As leaders we all go through life and work holding to past regrets, those disappointments over lost or missed opportunities. We’re sad or repentant over things that we wish we had done differently.
Thomas Paine (1737-1809) was an English-born Founding Father of the United States. An inventor and philosopher, he authored Common Sense, a pamphlet that was influential at the start of the American Revolution.
As Jesus began teaching on earth, His words about leadership and leading were shocking. In fact, they were so at odds with religious leaders of the time, they believed Jesus could not possibly be the Savior they were hoping and waiting for.
On the surface the story of Job may seem a cruel game. A faithful man, he suffers greatly, questions God, and receives God’s pointed response. How should we lead when faced with trials and difficulty?
As a leader, you’re not over a what, but a who. To lead is to influence others in a way that helps them grow personally, professionally and spiritually. Leadership is fundamentally about influencing people.
Life and work at some level are to be about reaching, striving, pushing forward. God did not put us on the earth to do nothing with our lives. Yet that is exactly what many men are doing in our culture.
Your leadership has seasons. A change in jobs or your workplace role, a new project or goal, a new boss or a new report—so many elements of work or career can bring about a season of rebirth and renewal. Are you in spring?
You cannot predict how someone will act in a given situation. Sometimes they do what you expect, and sometimes they surprise you, good and bad. As a leader, you have to learn not to take anything personally.