Scripture of the Day

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Leadership DNA (LDNA)

The second phase of leadership DNA is our emotional state. How stable are we in good times or stressful times. Can we normalize our reactions?

To Normalize means conforming to a specific state. This translates to being aware of how you react to certain stimuli. It goes deeper than knowing how you react; to normalize means reaction properly without thinking about it.

A key to being an effective leader is to model appropriate behavior regardless of the situation. And when you don't, own up and make it right. Learn from these breakdowns and program yourself to react better next time.

I have been blessed with an inner calmness. Because of my discernment I am able to bring my calmness outward and use it effectively in stressful situations. I believe this trait can be learned easily. If we take a few seconds before we respond, we can normalize our reaction to any situation.

Proverbs 29:4 sums it up, "A leader of good judgment gives stability; an exploiting leader leaves a trail of waste"

In review, our leadership DNA is based on how well you know yourself and how well you can react to outside stimuli. The third factor, association will be covered tomorrow.

God Bless!


Tuesday, April 13, 2010

leadership DNA (LDNA)

The first step in determining your leadership DNA is discernment. It is defined as Keenness of insight and judgement.

How does this translate?

A portion of our LDNA consists of how well we know ourselves. Do you know yourself inside and out? If you were looking at yourself, how would you describe you? Ask someone you are close with to be brutally honest with you and then ask yourself if that is what you saw when you looked at you!

Next; do you know your life purpose? Do you know what really turns you on? What motivates you? Can you motivate yourself?
If you cant answer these in five seconds, you probably don't know what you are about.

I've heard it said the 11th commandment is" Thou shall not fool thyself!" Meaning of course be real with yourself.

If you aren't the person you aspire to be, so-what. You can go through the change process and reach your goals. Many have done this and many more are works in progress.

You cant be a successful leader until you can lead yourself and the first step is knowing who your are and what your purpose is.

Proverbs 28:11 says it clearly. Others will see right through you if you aren't real in thoughts and actions.

An example of this in my life dates back to 1986. I wanted to quit my job with a large defense contractor and become a financial planner. At that time I was an introvert. In fact, a super introvert, or so I thought. It was difficult for me to start conversations with strangers. The real issue being my self-confidence was non-existent. A big problem as a 100% commissioned sales person.

I had to change and change fast if I wanted my family to eat. I read book after book on sales and building confidence. I attended every seminar possible and eventually I overcame. Although I didn't hit it big in sales at the time, the education I received made me successful in other areas.

Had I lacked the discernment and judgement to recognize my flaws life would be completely different.

Spend time and get to know yourself honestly. If you have not established a personal mission statement, now is a good time to do so. A mission statement will help you discern who you are!

I'll help you create your own mission statement if you'd like. Post a comment or send an email to james@sowingseedsministries.com

God Bless!

Friday, April 9, 2010

Leadership DNA

What is leadership, what is DNA and what is leadership DNA?

The definition of a Leader I like is: One who sets a vision and provides his followers with the resources and guidance to bring the vision to fruition. Leadership is the act of doing so.

DNA is our makeup as a person. It is inner blueprint and in this context, how we operate both consciously and sub-consciously

Leadership DNA is our inner blueprint as a leader. The things we do and the way we act both consciously and sub-consciously. This could be compared to Emotional Intelligence (EI).

The areas of our leadership DNA we'll discuss are as follows:

1. Discernment- How well do we know ourselves, what we want and how we get motivated? (Proverbs 28:11 NIV)
2. Normalize- How stable are we emotionally, professionally and publicly? (Proverbs 29:4 MES)
3. Association- Who is our inner circle? How well do we get along with others? (Proverbs 11:14 NKJV)

We'll discuss each area through the week. God Bless!

Monday, April 5, 2010

Why cant every day be Easter?

During the last week while reflecting on the resurrection of Jesus a thought occurred. Why cant every day be our own resurrection?

Romans 8:13 says For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live(NIV).

Taking this to a personal level, why can't we experience a personal resurrection every morning?

How will I accomplish this? Everyday when I wake I"ll do the following:

Rededicate my life to Jesus
Repent for my sins
Have a fresh positive outlook for the day
Bless someone, somehow
Resist temptations by praying

The pressures of life can be great and overwhelming at times. When we start the day right, we'll have a much better chance to make it through and be successful in our walk with God. See Romans 7:14-25 for more information.

Are you up for the challenge?

Thursday, April 1, 2010

My awesome wife was faced with an integrity test and she passed w/o any hesitation. What an inspiration to all of us. I praise God for her!
A beautiful day in PA. Blogging on Easter at www.leadingisreading.blogspot.com

This week in Blog Land

This week has been filled with thoughts and prayers of thanks for what Jesus Christ did for us 2010 years ago. Stop and think about him giving up his life so we can live more abundantly. It blows the mind, yet we celebrate with egg hunts and chocolate bunnies. I am guilty of this.

The rest of the week is going to be awesome as we lead into Easter Sunday. An event that should be celebrated everyday with the same passion as we'll witness on Sunday.

Thank You Jesus for all you have done in our lives. We honor you with our tithes and prayers and thank for the blessings you have bestowed upon us!