Leaders by nature want to win. They want to win the account, win the deal, win the quarter, win the best staff, win at products, win at service. This is why Jesus’ teaching for leaders to “love your enemies” is tremendously challenging.
There’s nothing wrong with being likeable and agreeable as a leader—but to a point. Likeability is not universal. No matter how focused a leader is on building relationships, exhibiting empathy and listening well, he will not be universally liked.
Some people are energized when they have interesting news about someone else. They can’t wait to share “inside information”, especially if it paints someone else in a negative or surprising light.
How do you react in the middle of a storm? I’m not talking about a hurricane of course, but the storms of life, business, family, health, finances, or difficult circumstances? We face storms every week of one sort or another.
We live in a world filled with conflict. Every day, regardless of what is reported in the news, there are wars raging, injustices happening and people fighting. What should a leader do?
The coming new year is a natural time to look at how you can hone your leadership skills to bring success in the coming months.
Patience is the recognition that things of value take time. One doesn’t become successful, or paint a masterpiece, or build a close-knit family, overnight. The response to the need for patience is persistence.
Undoubtedly we are more connected than ever before through electronic means. Yet our collective ability to navigate difficult conversations, especially conflict, is terrible. Perhaps our connections have become echo-chambers for groupthink.
Hyman Rickover (1900-1986) was an Admiral in the US Navy and the original developer of nuclear propulsion. He served for a total of 63 years on active duty, making him the longest-serving naval officer.
You’ve seen the memes online urging you to put toxic people out of your life. They’re not for you. They suck your resources and energy. They burden your relationships. But Jesus gives us another approach…
Workplace conflict is common. Any disagreement can disrupt the flow of work. Conflict reduces productivity. But it can also be a disagreement between two individuals that affects relationships.
Comparisons focus on the successes of others while ignoring the challenges. When you compare, you are never looking at a complete picture. It’s unwise, and it can stunt your personal development.
Life and business sometimes deal tremendous blows. A company goes under, a product launch fails to materialize, or a legal entanglement drags on. And let’s not forget the personal side of loss—a death, serious illness, or a relationship that goes south.
Alan Roger Mulally (1945 - ) is an American aerospace engineer and former President and CEO of the Ford Motor Company. He also served as Executive Vice President of Boeing and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. Mulally was No. 3 on Fortune’s list of the World’s Greatest Leaders.
Today’s leader is bombarded by philosophies for life and work that are in direct opposition to the teachings of the Bible. You may think Jesus said some of these pieces of modern “wisdom,” but He never did.
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?