7/1/08
Learning How to Pack

Not too long ago, John Maxwell and I, along with our wives, Margaret and Sharon, went sailing for a few days in and around the Virgin Islands. One of the big challenges was what to pack in our suitcases. Usually, even on a vacation, we tend to pack for at least a “dressy” night or two. But not on this trip! We were told to pack very light and very, very casual.

On the success journey, leaders have to learn how to pack. The less you take, the higher you can climb. But what you pack matters. On your success journey, who will you take with you?
What will YOU need to pack to become the success that God wants you to be?

I’m John Hull. To get a free classic leadership CD by John Maxwell entitled “How to Make Right Choices”, go to leadershipmoment.org.

7/2/08
Goals Matter

Have you ever met anyone who just wasn’t able to prioritize? Someone who gave more attention to the trivial instead of the important? I’d guess you would never define that kind of person as “successful.” In all likelihood, that’s a person who has never set and accomplished goals.

Goals matter. Goals help you determine what’s first, second and third in life and responsibilities. Goals direct you – and they measure you. Mark it down, successful people in any arena of life have clear, attainable goals.

No one fulfills their purpose, reaches their potential or adds value to others without goals.

I’m John Hull. To get a free classic leadership CD by John Maxwell entitled “How to Make Right Choices”, go to leadershipmoment.org.

7/3/08
Investing in Leaders

Here’s a question for a leader: Do you believe enough in the people you lead, to invest extra time and energy into their personal growth and development? Here’s a challenge for a leader: Instead of enduring their shortcomings and failures, take them further than they could have ever traveled on their own - by being willing to invest in their lives.

It really is worth the effort. Jesus said when someone asks you to walk a mile with them, walk the second mile too. When you invest the “extra mile” in other’s lives, the return will be significant. You see, the best leaders pour out their lives into others, like a drink offering. That’s leading like Jesus.

I’m John Hull. To get a free classic leadership CD by John Maxwell entitled “How to Make Right Choices”, go to leadershipmoment.org.


7/4/08
Growing Relationships

If you’ve ever tended a garden, you know the realities of soils and plants. First, plants don’t grow overnight. They take time. Next, plants require a lot of attention, a lot of water, nutrients and even weeding. As well, plants grow in direct proportion to the amount of time you invest in them.

It’s the same with relationships. Good leaders know relationships grow slowly and require attention. You must choose to put something in before you can expect to get something out. Some people come into our lives for a reason. Others, for a season. But the best leaders surround themselves with relationships that last for a lifetime.

I’m John Hull. To get a free classic leadership CD by John Maxwell entitled “How to Make Right Choices”, go to leadershipmoment.org.


7/7/08
Investing in Relationships

Genesis tells the story of Joseph during some of his darkest hours. Joseph was a leader who kept investing in every relationship he encountered, regardless of how he was treated in return. Every success he achieved seemed to be followed by adversity, where his integrity and competence were challenged.

Whether he was sold into slavery, framed as an adulterer, or forgotten in prison, Joseph would not be deterred from continuing to cultivate relationships in his life. Joseph had competence and character, but he also had a personality that valued people even when some of the people around didn’t value him.

I’m John Hull. To get a free classic leadership CD by John Maxwell entitled “How to Make Right Choices”, go to leadershipmoment.org.




7/8/08
101% Principle

How do you get along with a person who has little in common with you? People who are different and disagree often turn each other off. In fact, a relationship like that can become really hard work.

However, life does not always allow us to be surrounded by the most pleasant of people. Therefore, leaders must find some way that they can connect with everyone. It’s the 101% principle. Leaders must find the 1% they can agree on with someone and give it 100% of their attention. So go ahead, leader. Give that 101% principle a try. Remember, the happiest people don’t HAVE the best of everything, they just MAKE the best of everything. 

I’m John Hull. To get a free classic leadership CD by John Maxwell entitled “How to Make Right Choices”, go to leadershipmoment.org.



7/9/08
Give Me Patience!

Most leaders struggle with being patient. They pray, “God give me patience, and give it to me NOW.” The fact that we are leaders means we are going somewhere; we have goals and dreams and we want to see the results. Waiting on others to understand and take the journey with us often feels long and difficult.

But remember leader, traveling alone may be quick, but we have no one with us to celebrate at the end of the journey. Traveling together allows leaders to share the joys of victory – but it almost always takes longer to get there.

I’m John Hull. To get a free classic leadership CD by John Maxwell entitled “How to Make Right Choices”, go to leadershipmoment.org.



7/10/08
Secure Leaders

The true test of relationships is not only how loyal we are when friends fail, but how thrilled we are when friends succeed. This is a challenging issue to discuss, much less to face as leaders. But the scripture tells us to rejoice with those who rejoice!

It’s not always easy to rejoice with the success of someone else. Jealousy can set in. We begin to feel envious as we compare their good fortune to ours. We experience pride and competition. While we pretend to rejoice in their success, secretly we can get angry that it was them, not us, who succeeded.

Secure leaders, secure people, rejoice in the success of others. Insecure leaders, insecure people, DON’T. How about you?

I’m John Hull. To get a free classic leadership CD by John Maxwell entitled “How to Make Right Choices”, go to leadershipmoment.org.




7/11/08
Servant Leaders

Eugene Habecker said: “The true leader serves…serves people. Serves their best interests, and in so doing will not always be popular, may not always impress. But because true leaders are motivated by loving concern rather than a desire for personal glory, they’re willing to pay the price.” What great words!

You’ve got to love your people more than your position. The early church knew that kind of servant leader in Barnabas. He took the initiative and whatever it took to raise morale, to raise up men and women, even raise money, Barnabas got the job done. He lead others with the noble example of becoming a servant leader - of Jesus Christ.


I’m John Hull. To get a free classic leadership CD by John Maxwell entitled “How to Make Right Choices”, go to leadershipmoment.org




7/14/08
Relational High Road

The high road is the only road – when it comes to relationships. It turns out that the high road is a road less traveled in our world today. But the golden rule reigns in the lives of people who take the high road.

High road leaders become instruments of grace, not guilt. High road leaders offer love over legalism. They offer the best to everyone, despite how they may have been treated. High road leaders have as their model, the Lord Jesus. It was Jesus who took the ultimate high road by setting an example for us through service and through sacrifice on the cross.

High road leaders bring out the best in everyone.

I’m John Hull. To get a free classic leadership CD by John Maxwell entitled “How to Make Right Choices”, go to leadershipmoment.org.





7/15/08
High Road Leadership

In Genesis, Abraham and Lot reach an impasse. Both had so much material stuff that a conflict arose among their employees. It turns out that there wasn’t enough space for both of them to remain in the same territory. It would have been easy for Abraham to insist on getting his way. After all, he was the older one and the most influential.

But Abraham didn’t demand his own way. He allowed Lot to choose which piece of land he wanted. Lot got first choice! What an example of high road leadership. Abraham wasn’t keeping score. He wasn’t trying to get his own way. You see, he knew life was too short to live like that. And it’s too short for us to live like that too. That’s life on the high road.

I’m John Hull. To get a free classic leadership CD by John Maxwell entitled “How to Make Right Choices”, go to leadershipmoment.org.




7/16/07
Broken Trust

Why do many relationships fail? Some marriages start with passion and end in bitterness. Friendships start with hope and fizzle out. Ministries start with a promise and end with a bomb. It’s the same in business. Why?

Well. the reasons for such breakdowns are many, but the cause that outweighs them all is broken trust. Remember this: Relationships are the currency of God’s Kingdom. If we fail at relationships we fail spiritually. Relationships matter – and they rise and fall on trust. We need friends that stick closer than a brother – friends we can trust.

I’m John Hull. To get a free classic leadership CD by John Maxwell entitled “How to Make Right Choices”, go to leadershipmoment.org.




7/17/08
From Anointed to Arrogance

Samson had a record of conflict after conflict. He went from problem to problem. He argued with his parents. His wife was given to his best man. He is deceived by Delilah. He is captured, blinded and enslaved by his enemies.

Samson has such potential as a leader. But he went from being anointed to being arrogant. His was a downward spiral. His problem was inside. Now let’s not kid ourselves. What happened to Samson can happen to us. If we refuse to take advice, act without thinking, and don’t learn from our mistakes, we’ll be remembered as the person “who might have been” a great leader.

I’m John Hull. To get a free classic leadership CD by John Maxwell entitled “How to Make Right Choices”, go to leadershipmoment.org.




7/18/08
Are You Approachable?

We’ve all met people who seemed cold and forbidding, haven’t we?. And we’ve all met people who treat us like old friends. The quality of a first time meeting experience depends largely on their approachability. People miss many opportunities for connection and the chance to build deep relationships because they simply do not make themselves approachable.

Approachability has little to do with boldness OR timidity. It has EVERYTHING to do with how you conduct yourself and what messages you’re sending to others. An approachable leader values people – and they appreciate their differences. So, are you approachable? Sure hope so. People need someone like you to help them on the journey.

I’m John Hull. To get a free classic leadership CD by John Maxwell entitled “How to Make Right Choices”, go to leadershipmoment.org.




7/21/08
The Importance of Friends

Foxholes are usually thought about in connection with warfare. But one doesn’t need to be a soldier to understand the importance of friends during tough times…folks who will stand with you when you’re under fire.

The power of people sticking together has been appreciated for thousands of years. Solomon of ancient Israel wrote: “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall one will lift up his companion, but woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up.”

It’s so important to have friends around you in the tough times! Please, don’t go through that pain alone.

I’m John Hull. To get a free classic leadership CD by John Maxwell entitled “How to Make Right Choices”, go to leadershipmoment.org.




7/22/08
Invest in Things That Last

So many people invest in things that just fade away. Jesus taught that we should invest in things that last. When it really comes right down to it, there’s not anything else that really matters in this world more than people and their destiny.

Now once you get to know people, you should learn to invest in them. The best relationships are always the result of unselfish giving, not taking. They are relationships that grow…not rust. Healthy, growing relationships have commitment, communication and concern for others as their signature.

Now that’s a great investment…an investment that will never fade away.

I’m John Hull. To get a free classic leadership CD by John Maxwell entitled “How to Make Right Choices”, go to leadershipmoment.org.




7/23/08
Beyond Average

EQUIP’s founder, John Maxwell says: AVERAGE PEOPLE DO NOT WANT OTHERS TO GO BEYOND AVERAGE. Man, that’s true. And the older you get, the more you understand just how true that statement is.

Mediocrity loves company. It wants no one to succeed. When YOUR friends enjoy great success, let me ask you: Can you genuinely rejoice and celebrate with them? Do you pray for their daily success? This may well be the greatest relationship test of a leader!

Don’t be average when your friends perform or are rewarded for an above average effort! Be excellent in your response.

I’m John Hull. To get a free classic leadership CD by John Maxwell entitled “How to Make Right Choices”, go to leadershipmoment.org.




7/24/08
Celebrate the Success of Others

Do you have trouble celebrating the success of others? The army of Israel under King Saul cowered in fear of Goliath the giant. No one, not even the king would challenge Goliath. Well David steps up, takes on the giant and he wins.

When word got out about what David did, the women of the country went bonkers over David. They celebrated him and forgot all about King Saul. And from that day on, Saul resented David and the gifts God had given him.

Hey, don’t get jealous over God blessing someone else. It’s just not worth it. It speaks of your insecurity. Change my friend. Learn to celebrate when others have giant moments.

I’m John Hull. For a free resource to help you on your leadership journey, visit leadershipmoment.org.




7/25/08
High Road People

The high road is always the road less traveled. It requires thinking and acting in ways that are not natural or common. Those who take the high road become instruments of grace toward others. High road people understand that what happens TO me is not as important as what happens WITHIN me. They refuse to let others control their actions.

High road people also commit themselves to travel the high road at all times. As they extend grace to others they never see themselves as victims, but as recipients of God’s grace for a higher purpose. Today, in what you’re facing, are you taking the HIGH road?

I’m John Hull. For a free resource to help you on your leadership journey, visit leadershipmoment.org.




7/28/08
Relationship Component

One of the key components to successful leadership is to handle relationships well. If you get the relationship piece right, it’s amazing just how much you earn the right to be followed by others. Relational leaders don’t assume people will automatically submit to them. Over time, as the leader demonstrates character, competence and chemistry, people will follow – not because they have to, but because they want to.

Healthy leadership is when a leader uses their people skills to earn the right to be followed. Unhealthy leadership just powers up with title and position and just forces others to obey. Now sometimes leaders have to play the “because I say so” card. But in most arenas of life the best leaders earn the right to be followed by building healthy relationships with team members.

I’m John Hull. For a free resource to help you on your leadership journey, visit leadershipmoment.org.




7/29/08
Foundation for Leadership


The primary foundation for leadership involves trust and respect. The silent questions every good follower must ask of a leader are: Do I trust you? Do I respect you? When people answer “yes” to these two questions, leaders must understand the issue goes even deeper. When leaders dig deeper, they may discover why more people don’t follow them.

Often a pastor mistakes the LOVE he receives on Sunday. They tell the pastor “Great sermon, Pastor!” However, when times are tough people may hesitate to support the pastor. Why? They love the pastor as a friend, but don’t support the pastor as a leader. Consequently, they don’t commit. Don’t fool yourself into thinking that a title insures a following!

I’m John Hull. For a free resource to help you on your leadership journey, visit leadershipmoment.org.




7/30/08
Self-Respect


It all begins with self-respect. Once you possess this, you have the capacity to offer genuine respect toward others. One psychologist said: “Don’t always try to be popular. It isn’t possible for everyone to like you. It’s far more important for you to like yourself. And when you respect yourself, strangely, you get more respect than if you court it from others.”

Hey, understand who you are and how God made you. Appreciate the gifts God’s given you. Do your work well and don’t take criticism personally. And, if you’ll just start by treating others as though they were important, you’ll be amazed at how showing them respect, will earn respect back toward you!

I’m John Hull. For a free resource to help you on your leadership journey, visit leadershipmoment.org.




7/31/08
Raise the Bar

If your leader at work expects more from you than others have in the past, don’t criticize that; celebrate it! Good leaders raise the bar. They lead the way in requiring the team to perform with excellence. They push for improvement and they just refuse to “get by.”

Jesus spoke of this kind of personal growth when he taught His disciples to go the extra mile, to give others your coat not just your shirt, and to turn the other cheek when hit. Today, thank God for a boss, a parent, a coach who sets high personal standards for you. You see the best leaders build respect thru keeping the bar high!

I’m John Hull. For a free resource to help you on your leadership journey, visit leadershipmoment.org.