“How you respond to the challenge in the second half will determine what you become after the game, whether you are a winner or a loser.” Lou Holtz
“In the realm of ideas, everything depends on enthusiasm. In the real world all rests on perseverance.” Goethe
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Pete Hunter had the day off from his job as a mortgage loan officer when the phone rang. He had once dreamed of a long career in the NFL but was now making ends meet by working for the Petra Lending Group in Addison,Texas. After playing Division II college football at Virginia Union, Pete had been drafted in the fifth round in the 2002 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys. In just the third game of his third NFL season, Pete tore his ACL in the Cowboys’ Monday night win over Washington, placing him on the injured reserve list for the rest of the season.
Before the start of the next season, Pete had been traded to the New York Jets, where he was waived after less than three weeks with the team. He was picked up by the Cleveland Browns later that year as a special teams player, seeing action in just four games in 2005. But the Browns again cut him and by the beginning of the 2006 season he was out of football.
But Pete hadn’t given up. He moved back toTexasand kept himself in shape by running, lifting weights and putting his body through strenuous conditioning. But he was beginning to wonder if all this commitment was really worth it. “Many days I wanted to give up. Then the day I was ready to call it quits, the call came.”
It was New Year’s Day, 2007 and the general manager of the Seattle Seahawks was on the
other end of the line. Injuries – the very thing that had put Hunter out of the game – had now decimated the Seattle Seahawks defensive secondary. Three of their four active cornerbacks had been lost just before the playoffs and to fill in the gaps in a win or go home wild card game, they needed someone with Pete Hunter’s skills. And it certainly helped that he had played for their upcoming opponent, the Dallas Cowboys.
Would he be up to the challenge with the game less than a week away? Adding to the pre-game pressure was trash-talking Cowboys’ wide receiver Terrell Owens, who mocked the rag-tagged Seahawk defense. He referred to Hunter and the other two playersSeattlehad tossed into the line up as just “guys off the street.”
Could Hunter handle the pressure of the game as well as the national attention of a play-off contest? In the most critical game of his career, Hunter had three tackles, a fumble recovery and forced an interception. And on the final play of the game, with the Cowboys driving, it was Pete Hunter who knocked down the Hail Mary pass to Terrell Owens ensuring the Seahawks’ victory. Not bad for just a guy off the street.
Isaiah 40.31 reminds us of the familiar promise to “mount up with wings as eagles.” But it also prompts us to “walk without fainting.” Typically that is not easy. We like the flying, it’s the walking with which we have difficulty. But the reality of life is that there is much more walking and not much “mounting up with wings!”
The exceptional moments of life aren’t a test of a man’s mettle, the better question is, how do you handle discouragement? complacency? routine? Your leadership worth and depth of character is revealed in your attitude toward the ordinary and routine things. Not when you are on stage or in the limelight, but when you feel like you are on the backside of the desert. Leadership effectiveness comes not just from ability; but also from tenacity, perseverance and endurance. Missionary William Carey stated: “If, after my removal, anyone should think it worth his while to write my life, I will give you a criterion by which you may judge of its correctness. If he gives me credit for being a plodder, he will describe me justly. Anything beyond this will be too much. I can plod…to this I owe everything.”
Don’t get discouraged in the process of what God has called you to do and to be. The Apostle Paul who experienced more than his share of setbacks, summed up his commitment to persistence when he wrote in Galatians 6.9, “So let’s not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don’t give up, or quit” (The Message).
Stay the Course,
Dr. Greg Morris
Dr. Greg Morris serves as the founder and president of Leadership Dynamics™, a non-profit corporation committed to the training and development of leaders and their organizations. He has authored In Pursuit of Leadership: Principles and Practices from the Life of Moses. For more information, visit LeadershipDynamics.org, LeadershipDynamics.wordpress.com or contact mail@LeadershipDynamics.org You can follow Greg on Twitter at @LdshpDynamics
“I want to change the pop world one sequin at a time. Artists tend to take themselves way too seriously and don’t enjoy the fun of making an impact on culture. I just have a good time and sequins represent a good time.”
Lady Gaga
“I have voluntarily become a servant to any and all in order to reach a wide range of people… I didn’t take on their way of life. I kept my bearings in Christ—but I entered their world and tried to experience things from their point of view. I’ve become just about every sort of servant there is in my attempts to lead those I meet into a God-saved life. I did all this because of the Message. I didn’t just want to talk about it; I wanted to be in on it!”
Paul, 1 Corinthians 9.19-23, The Message
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Few would argue that growing up in today’s world is not only markedly dissimilar but significantly more problematic for today’s youth than it was for preceding generations. Today’s world is more complex, the issues more critical and the ramifications more perilous. Subsequently, ministry to this generation is much more challenging.
Every year since 1998, Beloit College, (Beloit, Wisconsin, USA) has prepared a list of cultural touchstones
that differentiate the frame of reference of entering students from that of their teachers, coaches and mentors. It is designed to provide a cultural and generational snapshot to faculty and staff as they prepare to welcome the new students.
After all, members of this year’s college class of 2015 (most of them born in 1993), are the first generation to grow up taking the word “online” for granted and for whom crossing the digital divide has redefined research, informational access and original source documentation. For their younger teachers, Watergate is a distant memory; for their distinguished senior professors – the ones with a pile of vinyl LPs in the closet – the Crash and the Depression probably shaped their lives.
Young students see the world differently and the list is a reminder of just how significantly differently their intellectual framework is. Cultural references familiar to professors, might draw blank stares from their students. As Beloit College professor Tom McBride, one of the list’s creators says, “It is an alert for those of us who may be suffering from hardening of the references.”
The following abbreviated “Mindset List” may remind us that a generation, along with their rapidly changing worldview, comes and goes in the blink of an eye. (The full list can be found here or at at www.beloit.edu/mindset/2015/ ):
1. Andre the Giant, River Phoenix, Frank Zappa, Arthur Ashe and the Commodore 64 have always been dead.
2. There has always been an Internet ramp onto the information highway.
3. There have nearly always been at least two women on the Supreme Court and women have always commanded U.S. Navy ships.
4. They “swipe” cards, not merchandise.
5. “Don’t touch that dial!”….what dial?
6. Amazon has never been just a river in South America.
7. Refer to LBJ, and they might assume you’re talking about LeBron James.
8. O.J. Simpson has always been looking for the killers of Nicole Simpson and Ronald Goldman.
9. The Communist Party has never been the official political party in Russia.
10. Jimmy Carter has always been a smiling elderly man who shows up on TV to promote fair elections and disaster relief.
11. Dial-up is soooooooooo last century!
12. Sears has never sold anything out of a Big Book that could also serve as a doorstop.
13. They’ve often broken up with their significant others via texting, Facebook, or MySpace.
14. Frasier, Sam, Woody and Rebecca have never Cheerfully frequented a bar in Boston during primetime.
15. They won’t go near a retailer that lacks a website.
We must first understand this generation and its culture if we are to present the redemptive message of God’s Word in a meaningful context. You don’t have to buy into everything they say or do but you must understand their realities. Understanding their fears, opportunities, dangers and world-view will help us to respond and lead strategically. Don’t lose sight of your objective – to have an impact on this generation with the life changing truth of the gospel!
Stay the Course,
Dr. Greg Morris
Gregory K. Morris, Ph.D., is the founder and president of Leadership Dynamics™, a non-profit corporation committed to the training and development of leaders and their organizations. He has authored In Pursuit of Leadership, a study of leadership principles in the life of Moses. For more information, visit LeadershipDynamics.org or his blog at LeadershipDynamics.wordpress.com
“There are many elements to a campaign. Leadership is number one. Everything else is number two.”
Bernd Brecher
“At a time when leadership is more crucial than ever to our very survival, there is a shortage of qualified people to lead corporations.”
James F. Bolt
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The headline declared the obvious: “MARKETS SEEK LEADERSHIP.”
That was the front page banner recorded the day after the Dow Jones industrials posted their 6th biggest point decline in history. Reeling from the first ever downgrade of our country’s AAA credit rating, the stock market buckled under the weight of a European crisis and the threat of a double-dip U.S. recession, giving up 5.5% of its value in a single day. The hemorrhaging has yet to stop as the DJIA is currently down more than 15% from the 2011 high.
On both sides of the Atlantic, the economic and political turmoil of the past week has
sparked cries for those in power to step up and lead. But the fear spreading across Europe as well as the U.S. is that not only are our economies teetering, but our political leaders are ineffectual – or worse, incapable. “The market’s looking for leadership and leadership seems to be lacking” observed one financial expert. The analyst continued, “I’d like to see some true leadership…markets can stand bad news, but they hate uncertainty.”
Any organization, whether for profit or non-profit, depends on effective leadership to provide both short-term and continuing success. Every organizational issue, every management decision that is either implemented or postponed, is ultimately a product of leadership. Find an organization achieving excellence and you will find leadership effectiveness. Find failure and you will likely find leadership failure as well.
All around us people are searching for leaders as we instinctively seek them out and recognize the necessity for quality leadership in all areas of life. But despite our need for genuine leadership, throughout society we suffer from a leadership void. It seems that regardless of the direction in which we turn, there is a lack of principled, devoted, committed leaders. Whether the arena is politics, business, education or religion there all too often exists a leadership vacuum and it appears as if the true leader is more of a dream than a reality. The leadership landscape looks desolate and barren and even a casual observer wonders, “Where have all the leaders gone?”
Warren G. Bennis, founder of The Leadership Institute at the University of Southern California sounded the alarm when he stated that we suffer from “…a leadership crisis in most of our institutions. The leadership crisis will probably not become the basis for a best-seller or a blockbuster movie, but in many ways it is the most urgent and dangerous of the threats we face today, if only because it is insufficiently recognized and little understood.” Bennis continued: “It is the paradox of our times that precisely when the beleaguered survivors in leadership positions feel unable to summon up the vestiges of power left to them; we most need people who can lead.”
“The death of leadership is apparent throughout society. No matter where we turn, we see a severe lack of faith in the leadership of our schools, religious organizations and governments. To paraphrase a Business Week article, if Martians descended someplace in the United States and demanded that we take them to our leaders, we would have to think twice about where to take them.”
Those in the arenas of business and industry readily recognize the great need for leadership, but this leadership crisis is not limited to corporate or commercial interests, as it touches every aspect of life, extending even to religion. Pollster George Barna has written: “The church is paralyzed by the absence of godly leadership. We see millions of people busily engaged in meaningless activity in a vain attempt to find purpose, direction and comfort, but pitifully mired in chaos and confusion. It is neither the condition God intended for us, nor the necessary state of affairs.”
I am convinced that leadership is one of the most critical issues confronting us as we navigate the perilous waters of the third millennium. Yet as we embrace the responsibility and privilege that is ours, we must do so in a fresh manner. We need to revitalize organizations and institutions as we cast renewed visions and purge pet programs. New goals need to be set and priorities reorganized as we encourage those around us to accomplish what is needed in an ever changing world. Yet I also believe that we can meet the challenges presented today, if leaders are dedicated and equipped to meet those challenges by embracing unchanging leadership principles in a fresh, unselfish manner.
Harvey Mackay recounts the story of Philip Pillsbury of the Pillsbury milling family and his example and willingness to do anything on the factory floor: “The tips of three of his fingers were missing, the unmistakable mark of a journeyman grain miller. Philip Pillsbury had an international reputation as a connoisseur of fine foods and wines, but to the troops, his reputation as a man willing to do a hard, dirty job was the only one that mattered and you can be sure everyone was aware of it.”
Only through modeling authentic servant leadership will contemporary leaders effectively and strategically shape the future. It is said of Jesus, “He came to serve, not to be served.” Servant leaders may voluntarily surrender a palace lifestyle complete with all its privileges and perks to serve and lead others. The best, most effective leaders see themselves as servants. You can easily recognize them –they’re missing the tips of their fingers!
Stay the Course,
Dr. Greg Morris
This article is adapted from Greg’s book, In Pursuit of Leadership: Principles and Practices from the Life of Moses. Dr. Greg Morris serves as the founder and president of Leadership Dynamics™, a non-profit corporation committed to the training and development of leaders and their organizations. For more information, visit LeadershipDynamics.org, LeadershipDynamics.wordpress.com or contact mail@LeadershipDynamics.org You can follow Greg on Twitter at @LdshpDynamics
“There is no smaller package in the world than a man wrapped up in himself.”
William Sloan Coffin
“First pride, then the crash. The bigger the ego the harder the fall.”
Proverbs 16.18, The Message
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The typical leadership discussion revolves around a model that flourishes with entrepreneurial style. It commonly focuses on the personality or the objectives of a single, strong, charismatic individual. It’s a model based on power: the power to influence, the power to make things happen, and the power to control. And sadly, much of the leadership we see exhibited in churches and other ministries takes its cue from this example. All too often we see Christian leaders leading through manipulation, browbeating, intimidation or coercion. We observe the misuse of power and authority as selfish ambitions are coated with a thin veneer of spirituality. The perks of Christian leadership are almost the same as those of the world with privileges seen as rights and benefits viewed as expectations. The result is that our ambitions go unchecked as we constantly pursue the bigger, faster, newer, latest and more expensive.
Of all the leadership characteristics, traits and qualities at our disposal, humility seems to be the least attractive and least pursued. A look at the contemporary leadership landscape does not seem to reveal humility as a value worth pursuing or developing. Humility is contrary to conventional thinking as Donald Trump and the would-be entrepreneurs of “The Apprentice” have yet to discuss the virtues of humility in the boardroom. In fact quite the opposite is true. Bravado and boasting confidence seem to be leadership qualities the secular world values. As former U.S. ambassador Richard Capen has observed: “Being humble is not commercially viable. It does not sell product. It does not attract media attention.”
While successful leadership in the secular arena may be equated with confidence, self-assurance, power and prestige tucked in to Numbers 12.3 is a fascinating observation of Moses. It says simply that the great Hebrew leader that led Israel out of Egyptian bondage into emancipation “…was very humble, more than all men who were on the face of the earth.”
Leaders, especially those that identify themselves as Christians, must set the standard when it comes to integrity, character and humble leadership. God has entrusted leaders with the privilege of influence and developing others for eternity’s sake. The world is addicted to recognition and speaks of leadership in terms of strength, power, command and leverage. In contrast, the Bible talks of leadership in terms of compassion, patience, gentleness and humility.
How do you know if you’re a humble leader? Here are five nutshell principles of humility:
1. A Humble Leader Accepts Responsibility
A humble leader first examines himself before he looks to others as possible problems.
2. A Humble Leader Promotes Honesty and Objectivity
The humble leader sees reality more clearly and is more open to honest feedback – even criticism.
3. Humility Increases Teachability and Accountability
A humble leader listens and learns. He is accountable to others and is open to candid dialogue.
4. Humility boosts team morale
People are drawn to humble leaders. Humble leaders pass around praise and appreciation which takes team morale higher.
5. Humility promotes and maintains servanthood
With a servant’s mindset, the humble leader continually focuses on the needs of others
During the American Revolution, a man in civilian clothes rode past a group of soldiers repairing a defensive barrier. Their leader was barking out instructions but made no other attempt to help them. When the rider asked why, the leader said with great dignity, “Sir, I am a corporal.”
The stranger apologized, dismounted and began to help the exhausted soldiers. When the task was complete, he turned to the corporal and said, “If you need some more help, son, let me know.” With that, the commander-in-chief General George Washington remounted his horse and rode on!
As a leader, the message you want to convey is, “I’m here to serve you, not use you. I’m here to develop you, not just plug you into one of my programs.” The leader that maintains that attitude of humility stays on the cutting edge, remaining creative, innovative, responsive and relevant! If we allow any form of pride to take hold, we end up focusing on ourselves, not on others. That’s manipulation, not leadership!
Stay the Course,
Dr. Greg Morris
This article is adapted from Greg’s book, In Pursuit of Leadership: Principles and Practices from the Life of Moses. Dr. Greg Morris serves as the founder and president of Leadership Dynamics™, a non-profit corporation committed to the training and development of leaders and their organizations. For more information, visit LeadershipDynamics.org, LeadershipDynamics.wordpress.com or contact mail@LeadershipDynamics.org You can follow Greg on Twitter at @LdshpDynamics
“Content makes poor men rich, Discontent makes rich men poor.”
Ben Franklin
“Better a handful of dry dates and content therewith than to own the Gate of Peacocks and be kicked in the eye by a broody camel.”
Arabian Proverb
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It may be hard to believe, but Americans are the most unhappy people on earth. At least that is the conclusion of a recent study by the World Health Organization and the Harvard Medical School. According to their research, 9.6% of Americans suffer from depression or bipolar disorder – the highest rate of the 14 nations surveyed. Apparently our Prozac society has a greater percentage of depressed people than war-ravaged Lebanon (6.6%); job-starved Mexico (4.8%); carefree and hedonistic Italy (3.8 %); or overworked, socially rigid Japan (3.1 %)! And how’s this for a paradox: Nigeria, a land of desperate poverty, rampant corruption and violent tribal conflict, had the lowest depression rate of all – just 0.8 %!
How can this possibly be true? One explanation is that when your life is a struggle for clean
water and adequate food, you don’t have time to indulge in existential despair. On the other hand, anAtlanta attorney making $250,000 a year may find himself “depressed” if he doesn’t make full partner by his mid-30s. It may also be that in less modern societies, people find comfort and meaning in their families, their faith and their traditions.
Could it be possible that this attitude of discontentment extends to ministry? A pastor grows discontented with his elders/deacons/board. The associate staff members becomes dissatisfied with their senior pastor. The minister that pastors 85 longs to be responsible for a congregation of 350 while the pastor of 500 is enticed by the challenges of a multi-staff mega-church of 2000. Being in a position of leadership – even Christian leadership – is no guarantee that you are exempt from this contentment tension.
We may try to mask our motives behind religious rhetoric, but the truth is our actions are often times more compelled by a desire to build our kingdom than in building His Kingdom. “Bigger,” “faster” and “newer” have become substitutes for authentic, genuine, servant leadership. Now of course I am not endorsing spiritual laziness or ministerial complacency, but I have come to realize that much of what I have done in my ministry has been prompted more by a desire for approval and acceptance than by a “holy discontent.”
Perhaps a few directed questions are in order to focus our attention and personalize the application:
1. Must I continually attain to feel good about myself?
2. Must I enlarge my ministry to feel good about myself?
3. Is my self worth wrapped up in my ability to accomplish a goal?
4. Will greater ministry success bring happiness and fulfillment?
5. Can I rejoice in another pastor’s/ministry’s success (even if he is younger, less educated, of another denomination) without feeling competitive or inferior?
Take it from someone who has personally battled these issues of approval and accomplishment: if you must meet certain performance standards in order to feel good about yourself, not only will you be driven to perfectionism, but it is a clear indication that you have not personally applied grace. If your self-worth is based upon your ability to accomplish a goal, you may be lead to manipulating others so as to achieve your own success. In battling a personal fear of rejection, you may be tempted to please others at any cost. This has the potential to make you overly sensitive to criticism.
There will always be churches with more people and more impressive facilities than yours. There will always be ministries with far greater visibility and media reach. There will always be church plants that experience faster and greater growth than you have realized. If I embrace this performance driven, religious competition, I will promote an unhealthy ministry comparison which will lead to personal and pastoral discontent. Discontentment can poison relationships with jealousy and competition and will suffocate God’s grace in my life.
This may be a great time to be reminded of the Apostle Paul’s counsel: “I’ve learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I’m just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I’ve found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am” (Philippians 4.11-12, The Message). It’s just a thought!
Stay the Course,
Dr. Greg Morris
“The main ingredient of good leadership is good character. This is because leadership involves conduct and conduct is determined by values.”
Gen. (Ret.) H. Norman Schwarzkopf
“So (David) shepherded them according to the integrity of his heart; and guided them by the skillfulness of his hands.”
Psalm 78.72 NKJV
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Of the 1300 senior executives who responded to a recent survey, 71% indicated that integrity is the human quality most necessary for enhancing an executive’s effectiveness. While it may be encouraging that integrity is recognized as an important value in business, it is certainly neither as common nor as prevalent as we would like to see it. And sadly, religious and ministry circles are not exempt from this same reality.
Corporate scandals and leadership breakdowns have become so commonplace in recent years that we are no longer surprised when we read of congressmen and sexting scandals, politicians and interstate call girls or governors conducting extramarital trysts. Integrity is no longer assumed and its deficiency has impacted trust, relationships and profits as it has threatened even the existence of corporations. Just ask Bernie Madoff Investments, AIG, WorldCom, Enron, Arthur Anderson or those that invested in them.
Is it any wonder that people have lost faith in their institutions and the individuals who run them? Stories of political misconduct, corporate impropriety or the latest sports scandal have become all too routine as we have read of political or organizational leaders that have substituted power, control and manipulation for honesty, trust and respect. If we continue to allow entitlement and self-interest to motivate our actions the result will be a total breakdown of character and integrity.
The dictionary defines integrity as being complete or undivided. So when a person has
integrity, his actions match his words. His conduct is not characterized by duplicity or hypocrisy, but by an authentic and unified character. As leaders, we cannot impart that which we do not possess and we cannot expect integrity from colleagues, subordinates, friends or family members, if our own lives are not characterized by the very same quality.
Writing to the editors of Newsweek, U.S. Army Captain Andrew Entwistle noted: “Integrity is like virginity — once you lose it, it’s gone for good…No officer should ever be in a position where he or she fears the truth.” Nor should any leader.
Here are five beneficial by-products of making a commitment to personal integrity:
1. Integrity Confers Credibility
Integrity is how leaders earn the trust and confidence of those around them. Your worth and value as a leader depends on your integrity. Without it, you’re trafficking in unlived truths. Christ addressed this subject head-on in Matthew 23.3 when he observed the religious conservatives of his day and observed, “The religious scholars and Pharisees are competent teachers in God’s Law…But be careful about following them. They talk a good line, but they don’t live it. They don’t take it into their hearts and live it out in their behavior. It’s all spit and polish veneer.” (The Message)
2. Integrity Builds Confidence
Leadership is a relationship between those who lead and those who decide to follow. If our lives are to impact others, we must first earn their trust and confidence. There is no better way to do this than through the consistent demonstration of personal integrity. We can work on the skills and the techniques of leadership but our character is much harder to develop. Leadership isn’t as much “doing” as it is “being.”
3. Integrity Convinces
The story is told of an Amish man who was asked by an enthusiastic young evangelist whether he had been saved and had accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. The gentleman replied, “Why do you ask me such a thing? I could tell you anything. Here is the name of my banker, my grocer and my farm hands. Ask THEM if I am saved.” No one can argue with the impact of a principled life.
4. Integrity Communicates
We can help people be more efficient leaders, but we can’t help them be better people. We can fill their heads, but we can’t renew their hearts. We can provide skills, but we can’t fashion their character. The display of your integrity, however, communicates on the deepest levels that what you say is matched by your lifestyle. Spurgeon observed, “A man’s life is always more forcible than his speech. When men take stock of him they reckon his deeds as dollars and his words as pennies. If his life and doctrine disagree the mass of onlookers accept his practice and reject his preaching.”
5. Integrity Demonstrates Courage
Integrity puts principles ahead of politics and other people before self-interest; it is not determined by convenience or expedience but by values and principles. Integrity is not formed in a crisis – it is only exhibited.
King David, a man after God’s own heart, recognized the significance and magnitude of integrity when he wrote in Psalm 26.11, “But as for me, I shall walk in my integrity; redeem me and be gracious to me.”
If our lives are to impact others with the life-changing message of the gospel, integrity will characterize our conduct. You and your message are one. Let’s commit to speak (and live) with absolute unity!
Stay the Course,
Dr. Greg Morris
For some time there has been an ongoing discussion as to the differences between leadership and management. Where does management stop and leadership begin?
In this interview with Seth Godin, he differentiates between leadership and management.
[vimeo http://vimeo.com/20290657]
So, are you managing or leading?
Stay the Course,
Dr. Greg Morris
“Integrity is like virginity — once you lose it, it’s gone for good…. No officer should ever be in a position where he or she fears the truth.”
Capt. Andrew Entwistle, U.S. Army
“To be persuasive, we must be believable. To be believable, we must be credible. To be credible, we must be truthful.”
Edward R. Murrow
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Blogs, headlines and news reports of the past two weeks have told us yet again the sordid details of another political scandal. This time a 7-term member of the U.S. House of Representatives admitted to having “several inappropriate” electronic relationships with six women over three years. The married congressman has also admitted that he publicly lied about a photo of himself sent via Twitter to a Seattle college student in an attempt to avoid the ramifications of the scandal. But the mounting pressure from media, political party leadership and constituents eventually was too great as the disgraced Congressman resigned this past week as the “distraction” he caused “made it impossible” to continue working in Congress.
Is it any wonder that people have lost faith in their institutions and the individuals who run
them? Whether it is stories of political misconduct, impropriety in leading financial organizations or the latest sports scandal, too often we have read of organizations and their leaders that have substituted power, control and manipulation for honesty, trust and respect. And if we continue to allow entitlement and self-interest to motivate our actions the result will be a total breakdown of character and integrity.
One of the acid tests of authentic leadership is credibility. Credibility forms the foundation not only of leadership but also of relationships. Credibility provides the authority to lead as it establishes trust and generates loyalty within an organization or ministry. As you become recognized for your commitment to honesty, integrity and fairness a spirit of cooperation and teamwork is developed.
This increased influence is a by-product of credibility and the more confidence people place in you and your leadership, the even greater influence you will have. Cavett Roberts has observed; “If my people understand me, I’ll get their attention. If my people trust me, I’ll get their action.”
Credibility is not the result of a position or a title. It’s not gained in a seminar or workshop. Credibility is a lifestyle; not a single event or a lone occurrence, but a pilgrimage over time. As such, there are no shortcuts to your credibility. While image and reputation is what people think you are, credibility determines who you really are. And if we are not vigilant at this point, a lifetime of credibility can be lost in a moment with a careless word, an inappropriate action or an impetuous indiscretion. Just ask the former Congressman.
If credibility is to be the hallmark of our lives and our leadership, we need to make the following daily commitments:
1. I will do what I say.
Am I the same person, no matter who I am with or what the circumstances?
2. I will live what I teach.
Despite the difficulty, can others model my behavior as well as my words?
3. I will be honest with myself and with others.
Whatever the personal cost, am I committed to absolute honesty?
4. I will put what is best for others ahead of what is best for me.
Do I make decisions that are best for me when another choice would benefit others?
5. I will be transparent, authentic and vulnerable
Is the “visible” me and the “real” me consistent?
Leadership isn’t a place of position as much as it is the positioning of character; and credibility is the distinguishing mark of one’s character. Only as credibility characterizes your conduct will others listen to your message.
Stay the Course,
Dr. Greg Morris
[twitter-follow screen_name='LdshpDynamics']
“In order to be a leader a man must have followers. And to have followers, a man must have their confidence. Hence the supreme quality of a leader is unquestionably integrity. Without it, no real success is possible, no matter whether it is on a section gang, on a football field, in an army, or in an office. If a man’s associates find him guilty of phoniness, if they find that he lacks forthright integrity, he will fail. His teachings and actions must square with each other. The first great need, therefore, is integrity and high purpose.”
Dwight D. Eisenhower
“In periods where there is no leadership, society stands still. Progress occurs when courageous, skillful leaders seize the opportunity to change things for the better.”
Harry S. Truman
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As we face the monumental challenges of the 21st century, it is obvious that leadership plays a critical role. In any organization – anything that takes place – will ultimately rise or fall on leadership. Any vision that is cast, any decision that is either made or postponed, any strategic plan that is implemented, is ultimately an outcome of leadership. Anyone can take people to where they want to go, but a leader takes them where they need to go. Find success in an organization and you’ll find successful leaders. Find failures and you’ll find leadership failures as well.
But as leaders, how do we know if we’re on target? This requires occasional periods of
evaluation to determine if we are on course. Your candid (although perhaps painful) response to the following questions will help you determine if you’re living on the cutting edge and modeling the values and priorities you desire to see demonstrated in others.
1. Am I really interested in people?
Are you concerned with all people, types, races and job descriptions? Do you have any hidden biases or prejudices? People are not to be used, but to be developed. They are not a means to an end, they are the end!
2. Do I secure others’ cooperation and win others respect and confidence?
Keep in mind, you’re a leader not a dictator. Cooperation now pays huge dividends later.
3. Do I qualify as a peacemaker?
It’s much easier to keep the peace rather than attempt to make peace once it has been shattered. Reconciliation and the ability to discern common ground is a critical foundation of leadership.
4. Do I possess the ability to secure discipline without having to resort to a show of power?
Do I have a tendency to power up? Leadership is an internal quality that demonstrates influence without external demonstrations of force.
5. Do your subordinates feel at ease in your presence?
A leader should give an impression of genuine understanding and friendliness that puts others at ease….because it is genuine and authentic.
6. Do you possess tact?
Do you anticipate the effect of your conversations before you make them? Keep in mind there’s a world of difference between a “face that will stop a clock” and a “face that will make time stand still!”
7. Have you ever broken yourself of a bad habit?
To lead others, you must first master yourself. Do discipline and self-restraint describe you?
8. Do you maintain self-control when things go wrong?
The leader who loses self-control in difficult circumstances forfeits respect and influence. You must be calm in the midst of a crisis and resilient in the face of adversity.
9. Can you use disappointments creatively?
Disappointments will come. How you handle them makes all the difference.
10. Can you handle criticism objectively and remain unmoved under it?
Leaders do not allow criticism to paralyze their movement. The humble leader can derive benefit from petty and even malicious criticism.
11. Do you think creatively?
Do you routinely think “outside the box?” Leaders must utilize the full creativity of others in seeking solutions and opportunities.
12. Do you find it easy to keep and make friends?
Your circle of friends is a barometer of the quality and extent of your leadership.
13. Are you dependent on others praise or approval?
Consensus is a poor substitute for leadership. In the face of disapproval can you maintain your direction?
14. Do you possess a resolute will?
A vacillating leader, shifting with the winds of circumstances or public opinion will not last long. A firm and steady course is required.
15. Are you firmly in the grip of the Master Leader?
Ultimately, this is where effective leadership begins and ends – a passionate walk with the Savior. The Apostle Paul’s singleness of mind reflected his obedience to Christ in all that he did (Philippians 3.13-14).
If the church is the hope of the world, then its leaders (under the influence and direction of the Savior) are the hope for the church! Although the financial payoff for a correct answer to one of the leadership questions will not be nearly as great as Who Wants to be a Millionaire?, the long-term effects may last throughout eternity.
Stay the Course,
Dr. Greg Morris
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“If you wish to enrich days, plant flowers; if you wish to enrich years, plant trees; if you wish to enrich eternity, plant ideals in the lives of others.”
S. Truett Cathy, founder Chick-fil-A
” …and there arose another generation after them, who did not know the Lord or the work which he had done for Israel.”
Judges 2.10
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Leadership is not a spectator sport. It requires your effective participation, for it is by example leaders put flesh on their visions and values. And how you live your life will determine whether others will trust you and want to follow you.
One of the greatest overriding needs for leaders is to multiply themselves to the next generation.
Leadership is like a relay race in which you pass the baton to the next runner; but the next runner can’t run unless there’s been a clean hand off. So it’s difficult for the next generation to live lives of character or integrity unless they’ve been taught character and integrity. We can’t be neutral –morally, ethically or spiritually – as our lives stamp others with an indelible impression.
As leaders, our legacy will remain long after our deeds or accomplishments are forgotten. Because of this we need to live intentional lives. So what’s required for intentional leadership? Here are five principles:
1. Convictions
Convictions are those boundaries that establish your reference point for all decisions and actions. You cannot impart to others what you do not possess. You can’t give away that which is not part of your own life. Convictions will determine your goals and objectives. They serve as a criterion or standard for actions: not just a diet of hazardous junk food but those determined by absolute convictions.
2. Association
The 19th century diplomat and political figure, Charles Frances Adams, entered into his diary, “Went fishing with my son today – a day wasted.” His son, Brook Adams, also kept a diary. On that very same day he made this entry: “Went fishing with my father – the most wonderful day of my life.” Legacies are built upon the foundation of relationships, which translated means time, availability and involvement.
3. Implementation
Despite all your good ideas, intentions and plans, you must have the focus and clarity of putting your priorities into action. Your goals and objectives must be put into action as they touch and impact others.
4. Perseverance
No matter how difficult the challenge at hand may be, your leadership must be marked by devotion and tenacity. Despite the difficulty, don’t ever give up. It’s hard work to live an intentional life, but it’s worth it – for both now and eternity.
5. Modeling
French essayist Joseph Joubert wrote, “Children need models more than they need critics.” This is also true of leaders and followers. Leaders link truth with life. As leaders we must develop a seamless integration of faith with life. This is character on display in the routines of life. When asking others to change, it’s not enough to deliver an inspirational speech or a moving talk. People are moved not only by inspirational words, but by actions.
Dr. John Geddie went to Aneityum in 1848 and worked as a missionary there for 24 years. On the monument erected to his memory these words are inscribed:
When he landed, in 1848, there were no Christians,
When he left, in 1872, there were no heathen.
What will your tombstone say? For what will you be remembered?
The true measure of leadership is not found in positions or titles, lists of impressive accomplishments or a wall full of certificates and credentials. The long term impact of your leadership will not be found in programs or procedures but in the lives that you touch.
As leaders it is our privileged responsibility to touch futures generations. The ultimate commentary on your leadership will be written in the hearts and lives of those you have impacted.
Stay the Course,
Dr. Greg Morris
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other end of the line. Injuries – the very thing that had put Hunter out of the game – had now decimated the Seattle Seahawks defensive secondary. Three of their four active cornerbacks had been lost just before the playoffs and to fill in the gaps in a win or go home wild card game, they needed someone with Pete Hunter’s skills. And it certainly helped that he had played for their upcoming opponent, the Dallas Cowboys.
