity looks like when lived out. What is
it? I submit that it starts with understanding our own values and then living
according to them no matter what. It is about our concern for other people and our
example to them. The example we set, demonstrated by how we live our life speaks
louder than any words we can utter.
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Master Financier
We live in a world that prides itself in its independence. Sovereignty is a closely
guarded asset that we all cherish. We are master of our own domain, king of our
castle, ruler of our universe, or so we like to pretend.
Proverbs 22:7 tells us that the borrower is slave to the lender. We have leveraged our
sovereignty for a house, a car, a sofa, a TV, a game console, a pizza. If you read a
little further in that chapter of Proverbs you get to verses 26 & 27, which tell us:
Do not be a man who strikes hands in pledge
Or puts up security for debts;
If you lack the means to pay,
Your very bed will be snatched from under you.
If you want some idea about who your master really is, take a look at your checkbook.
If you send more money to banks than to the church, then you better get busy. We
can only serve one master. Do you have a loving, caring father as your master, or do
you have a Master Card? One gives you a bed, and one takes it away.
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The Best Leaders
The best leaders are ones who see the vision of what needs to be done. Then they
charge their team with the desired outcome and get out of the way.
It is very difficult to work for someone who micro-manages you. It can be downright
frustrating. Ideally individuals have been added to the team because they know how to
perform certain tasks. If not, it begs the question: why are they there?
Clearly some in your group have greater abilities then others. A great leader will assign
tasks that are commensurate with each person’s skills and talents and yet cause them
to grow and stretch. They will explain the boundaries of the project.
The best leaders will always express confidence in each individual, then let them go
after the results in their own way whenever possible. Your team will enjoy a more
innovative environment and show greater production and creativity when they feel free
to give input.
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Public Opinion Does Not Change The Truth
Public relations is an attitude as much as a practice, and it is all about fostering
feelings of goodwill. But what happens when the message isn’t what people want to
hear? Jesus practiced public relations in Luke 4. Though amazed by the words of the
young Jesus, the crowd had difficulty accepting the possibility that Joseph’s son could
actually be the Messiah.
Ultimately, the crowd was angered by Jesus’ remarks and ended up rejecting the
blessing of being in the presence of the Messiah. So much for feelings of goodwill.
But Jesus did not change His message as a result of their anger. He did not call a
public relations expert. He did not apologize. He did not admit to wrongdoing and
check himself into rehab. He simply left. In other words, the response of the crowd did
not change the truth. Have you been tempted to change the message to gain favor?
How have you responded when people have been angered by truth?
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Transitioning Gracefully
Transitions in life are caused by one of two scenarios, choice or circumstance. For
example, you may choose to move to a city or town because it’s a great place to live
and there are plenty of job opportunities, or you may take a job that requires you to
move to an area that you don’t wish to live. In these and all scenarios that may arise,
the transition goes more smoothly if you know yourself well.
When I moved to North Carolina the GPS was not yet invented. My sense of direction
was not good. I became familiar with one main road and used it as a starting point
from which to branch out and learn my way around town. It was a slow transition for
me but eventually I found myself knowing many who lived in the town their whole lives.
I was forced to jump right into a transition when I adopted a beautiful little girl. I went
from being a single woman into being a mom within a day. I had to develop a new
support system. Old friends vanished, no longer being dependable, forcing me to
transition on my own quickly.
Each step of a transition period needs fine-tuning. Spend as much time as you can in
situations where you feel the most comfortable and excel easily. Build you confidence
in order to be emotionally prepared to deal with those areas where you lack selfassurance. Let those testy experiences stretch you enough to gain some assurance,
pull back, then be willing to approach that difficult issue again.
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Give Each Native A Spear
If you want a team that is vibrant, enthusiastic and getting their goals accomplished,
each member of your group needs to know that their contribution is valuable and
needed.
Imagine being part of a group where you show up for meetings, but never have the
opportunity to contribute. How valuable would you feel? Would you eventually begin
to resent going?
Years ago a public relations professor at Ohio State University, whose name I have
long ago forgotten, told me the best way to get a buy-in from each team member was
to give each person something to do and make sure they were aware you would hold
them accountable to accomplishing their task, no matter how small.
“Give each native a spear,” is what my professor often proclaimed. The statement
certainly leaves an interesting visual impression. Imagine a member of a tribe who
wants to be involved but lacks a spear.
In a work setting, attendance may be compulsory but if you are leading a group of
volunteers, they need to remain engaged in the project or process. Otherwise you may
see the size of your group dwindle and their enthusiasm fade.
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One Woman’s Commitment
“16
And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after
thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy
people shall be my people, and thy God my God: 17Where thou diest, will I die,
and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but
death part thee and me.” Ruth 1:16,17 (KJV)
These verses are often used in marriage ceremonies, but in the context of the Book of
Ruth, these words were exchanged between Ruth and her mother-in-law, Naomi.
These verses are really about “commitment.”
Whether we are in a marriage and family setting or whether we are in the workplace or
ministry setting. God honors commitment, and God promotes those who show
commitment. Commitment does not mean just hanging in there when everything is
going your way. Real commitment means being there and being faithful when times
are tough. Ruth’s mother-in-law Naomi was a bitter woman because of the loss of her
husband and two sons. I’m sure it was not always easy for Ruth to be around Naomi
in her state of grief. However, Ruth showed her strong commitment to Naomi, even to
the point of death. And through Ruth’s commitment to Naomi and to God, God showed
Ruth where to go, what to do, and who to marry. Her faithfulness led her to Boaz.
Then Ruth and Boaz had a son named Obed, the father of Jesse, who was the father
of David and in the lineage of Jesus Christ our Lord.
38
An Attitude of Plenty
We live in a world of not enough. We never have enough of the things that we want,
yet we have more than we have ever had before, more than we need. We worry about
running out, doing without, and being without. We have a mindset that is plagued by
scarcity and the general need for more.
We worry that we will run out and not have enough, but Jesus tells us not to worry
about such things. He tells us that we will be fed, clothed, and protected by God, yet
we worry for these things, which takes our focus from where it belongs.
“Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you
as well.” There is plenty if our hearts are in the right place.
39
Leave A Legacy By Advancing Something
Greater Than Yourself
There is honor in walking through life in honesty and authenticity, constantly,
purposefully matching our “talk” and our “walk.” Opposite to living a life about “self” is
living a life that is self-less. We must use our gifts, talents and passions for the
advancement of a purpose that is larger than our self and in so doing, the blessings we
leave to those in our path will live on into perpetuity.
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body,
I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20 (NIV)
40
Are You Managing Your Resources Wisely?
“….For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
Matthew 6:21 (NIV).
When we read this verse, we often think in terms of money. Are we giving to God’s
kingdom, building God’s house or letting His house lie in ruins while we build our own
mansion on the hill? But today I began to think of this verse in a different light. I
considered not just how we use our money, but also how we use our “time.” If time is
the currency of life, then how we spend our time is just as important as how we spend
our money. Are we not compensated in our careers and professions based on our
time and knowledge?
Wherever we spend the majority of our money, time, gifting, talents, or affections,
determines where our heart truly lies. If we are making poor choices in any of these
areas, then perhaps this is really a “heart” issue. Will you ask God where your heart is
today? And will you allow Him to guide your heart and mind to direct you towards what
“He” treasures? He will help you manage your resources in a manner that glorifies
Him and balances every area of your life.
41
Ethics In Action
Jesus went into the synagogue on the Sabbath “as was his custom” (Luke 4:16). Yes,
the Son of God attended worship services every week. If anyone had the perfect
excuse for not attending regularly it would be Jesus. It is hard to imagine Jesus saying
things like: “I don’t like the new music,” or “The Sabbath is the only day I can sleep in,”
or “I have to mow the lawn,” or “I don’t get anything out of it.”
So why do modern-day Christians think these statements sound so logical, and even
legitimate? The Word is clear about our need to worship, individually and corporately.
We are told to not forsake the gathering of believers, yet for so many Christians,
worship remains optional. Most Christian coaches strive to honor God in all they do.
Worship is one of the ways we do so. It is part of our witness—a mark of discipleship.
Our credibility as Christians is compromised when we say, “Jesus is Lord,” without
lavishing our love for Him in worship. How well do your actions align with your code of
ethics when it comes to worship?
42
A True Test of Integrity
Integrity is not just “doing” the right thing when no one else is looking; integrity is
“speaking up” when everyone else is silent! Such was the case with Esther. God is
never mentioned in the Book of Esther, but is prevalent throughout the book. Esther
was elevated from peasant girl to queen, where she would be in position to spoil
Haman’s plot to kill the Jews. She had to go to her husband, the king, knowing that
approaching the king by “anyone,” without being summoned, was grounds for being
put to death… the only exception being for the king to extend the golden scepter to her
and spare her life. She sent word of this to Mordecai, who had warned her of the plot,
and he sent back his answer in Esther 4:13-14 (NIV).
“Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape.
For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another
place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to
royal position for such a time as this?”
One day when we least expect it, we may be faced with a choice that could have very
lasting consequences, whether life or death, as in the case of Esther, or to some lesser
degree. And when we face that test of integrity, we have to ask ourselves if our silence
is more damaging than our words… Esther had to make a choice. Mordecai believed
that Esther was placed in the king’s household by divine appointment, to do God’s
timely work. Are you being asked to “speak up,” for such a time as this?
43
Strengthen Your Value
If you find others questioning the cost of what you are proposing, it is probably
because you have not proven its value. If price was the only consideration when
making a decision, we would all be driving Yugos.
Maybe this dates me but I still remember the day of the “disposable car”, the Yugo. It
was promoted as a car you replace rather than repair. The base models ranged from
$2000-$3000, if I remember correctly.
But obviously price was not the only consideration since the Yugos are gone and
many of us are driving a Lexus, Mercedes, Jaguar or domestic luxury car, and
everything in between.
People will buy your concept or your product regardless of the economy if they see the
results or the value. During a struggling economy, expect more scrutiny, but value will
always prevail.
Show your team they have to make the irrefutable argument for value or ROI (return on
investment). Then you can grow even when you charge significantly more.
44
Service-Oriented Marketing
Marketing is sharing how we can serve others in such a way that our prospective
clients and customers see our desire to find and authentically meet their needs. In this
way we demonstrate integrity as we lead from a place of seeking to serve others.
• What are our talents, gifts and uniqueness that we have to market?
• What the need is of the customer we are trying to serve?
• How does our unique proposition (service or product) match the need(s)?
Our priority must be our customer or client’s need first. If we think of others’ needs first
and focus on them, our motives will remain sincere. Thus, we will market from a place
of integrity. Once you have learned the needs of your customer, pick one or two ways
you are comfortable marketing that are congruent with your desire to serve.
“Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience
that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with
them and with everyone else.” 2 Corinthians 9:13 (NIV)
45
Remove Your Distractions Before They Remove You
The fastest way to get derailed from your project is to allow distractions in your life.
Those who consistently achieve their goals, anticipate that distractions will try to creep
into the process.
John Maxwell says, in his book “How Successful People Think”, “Walking slowly
through the crowd allows me to connect with people and know their needs.
Withdrawing from the crowd allows me to think of ways to add value to them.”
There are times you may have to deliberately make yourself unavailable so you can be
about the business at hand. That requires some discipline but it can be done.
Set aside dedicated time to work on a project, product, study, spend time with God.
Then don’t let distractions pull you away from what is most important.
Consider now, how you can sidestep distractions before they impede your progress or
the forward movement of your team.
46
Living Your Vision Brings Happiness
“I am living my vision!” I heard myself say in response to a question about my vision
statement. Then I questioned if my reply was accurate. After all, vision is an ongoing
process, developing and changing over time. So, while I am living my initial vision now, new
vistas appear on the horizon on a daily
basis.
All my life I wanted to be a mom and participate in supporting my child’s activities. Now I was
seeing this vision come to fruition. On the other hand I felt guilty about not working forty plus
hours, creating an impact on the world. As a coach I immediately asked myself, ‘Is it wrong to
enjoy motherhood?” Decidedly I knew that I must say no.
It occurred to me that I was working forty plus hours, not only enjoying my present vision, but
heading toward accomplishing new visions as they revealed themselves and staying open to
any new purpose in the future.
One of my passions is the theatre. I enjoy both performing and being an audience member.
However, as career choices came and the newly scripted material no longer interested me my
passion had completely slid to the background. Fortunately, Biblical story telling was
introduced to me and a renewed passion for performance in this genre created a new vision
for me. Visions keep us joyful and full of Life. As Proverbs says in the Bible, “where [there
is]no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy[is] he.”
Are you living your vision?
Why or why not? This is something every one of us can do, but we need to know how. To
learn more, contact the academy for training or coaching.
47
Invest In Your Future
The present economic climate should have little to do with your outlook on the future.
You need to make sure that you, yourself and your team continually invest in training,
marketing and updates or improvements regardless of the economy. Those who fail to
remain on the cutting edge of their industry or business fall far behind when the
economy recovers, and recover it will.
In doing so, you may need to look at new and innovative ways to accomplish this, but
necessity breeds innovation and creativity. You will find yourself more productive and
happier as you work toward the future, and most importantly, hopeful.
48
To Be A Great Leader, Avoid Cynics
Cynical people – who are they? You know, the ones who always doubt and question
the goodness and value of everyone and everything. We must avoid people who are
sarcastic, pessimistic and those who enjoy finding flaws.
Does this mean you may have to change your friends or distance certain family
members? Only you can answer that.
The problem with these types of behaviors is that they are contagious and they will
suck the drive, passion, optimism and faith right out of you.
These folks may seem fun for a while because they seem to really “get” the human
condition, but it’s not worth derailing your future. God has an awesome plan for your
future, and if you stick with those who deny hope and progress, you will never arrive at
your destiny.
Remember that no matter what things look like right now, God is working behind the
scenes on behalf of those who love Him and are willing to obey Him. We must be
willing to receive everything God has for us. We must call what is not, as though it
were. Our words manifest into our reality, regardless of what we claim… so make sure
your claims are positive ones!
49
Courage Takes Many Forms
Former Sergeant Major of the Army, William Connelly, wrote in The US Army
Leadership Manual, the following:
“The concept of professional courage does not always mean being as tough as nails
either. It also suggests a willingness to listen to the soldiers’ problems, to go to bat for
them in a tough situation, and it means knowing just how far they can go. It also means
being willing to tell the boss when he’s wrong.”
Connelly tells us that we need to have heart. When something is wrong, we need to
right it. It means that we act justly and with love for others. Confronting someone is
not always easy, especially when that person is your superior or someone you hold in
great esteem.
But none of us are perfect. We need to hear sometimes, of our deficiencies in order to
improve the way we do things.
And if you are on the receiving end of hearing that someone thinks you are wrong, try
the following. Instead of getting angry or annoyed at someone’s arrogance in telling
you, reply to them, “Thank you for telling me that. Let me think about it.”
Then, when the moment passes and calm prevails, do think about what the other
person has said. If there was no basis for the remark, go ahead and dismiss it. But if
maybe there was at least a little truth to it, think about what changes can be made to
course correct.
50
End Notes:
It is the hope and prayer of each author of this ebook, that your life has been enriched
and blessed by what you have read. We hope you have the opportunity to take this into
your future with you.
This project was in part, written by and also compiled by Leelo-Dianne Bush, PhD and
each of the other contributing authors is a Master Certified Christian Life Coach,
trained by the Professional Christian Coaching and Counseling Academy. To learn
more about Christian life coach training, visit: http://www.pccca.org.
51

Introduction: A Leader Worth Following

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