Humility in Servant-leadership

Proverbs 27:2 (NIV) Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; someone else, and not your own lips.

Self-adulation is seldom the problem; it is humility foundational to this verse that is the tough issue. The problem for us humans, is that this humility to like a slippery watermelon seed: once you get your fingers around it, and you think you have it, it just slips away.

Servant-leadership is an expression of humility. The nub is that this kind of leader is one who exercises authority, motivating people to willingly do what has been asked because of personal influence. Authority is different than power. Power can be bought or sold and given or taken. Not so with authority. It is earned because of a person's character as expressed in their behavior.

Christ has left us with the example of the behaviors of humility and servant-leadership. The result of His humble authority is still being felt today. It is a great paradox that in the world of Christians that it is the walk of humility that leads to glory.

Are you on the right path?

Copyright ©2006 by P. Griffith Lindell

Leaders Share Their Heart

Proverbs 22: 11 (NIV) He who loves a pure heart and whose speech is gracious will have the king

Personal values for a Christian Businessperson are simple and direct: purity of heart and pureness of speech. The heart is not often seen: but in the end, it is what is said and how it is said that gives away the heart.

Do you want to make a change in your workplace? Work on your heart and leave the rest up to God. His love for you will cover the consequences of your stand for righteousness - your expression of a pure heart.

Do you work for someone who manages by intimidation and also expects the same from you? Smile. Stand firm in your conviction to be well spoken, not mean-spirited. Remember, we are called to love and not to return evil with evil, but evil with good.

Purity of motive: graciousness of speech: What’s not to like?

For more on how to better fulfill God's plan for their lives through business, click here.

Copyright © 2006 by P. Griffith Lindell

Planning. Collaboration. Prosperity.

Proverbs 21:5 (NLT) Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.

In our culture, diligence is out. Blatant self-promotion, even looking silly, is in. Looking for the shortcuts has become the grist of reality TV and a way of American life. Planning has become confused with scheming, alliances, lying, quick decisions, "winning" at all costs.

Shortcuts in life and in business are doomed to certain poverty. An attitude of stewardship drives “good” planning - not hasty responding. God's people are instructed over and over again to seek the counsel of other Godly people when making plans. Learning to ask others for advice is a process of humility - asking admits that I don't have all the answers."

Prosperity and planning: On whom do you depend when planning? What defines your prosperity?

Copyright © 2006 by P. Griffith Lindell

Leadership Foundations

Proverbs 20:12 (AMP) The hearing ear and the seeing eye--the Lord has made both of them.

Some truths are self-evident: the USA Declaration of Independence reflects this philosophy, as does this verse.

Our secular society says that random matter gave rise to not only our physical self, but also our “knowing” self: they say our thoughts, our emotions and our ability to make choices evolved; but that idea has no grounding in reality of what humans know as “self evident.”

Time does not result in complexity: rather it results in chaos. Organizations, left to themselves, deteriorate. It is evident that humans seek leadership.

Are you a leader seeking grounding from a relativistic, changing world or are you grounded in the reality of a Creator who made your eyes and ears?

Copyright © by P. Griffith Lindell

Leaders Have Purpose

Proverbs 15:9 (AMP) The way of the wicked is an abomination, extremely disgusting and shamefully vile to the Lord, but He loves him who pursues righteousness (moral and spiritual rectitude in every area and relation).

God seeks leaders who have learned to integrate the sacred and the secular to impact the world for Him.

The supposed division between the two got its start with Greek thinkers and through the centuries has become the dominant worldview. Unfortunately, many believers have succumbed, living a Sunday life only Sunday; but that “way” – the way that denies God his rightful position in all of his creation – really does upset God.

Maybe this translation hits home better: (15:9 - MSG) A life frittered away disgusts God; he loves those who run straight for the finish line.

Are you frittering your life away or do you have a Godly purpose in all your pursuits?

Copyright ©2006 by P. Griffith Lindell

Lead From Confidence - Not Cockiness

Proverbs 14:14 (AMP) The backslider in heart [from God and from fearing God] shall be filled with [the fruit of] his own ways, and a good man shall be satisfied with [the fruit of] his ways [with the holy thoughts and actions which his heart prompts and in which he delights].

Backsliding is that practice of ignoring the study of what God says and depending on what the world says. It leads to the myth of the “I” where confidence is ruled by cockiness.

Interesting juxtaposition here: by God's grace, I am free of the law and free to be me - but in a new way: a way that acknowledges that God is All and in all – this is authentic confidence. I slide backwards, when that "free to be me" becomes all about me, and not about Him.

Freedom for believers is not about a set of rules to be followed. It is about a principle: "love the Lord your God with all your heart and love your neighbor as yourself." Not some of your heart. All.

So, when life happens, with what is your heart filled? Where is your satisfaction?

Copyright © 2006 by P. Griffith Lindell

Leaders “Wise Up”

Proverbs 13: 20 (NLT) Whoever walks with the wise will become wise; whoever walks with fools will suffer harm.

In life and especially business, those with whom you "hang around" will shape you. The wise are those who not only recognize God's existence but also the personal impact of a God “who was never alone but became alone so that we might have a personal relationship with Him.” [Pastor [Doug Webster]

Since the Creator is preeminent, these wise people work at being honest about themselves and seek to support others. They recognize that everyone has strengths and weaknesses. They openly, passionately and respectfully engage in exploring ideological conflicts without becoming defensive or scornful of a contrary opinion. The exchange of ideas is more important than just their idea. After discussion, debate and a final decision, they support a team decision as if it were their own. No time for false pride, bad language or bitter rivalry in this group.

Are you a small-business person? Build the executive team with the wise and expect cohesion and increased productivity. Large, corporate person? Build your advisory team with wise people.

Hang with the spiritually wise and become wiser.

Copyright © 2006 by P. Griffith Lindell

Generous Leaders Create Positive Impact

Proverbs 11:24-25 (MSG) The world of the generous gets larger and larger; the world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller. The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed; those who help others are helped.

A new generation of employees wants something more from leaders than simply increased stock value: they want impact outside the corporate walls. Research is demonstrating that leaders who drive values that include meeting societal needs attract employees and investors.

A core belief of the servant-leader is stewardship – not ownership - the underlying question is: How can I best use the assets available to me to positively impact employees, vendors, the marketplace and society?

Impact your world by making available your time, your talent and your treasure. Lead by giving. Grow by blessing others. That’s the spirit of Christmas.

Copyright © by P. Griffith Lindell

Leadership From the Heart

Proverbs 8:17 (MSG) I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me. (NIV) I love everyone who loves me, and I will be found by all who honestly search [for me.]

Two uses of “love” here: the first use is a word that drives the future - that love is on-going - in the hear-and-now and forever. The second describes a love that drives action - not an observational love (I love sunsets when I happen to see them); it is a love that includes the willingness to always look for sunsets, putting myself in a position to see them and to manage my time to be available for them. It includes sacrifice of inconvenience, and with it a promise.

When God is really sought, He will be found and will be exalted in our lives and our businesses. What we say and how we do what we do will reflect God in us - and not us.

Who are you reflecting?

Copyright © 2006 by P. Griffith Lindell