September Leadership Moment - Leadership Moment

September Leadership Moment

9/1/08
Work Matters

If you have never given serious consideration to the importance of work in our culture, think about this: Our 24 hour days are sliced into 10 hours of working, 6 hours of sleeping and about 8 hours of leisure. So the greatest portion of our day is work – and going to and from work!

Consider something else: When you meet someone, after they tell you who they are, how long is it until you ask, “What do you do?”
You see, what we do really does matter in this world. And a casual approach to the workplace, where we spend so much time, while it can define us, isn’t a great life-plan. Work really does matter. Labor is a big part of who we are.

I’m John Hull. In just two months our nation will be making some important political choices. How do you know it will be the right choice? Go to leadershipmoment.org and sign up to receive a free classic leadership lesson entitled “How to Make Right Choices.”

9/2/08
Labor Day

Labor Day Weekend is that time when we give special attention to the millions across this land who make up the nation’s mighty workforce. There’s no doubt that having a job is an important part of our lives, our worth – even our self-esteem. When unemployment is up, the national mood is up. When it’s down, so is the national mood.

In the book of Genesis, labor came about because of Adam’s sin. But God is in the business of turning curses into crowns. Today, work is respected – and absolutely necessary. Work gives dignity to the worker and glory to God.

I’m John Hull. In just two months our nation will be making some important political choices. How do you know it will be the right choice? Go to leadershipmoment.org and sign up to receive a free classic leadership lesson entitled “How to Make Right Choices.”

9/3/08
Thank You

Every year, this country requires thousands of new engineers , nurses, mechanics, farmers and sales personnel to fill job openings within the economy. And it is the labor of these kinds of men and women who bring great prosperity to our nation.

Work began in the Bible as a curse. But God in his grace has turned work into a blessing. Today, if you are a part of this nation’s workforce, thank you for all that you are doing to keep this nation’s economy competitive in an ever changing world.

May God bless you and give you strength as you serve Him – in your work!

I’m John Hull. In just two months our nation will be making some important political choices. How do you know it will be the right choice? Go to leadershipmoment.org and sign up to receive a free classic leadership lesson entitled “How to Make Right Choices.”

9/4/08
Workforce

Some people have little respect for an honest day’s work. There is a sign on the entrance of a great manufacturing plant which reads like this: IF YOU ARE LIKE A WHEELBARROW, GOING NO FARTHER THAN YOU ARE PUSHED, YOU NEED NOT APPLY HERE!”

Many people need to be pushed. Some one said “There are 3 kinds of people in the world: Those who MAKE things happen. Those who watch things happen. And those who say, ‘WHAT HAPPENED?”

In the workplace, what kind of person are you?

I’m John Hull. In just two months our nation will be making some important political choices. How do you know it will be the right choice? Go to leadershipmoment.org and sign up to receive a free classic leadership lesson entitled “How to Make Right Choices.”

9/5/08
Find Rest in Him

Ecclesiastes says, “Whatsoever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might.” God wants us to work – honestly and earnestly! So, we have set aside Labor Day to honor millions of people who work hard – people who work with their hands with all of their might.

And maybe from your work this day, you’re really tired. And to you, the tired worker, Jesus says, “Come to me – you who labor and are heavily laden and I will give you rest. As we remember Labor Day Weekend, let’s also remember Jesus Christ’s invitation to you to rest in Him – and the promise that in Him, you will find rest.

I’m John Hull. In just two months our nation will be making some important political choices. How do you know it will be the right choice? Go to leadershipmoment.org and sign up to receive a free classic leadership lesson entitled “How to Make Right Choices.”

9/8/08
Making Right Decisions

Personal growth is vital to your leadership. If you cease to grow, you cease to be a healthy leader. Healthy things naturally grow. To grow personally requires you to seize the opportunities daily. Each day – you must determine how you can grow as a leader.

Ben Franklin said: “One today is worth two tomorrows; what I am to be, I am becoming.” It’s true. You will become what you are becoming right now. Remember this:

Successful people make right decisions early – and manage those decisions daily.

Your time – and my time – well, our time, is priceless. Someone wisely noted that time is more valuable than money. You can always get more money, but you cannot get more time. Ralph Waldo Emerson said: “Guard well your spare moments. They are like uncut diamonds. Discard them and their value will never be known. Improve them and they can become your brightest gems.”

The way I use my time to establish my daily priorities really does matter. We may not be able to change time, but we can change our priorities to maximize our time. After all, your time – my time – our time, is priceless!

9/10/08
Become Better at Life

If you want a better world, composed of better nations, inhabited by better states, filled with better counties, made up of better cities, comprised of better neighborhoods, illuminated by better churches, populated by better families, then here’s what you have to do: YOU have to become a better person.

The way we become better at life is a mixture of faith in God and His Son Jesus Christ, and by working on our leadership skills. Before we can ever change or lead the world, we first need to change and lead ourselves. Self- leadership is the first step in being a difference maker in our world.

Not one of those actions are easy or automatic. They require a great degree of management. And all require SELF leadership. Managing your personal growth require you to lead yourself first before you’re qualified to ever lead others!

9/12/08
Climb the Steps Toward Personal Growth

I saw a story about a St Louis doctor who met a young man in high school who had lost his hand at his wrist. When the doctor asked about his handicap, the teenager responded: “I don’t have a handicap sir. I just don’t have a right hand.” The doctor later learned that the young man was one of the leading scorers on his high school football team.

If you and I want to grow, we, like this high schooler have to be willing to maximize our potential – and climb the steps of personal growth.

I’m John Hull. In just two months our nation will be making some important political choices. How do you know it will be the right choice? Go to leadershipmoment.org and sign up to receive a free classic leadership lesson entitled “How to Make Right Choices.”

9/15/08
Connectability

As Americans look for our next leaders – one leadership trait to look for in a candidate is connectability!

Our Biblical example is Nehemiah – the construction of the wall followed his connection with the people.

Nehemiah connected with the hearts of his volunteers before asking them to sacrifice their time and energy. Nehemiah appealed to their sense of dignity, identity, and responsibility.

You see, it is always the leader’s responsibility to connect to the people, not the people with the leader. In order to connect, the leader has to be a good listener; listening to where the people are and find the connection point, then move the people forward.

I’m John Hull. All 10 qualities we should be look for in our national leadership can be found at leadershipmoment.org; that’s leadership moment.org

9/16/08
Creativity

As Americans look for our next leaders – one leadership trait you should look in a candidate is creativity!

There is no question that we live in a complex world with complex issues. The world is changing daily and leaders have to be able to adapt to the changing times with creativity!

Our biblical example here is Ezekiel. You remember the story. Israel was acting like a stubborn mule and wouldn’t listen to the prophet’s words. Ezekiel had to adapt to the needs of his audience.

Many times a leader has to go out on a limb and be willing to try something different to solve a problem or meet a need. Leaders think outside the box because leadership is all about managing change.

I’m John Hull. All 10 qualities we should be look for in our national leadership can be found at leadershipmoment.org.

9/17/08
Communication Part 1

As we look for leaders, one trait we must look for is their ability to communicate. I’m not talking here about making great sound bites. I’m talking about being able to communicate the truth of the situation so the people can understand the problem and the solution.

Our Biblical example for this trait is Samuel – Mr. Communicator. Everyone listened to him.

Samuel not only demonstrated credibility with his passion and his life, he lived out what he said. He spoke the truth no matter how hard it was. He overflowed with honest content, edifying and teaching others.

I’m John Hull. All 10 qualities we should be look for in our national leadership can be found at leadershipmoment.org.

9/18/08
Communication Part 2

Like all good communications, Samuel also kept his message simple. He was straight forward, concise and to the point.

A great communicator seeks a response. Samuel’s communication was filled with purpose, when he finished he urged people to do their part, giving them clear direction and hope for their future

Great communicators/leaders touch the heart before the head (the mind).

I’m John Hull. All 10 qualities we should be looking for in our national leadership can be found at leadershipmoment.org.

9/19/08
Credibility

A must-have leadership trait is credibility. Colin Powell said, “Leadership is a combination of strategy and character – if you must be without one, drop the strategy.”

You see, character + competence = credibility.

For a leader to lead, he/she must have followers. And to have followers, a leader must have credibility.

Many leaders talk the talk, but don’t walk the walk. Others pass the integrity test but fail to lead effectively. People may like them as a friend, but won’t follow them as a leader. There is a big difference in the two.

David is our Biblical example here. David succeeded because he had hands and a heart – every leader then and now needs both. A leader must have this combination – not to have it in balance will lead to failure.

I’m John Hull. All 10 qualities we should be looking for in our national leadership can be found at leadershipmoment.org.

9/22/08
Courage

A leader today must have courage. Courage is the commitment to do the right thing in the face of possible criticism.

Courage is the first essential quality for effective leaders. Leaders initiate and take a stand even when no one else is traveling with them.

In the Bible, Paul encouraged Timothy to take courage and do what was right in difficult times.

Leaders have to resist the temptation that all leaders have that position brings that is falling into pleasure’s and power, that ruin a leaders personal life – for the personal life is reflected in the public life.

Leaders must work daily on the qualities of character and integrity. A leader has to care more about their integrity than their image. And that means resisting the temptation to abuse their power and position in their personal life – for the personal life is reflected in their public life.

Courage is taking a position even when you know it might cost you something.

I’m John Hull. All 10 qualities we should be looking for in our national leadership can be found at leadershipmoment.org.

9/23/08
Conviction

A leader today has to have conviction. Let me ask you a question? Do leaders always love and care for people, regardless of who they are? Yes – certainly. Hosea is our biblical example of a leader who showed conviction by modeling unconditional love.

Leaders are to love and care for everyone. This however, doesn’t mean they disregard their convictions. They respond with grace, but never drift from their convictions. They speak gently, but with focus. With conviction we cling to the course we are to travel.

Leaders always act from their principles; empowering others even when it is hard. Leaders of conviction work out of grace.

I’m John Hull. All 10 qualities we should be looking for in our national leadership can be found at leadershipmoment.org.

9/24/08
Charisma Part 1

More then ever leaders today need to have charisma. Charisma has been defined as a magnetic personal attraction that draws others to the leader. Charisma is the quality that makes people want to listen to you and support you. It is the ability to inspire one to be and do more than they thought possible.

Now in the Bible both Ahab and Jezebel felt no incentive to develop charisma because they thought their positions allowed them to use people and manipulate them. They were selfish and cunning to get what they wanted.

Good leaders understand the value of pouring their life into others, and that gives you charisma.

I’m John Hull. All 10 qualities we should be looking for in our national leadership can be found at leadershipmoment.org; that’s leadership moment.org.

9/25/08
Charisma Part 2

To build charisma, you need to be others minded. Leaders who think of others and their concerns before thinking of themselves quickly develop charisma.

In the Bible, leaders who were more concerned about the citizens then themselves always prosper and the nation of Israel was blessed. Pride is what will keeps you from having charisma. So will insecurity. Only secure leaders can provide a secure atmosphere.

Charisma will get you an audience – but only character will keep the audience.

I’m John Hull. All 10 qualities we should be looking for in our national leadership can be found at leadershipmoment.org.

9/26/08
Competency

A leader has to be competent. A competent leader is one whose life is built on a process!

Competence rarely happens overnight! Even the great Joshua had to be prepared over many years to handle the enormous task given him. By the time he died, competence could have been his middle name. Consider this:

• God used Joshua over two generations
• God trusted Joshua to lead the military campains from the wilderness to Canaan, the Promised Land.
• God used Joshua to accompany Moses up Mount Sinai
• God replaced Moses with Joshua, having served 40 years as an understudy. Joshua’s competence grew through Moses’ tutoring and his own observations.

I’m John Hull. All 10 qualities we should be looking for in our national leadership can be found at leadershipmoment.org; that’s leadership moment.org.

9/29/08
Common Sense, Part 1

A leader has to possess common sense – the willingness to listen to the voice of reason when it might not make sense.

Now we might call this discernment because leaders read the situation before they lead the people.

God handles each circumstance based on His assessment of the individual situation. Take Ezekiel 18 for instance, God reminds us to use discernment in each situation we face. Don’t lump everyone together; don't size up everyone being the same everytime. As leaders we need to Respond correctly to each situation.

A leader has to listen intuitively and excercise common sense.

I’m John Hull. All 10 qualities we should be looking for in our national leadership can be found at leadershipmoment.org; that’s leadership moment.org.

9/30/08
Common Sense – Part 2

A leader has to analyze past successes – to identify root issues of success and failure. Leaders can fall into such a rut that they begin to stereotype everyone. Let each team member be an individual and discern what is right for them without the baggage of the others.

A leader has to listen to their gut. Try to recall times when your intutition “spoke” to you correctly. Get data, but go beyond mere information to your heart’s sense of what is the right thing.

I’m John Hull. All 10 qualities we should be looking for in our national leadership can be found at leadershipmoment.org; that’s leadership moment.org.