Building a Solid Foundation For Leadership

Having a strong foundation is vital for long term success in any area of our life. The foundation is the basis which supports the entire structure. This is true for religious beliefs, building homes, financial plans, relationships and so on. Without a strong foundation, the structure will collapse.

Leadership is no different. The foundation of your leadership style has to stand the test of time. It must hold up against the weight and pressure being forced onto you.

Matthew 7: 24-27 in The Message states:

These words I speak to you are not incidental additions to your life, homeowner improvements to your standard of living. They are foundational words, words to build a life on. If you work these words into your life, you are like a smart carpenter who built his house on solid rock. Rain poured down, the river flooded, a tornado hit—but nothing moved that house. It was fixed to the rock.

 "But if you just use my words in Bible studies and don't work them into your life, you are like a stupid carpenter who built his house on the sandy beach. When a storm rolled in and the waves came up, it collapsed like a house of cards."

Do you know what your foundational beliefs are? Can you stand firm on them even when they are unpopular?

Your actions as a leader must be congruent with your philosophy. Failure to maintain consistency will harm your leadership abilities. Others will perceive your inconsistencies as weakness or lack of confidence. EIther way is bad. Hebrews 13:7 in the Message states:

Appreciate your pastoral leaders who gave you the Word of God. Take a good look at the way they live, and let their faithfulness instruct you, as well as their truthfulness. There should be a consistency that runs through us all. For Jesus doesn't change—yesterday, today, tomorrow, he's always totally himself.

Do you have the proper foundation? How would you rate yourself on consistency? 

Guest Blogger James Castellano: Shoot for Effectiveness with Your Employees and Efficiency Will Follow

Guest Blogger James Castellano: Shoot for Effectiveness with Your Employees and Efficiency Will Follow

Posted using ShareThis

Guest Blogger James Castellano: Shoot for Effectiveness with Your Employees and Efficiency Will Follow

Guest Blogger James Castellano: Shoot for Effectiveness with Your Employees and Efficiency Will Follow

Posted using ShareThis

Blogs

I'll be guest blogger today at www.1to1media.com/weblog, Please click link and follow me there.

Thanks

James

Finding the JOY in Servant Leadership

There are different philosophies accepted as the major leadership styles. Servant Leadership is classified by some as a style and by others as an enhancement to a particular style. Servant Leadership simply means putting others ahead of yourself. Jesus practiced servant leadership perfectly.

The scripture that explains this best, Mark 10:31 from the Message... 

And then the bonus of eternal life! This is once again the Great Reversal: Many who are first will end up last, and the last first."

Many new leaders think of leadership as being in charge. They fail to realize the difference between being the boss and being the leader. Having a title does not necessarily make you a leader. True leadership is earned over time, not bestowed upon us with a title.

In my opinion being a servant leader is the best way to lead. How do you accomplish this?

From a Christian viewpoint an easy to remember and simple to use three step process sums it up. This process is The JOY Principle.

1. Jesus- He comes first (Deuter. 5:7)
2. Others- Placing other's needs after Jesus and before ourselves (1 Cor. 12:28, Eph. 4:29)
3.Yourself- Our needs come last. (Rom. 12:3, 1 Tim. 4:15)

We'll cover the process in more detail on the next post, until then God Bless!

Guest Blogger

I have the privilege of again being a guest blogger at 1to1 Media.com. My post will air on 4-22 discussing effectiveness and efficiency. Please log on and participate in the discussion.

www.1to1media.com/weblog

leadership DNA (LDNA)

The third major factor in our Leadership DNA is association. In normal terms, who we hang around with. This is straight forward and though there is not much to talk about here, it is as important as the first two factors.


The old saying, "if you hang out with dogs, you get fleas" is true. As is "guilt by association."


It is nearly impossible to stay positive if you are surrounded by negative people. It is equally as hard to stay negative when you are surrounded by positive thinkers. Certain groups will tear you down, while others lift you up. Pick your friends and business associates with care.


Proverbs 11:14 NKJV states, Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety. 


In all areas of life we reap what we sow and sowing good relationships with like minded and positive people will pay dividends forever. This goes for both parties of the relationship.


In conclusion, the three major components of LDNA are:


1. Discernment- how well you know yourself
2. Normalize- the stability of your emotions
3. Association- who you build relationships with


Everyone one of us has the ability to make the necessary changes in these areas. Doing so will help you become a more effective leader, friend, spouse and person.


God Bless!