Proverbs 27:17 (NKJV) As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.
People are meant to be interdependent. John Donne reminded us that “no man is an island” and it today’s economy, being connected is important and ultimately healthy to each of us. Conversation helps. Praying together helps more. Find one or two friends with whom you can connect.
But then note: it is iron we are talking about. Not tin. Not soft rock. Strong iron is filed by other iron ores to refine its shape, to sharpen its edge or to shine its surface. A lonely piece of unrefined iron, by itself, does little.
It should never be “lonely at the top” for effective leadership is not a solitary endeavor. The leader must have around friends who provoke the leader to deeper thinking (energizing the intellect) or provide authentic encouragement --both brighten the countenance.
Testing ideas in conversation refines our skills: it is also the penetrating questions of the soul that shapes our spiritual being. The influence is great; therefore, leaders must choose wisely the friends who would brighten their countenance.
Do you have friends that can sharpen you? That you can sharpen?
Copyright © 2009 by P. Griffith Lindell
________________________________
EMAIL: griff@lindellassociates.net
WEB: Lindell Associates
LinkedIn: Griff
Blogs: On Leadership
On Marketing, Management, Personal Growth
Twitter: PGriffithL
Friday, February 27, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Leaders Answering Fools
Proverbs 26:4-5 (NASB) Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you will also be like him. Answer a fool as his folly deserves, that he not be wise in his own eyes.
What appears to be contradictory in these verses is not.
Verse four admonishes us that sometimes it is best not to answer a question whose foundation is foolishness: silence is golden for the question that was not asked not to learn, but only for selfish purposes. Leaders often face foolish questions: a good question in return, aimed at the real crux of the foolish question, is needed. You know – the way Jesus handled the religious elite of that day.
But there is a time to answer the foolishness of this world: and that time is when the truth is at stake. In this instance, to not be ready with an answer might lead the foolish person to swallow their own foolishness and contaminate others, leading them to believe that the fool’s words were unanswerable. Humans causing global warming might be a good example: the science demonstrates that the correlation between sunspot activity and temperature changes. Not humans. Are you prepared with the science - not the politically motivated speculation? (see http://www.icr.org/article/does-carbon-dioxide-drive-global-warming/ )
This is why Believers are admonished to “Work hard so God can approve you. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.”
Are you working hard – armed with Biblical Wisdom and by those who uphold a Christian Worldview?
Copyright © 2009 by P. Griffith Lindell
What appears to be contradictory in these verses is not.
Verse four admonishes us that sometimes it is best not to answer a question whose foundation is foolishness: silence is golden for the question that was not asked not to learn, but only for selfish purposes. Leaders often face foolish questions: a good question in return, aimed at the real crux of the foolish question, is needed. You know – the way Jesus handled the religious elite of that day.
But there is a time to answer the foolishness of this world: and that time is when the truth is at stake. In this instance, to not be ready with an answer might lead the foolish person to swallow their own foolishness and contaminate others, leading them to believe that the fool’s words were unanswerable. Humans causing global warming might be a good example: the science demonstrates that the correlation between sunspot activity and temperature changes. Not humans. Are you prepared with the science - not the politically motivated speculation? (see http://www.icr.org/article/does-carbon-dioxide-drive-global-warming/ )
This is why Believers are admonished to “Work hard so God can approve you. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.”
Are you working hard – armed with Biblical Wisdom and by those who uphold a Christian Worldview?
Copyright © 2009 by P. Griffith Lindell
Bookmark this post: | 
|
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Leaders Practice Self-control
Proverbs 25:28 (NLT) A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls.
A common characteristic of failed leadership is a lack of self-control - a lack manifested in many ways: but most important among them is the blame game.
Taking full responsibility for our actions, learning from mistakes and using what you have been given to its full advantage are “walls” that will protect the leader.
Learn self-control by:
Curbing curiosity – everything is permitted, but not beneficial – explore carefully also evaluating impact
Checking pride and vanity – it’s not about you – it is always about them (customers, staff, whomever!)
Containing anger and revenge – these drain and don’t draw others to you
Confining personal ambition – When yours is palatable, it pushes people away – they will not follow.
Emptying yourself of destructive curiosity, vanity, revenge and ambition creates a void that is crying out to be filled: fill it with the God who created you. He will build strong walls to protect you granting peace and safety to you who have learned to control themselves and give control to their Creator.
Which of those four “Cs” do you need to work on?
Copyright © 2009 by P. Griffith Lindell
A common characteristic of failed leadership is a lack of self-control - a lack manifested in many ways: but most important among them is the blame game.
Taking full responsibility for our actions, learning from mistakes and using what you have been given to its full advantage are “walls” that will protect the leader.
Learn self-control by:
Curbing curiosity – everything is permitted, but not beneficial – explore carefully also evaluating impact
Checking pride and vanity – it’s not about you – it is always about them (customers, staff, whomever!)
Containing anger and revenge – these drain and don’t draw others to you
Confining personal ambition – When yours is palatable, it pushes people away – they will not follow.
Emptying yourself of destructive curiosity, vanity, revenge and ambition creates a void that is crying out to be filled: fill it with the God who created you. He will build strong walls to protect you granting peace and safety to you who have learned to control themselves and give control to their Creator.
Which of those four “Cs” do you need to work on?
Copyright © 2009 by P. Griffith Lindell
Bookmark this post: |
|
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Leaders Can Debate Without Debasing
Proverbs 24:7 (MSG) Wise conversation is way over the head of fools; in a serious discussion they haven't a clue.
Life is a spiritual battle: the world tries to make it material. The economic condition of 2009 is a good example of spiritual battles being fought by powers and forces of the unseen. Now, imagine positing this at your next cocktail party. Not working for you, right?
The Sarbanes-Oxley environment over the last several years has produced much talking, little wise conversation. The world just does not "get it." As one public executive told me, "The Ten Commandants haven't worked; why should we think our rules will work?" He missed the spiritual element.
A discussion of ethics without a discussion of morality and truth is useless, yet it happens often. The content of many texts assume ethics is an emergent attribute of evolved human behavior.
Recognizing the spiritual forces in play, a wise leader’s conversation is more about parables than pontification; it’s peppered with interesting questions rather than interrupting sarcasm; and although it is simple, it is not simplistic.
Sensitive to the spiritual void, a wise leader can approach an issue without being antagonistic to the person.
You know, like Jesus did.
Copyright (c) 2009 by P. Griffith Lindell
Life is a spiritual battle: the world tries to make it material. The economic condition of 2009 is a good example of spiritual battles being fought by powers and forces of the unseen. Now, imagine positing this at your next cocktail party. Not working for you, right?
The Sarbanes-Oxley environment over the last several years has produced much talking, little wise conversation. The world just does not "get it." As one public executive told me, "The Ten Commandants haven't worked; why should we think our rules will work?" He missed the spiritual element.
A discussion of ethics without a discussion of morality and truth is useless, yet it happens often. The content of many texts assume ethics is an emergent attribute of evolved human behavior.
Recognizing the spiritual forces in play, a wise leader’s conversation is more about parables than pontification; it’s peppered with interesting questions rather than interrupting sarcasm; and although it is simple, it is not simplistic.
Sensitive to the spiritual void, a wise leader can approach an issue without being antagonistic to the person.
You know, like Jesus did.
Copyright (c) 2009 by P. Griffith Lindell
Bookmark this post: |
|
Monday, February 23, 2009
Leaders Look Ahead
Proverbs 23:18 (NIV) There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.
Life happens. The financial, social and spiritual problems of the present may be huge.
Leadership is the art of bringing a proper perspective into play – vision casting, clarity of mission and inspiring hope. For the Christian Leader, understanding the source of hope and the practical expressions of hope demands an understanding of Sovereign context – it’s the difference between knowing about God and knowing God.
This business leader understands that the eternal impact of her/his business life has little to do with an all-consuming focus on market share and keeping a business afloat. The impact has more to do with the relationships he/she builds into employees, suppliers, competitors and customers – relationships that reflect his personal hope in a God who remains faithful to those that love Him and are called according to His purpose.
My personal question: Am I positioned to allow God to use my life as an expression of hope in the middle this global economic downturn?
Copyright (c) 2009 by P. Griffith Lindell
Life happens. The financial, social and spiritual problems of the present may be huge.
Leadership is the art of bringing a proper perspective into play – vision casting, clarity of mission and inspiring hope. For the Christian Leader, understanding the source of hope and the practical expressions of hope demands an understanding of Sovereign context – it’s the difference between knowing about God and knowing God.
This business leader understands that the eternal impact of her/his business life has little to do with an all-consuming focus on market share and keeping a business afloat. The impact has more to do with the relationships he/she builds into employees, suppliers, competitors and customers – relationships that reflect his personal hope in a God who remains faithful to those that love Him and are called according to His purpose.
My personal question: Am I positioned to allow God to use my life as an expression of hope in the middle this global economic downturn?
Copyright (c) 2009 by P. Griffith Lindell
Bookmark this post: |
|
Friday, February 20, 2009
Leadership Worldview
Proverbs 20:12 (AMP) The hearing ear and the seeing eye--the Lord has made both of them.
Some truths are self-evident: our Declaration of Independence reflects this philosophy, as does this verse.
However, the increasing secularization of society has given us a humanistic worldview that eliminates the need for personal responsibility other than that which is demanded by current society mores. The belief that random matter gave rise to not only our physical self, but also our “knowing” self means that 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 © 2009 by P. Griffith Lindell. Cartoon Copyright Gospel Communications International, Inc - www.reverendfun.com
Some truths are self-evident: our Declaration of Independence reflects this philosophy, as does this verse.
However, the increasing secularization of society has given us a humanistic worldview that eliminates the need for personal responsibility other than that which is demanded by current society mores. The belief that random matter gave rise to not only our physical self, but also our “knowing” self means that 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 © 2009 by P. Griffith Lindell. Cartoon Copyright Gospel Communications International, Inc - www.reverendfun.com
Bookmark this post: |
|
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Leaders Learn to Live Untouched by Trouble
Proverbs 19:23 (NIV) - The fear of the LORD leads to life: Then one rests content, untouched by trouble.
The world, in 2009, seems to be crumbling around us. Distrust in financial institutions, business and political leaders abound. Uncertainty about property values, food prices, and jobs rules the day.
Disappointment, discouragement and despair can dog a leader – or any person. It is the discipline of the will that does not let our personal disappointments wash over others. That discipline, for the Believer, has a solid core, driven deep into the bedrock of faith.
Fearing God is not a trivial thing, or easily grasped and even held on to. It is the opposite of self-reliance and yet, paradoxically, the more we rely on Him, the more confident we appear to others. "Untouched by trouble" is not about the circumstances that swirl around us: it is about our attitude, born of faith, about God remaining sovereign no matter what's happening.
God-confidence vs. self-confidence – one is driven by faith, the other by sight.
Got real, alive, vibrant faith? That’s where contentment lives – no matter the circumstances.
[Gratitude is an attitude - see http://www.wisebread.com/spiritual-insights-from-a-rich-idiot ]
Copyright © 2009 by P. Griffith Lindell
The world, in 2009, seems to be crumbling around us. Distrust in financial institutions, business and political leaders abound. Uncertainty about property values, food prices, and jobs rules the day.
Disappointment, discouragement and despair can dog a leader – or any person. It is the discipline of the will that does not let our personal disappointments wash over others. That discipline, for the Believer, has a solid core, driven deep into the bedrock of faith.
Fearing God is not a trivial thing, or easily grasped and even held on to. It is the opposite of self-reliance and yet, paradoxically, the more we rely on Him, the more confident we appear to others. "Untouched by trouble" is not about the circumstances that swirl around us: it is about our attitude, born of faith, about God remaining sovereign no matter what's happening.
God-confidence vs. self-confidence – one is driven by faith, the other by sight.
Got real, alive, vibrant faith? That’s where contentment lives – no matter the circumstances.
[Gratitude is an attitude - see http://www.wisebread.com/spiritual-insights-from-a-rich-idiot ]
Copyright © 2009 by P. Griffith Lindell
Bookmark this post: |
|
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Lead With a Smile
Proverbs 17:22 (MSG) A cheerful disposition is good for your health; gloom and doom leave you bone-tired.
Health professionals have long recognized this truth; but it is even now permeating the business community.
According to author Susan Heathfield, writing on employee motivation, leaders should: “Start the day by showing a positive, cheerful attitude (Your arrival at work sets the employee motivation tone for the day.)”
Good medicine for you: good medicine for your business. The leader lays the foundation for the culture. Your smile and disposition not only helps you, but also others.
Are you smiling?
Copyright © 2009 by P. Griffith Lindell
Health professionals have long recognized this truth; but it is even now permeating the business community.
According to author Susan Heathfield, writing on employee motivation, leaders should: “Start the day by showing a positive, cheerful attitude (Your arrival at work sets the employee motivation tone for the day.)”
Good medicine for you: good medicine for your business. The leader lays the foundation for the culture. Your smile and disposition not only helps you, but also others.
Are you smiling?
Copyright © 2009 by P. Griffith Lindell
Bookmark this post: |
|
Friday, February 13, 2009
Collaborate: Lesson from the “Stimulus” Bill
Proverbs 13:10 (MSG) Arrogant know-it-alls stir up discord, but wise men and women listen to each other's counsel.
Caught-up in their hubris, ideology drove a Bill to completion without real input from those with legitimate and different views. Despite protestations to the contrary by the President, the facts (and the rhetoric of the Speaker) tell a different story. More discord will result. Less collaboration will rule the day. Not the kind of change wanted.
As Jim Collins, author of Good to Great discovered, leaders who successfully manage change are not only humble, but also have learned to collaborate.
These business times demand honest collaboration, looking at potential results of each position and that position’s ability to meet real needs. This is not time for arrogance. This is the time to “listen to each other’s counsel.” To learn and grow.
Do you collaborate? Even with the contrarian?
Copyright (c) 2009 by P. Griffith Lindell
Caught-up in their hubris, ideology drove a Bill to completion without real input from those with legitimate and different views. Despite protestations to the contrary by the President, the facts (and the rhetoric of the Speaker) tell a different story. More discord will result. Less collaboration will rule the day. Not the kind of change wanted.
As Jim Collins, author of Good to Great discovered, leaders who successfully manage change are not only humble, but also have learned to collaborate.
These business times demand honest collaboration, looking at potential results of each position and that position’s ability to meet real needs. This is not time for arrogance. This is the time to “listen to each other’s counsel.” To learn and grow.
Do you collaborate? Even with the contrarian?
Copyright (c) 2009 by P. Griffith Lindell
Bookmark this post: |
|
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Leadership Discipline
Proverbs 12: 1 (AMP) Whoever loves instruction and correction loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is like a brute beast, stupid and indiscriminating.
To put this verse more simply – “to learn, you must have discipline (NLT).” To grow personally or to lead a business, a non-profit, your family, the team – whatever you might lead - the discipline to learn from the results you produce yields the knowledge needed to be an effective leader.
Discipline is the result of the willingness to ask the questions about results produced that produce instruction or, if needed, correction - the discipline to listen and learn. I’m reminded of what M. Scott Peck said in his book The Road Less Traveled, “without discipline we can solve nothing.”
Some organizations just love strategy formulation - big plans and wonderful Power Point® presentations: but it is the discipline that comes from strategy implementation where the rubber meets the road. Leaders learn that every action taken is a learning experience: they see it as producing a result- not as success or failure, per se.
Learn from the results you produce - that’s the attitude of loving discipline. If you don’t like the results, change what you are doing – don’t be a “brute beast, stupid and indiscriminating.”
Are you a leader who is willing to learn, change where needed and grow?
Copyright (c) 2009 by P. Griffith Lindell
To put this verse more simply – “to learn, you must have discipline (NLT).” To grow personally or to lead a business, a non-profit, your family, the team – whatever you might lead - the discipline to learn from the results you produce yields the knowledge needed to be an effective leader.
Discipline is the result of the willingness to ask the questions about results produced that produce instruction or, if needed, correction - the discipline to listen and learn. I’m reminded of what M. Scott Peck said in his book The Road Less Traveled, “without discipline we can solve nothing.”
Some organizations just love strategy formulation - big plans and wonderful Power Point® presentations: but it is the discipline that comes from strategy implementation where the rubber meets the road. Leaders learn that every action taken is a learning experience: they see it as producing a result- not as success or failure, per se.
Learn from the results you produce - that’s the attitude of loving discipline. If you don’t like the results, change what you are doing – don’t be a “brute beast, stupid and indiscriminating.”
Are you a leader who is willing to learn, change where needed and grow?
Copyright (c) 2009 by P. Griffith Lindell
Bookmark this post: |
|
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
You Got To Have Heart
Proverbs 11:2 (NIV) When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.
In John Kotter & James Heskett’s book, Corporate Culture and Performance, they explored how the “culture” of a corporation influences performance. They found that strong leaders “do not tolerate arrogance in others. They remind people often of who they must serve….They keep their own egos under control. They make room for other egos.”
Whether large or small business, arrogance, inward focus and encumbering bureaucracy are all features of a company in disgrace – unable to adapt to change. Adaptability in today’s economy is vital.
Scripture says that hidden in humility is wisdom: the last sentence of Kotter & Heskett’s’ book says, “…if leaders do not have the hearts of servants, there is only the potential for tyranny.” There it is again: As I have posited in other blogs, positive, productive leadership begins in the heart.
Got the heart to be a leader?
Copyright © 2009 by P. Griffith Lindell
In John Kotter & James Heskett’s book, Corporate Culture and Performance, they explored how the “culture” of a corporation influences performance. They found that strong leaders “do not tolerate arrogance in others. They remind people often of who they must serve….They keep their own egos under control. They make room for other egos.”
Whether large or small business, arrogance, inward focus and encumbering bureaucracy are all features of a company in disgrace – unable to adapt to change. Adaptability in today’s economy is vital.
Scripture says that hidden in humility is wisdom: the last sentence of Kotter & Heskett’s’ book says, “…if leaders do not have the hearts of servants, there is only the potential for tyranny.” There it is again: As I have posited in other blogs, positive, productive leadership begins in the heart.
Got the heart to be a leader?
Copyright © 2009 by P. Griffith Lindell
Bookmark this post: |
|
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Understanding Personal Values Systems
Proverbs 10: 4 (AMP) He becomes poor who works with a slack and idle hand, but the hand of the diligent makes rich.
If you follow the behavioral science that looks at what drives people, this verse applies to those who prefer the "Supporting-Giving® window to the world." This type believes that hard work is what will get them ahead, and they are correct.
Others prefer to be driven by diligently capturing opportunity and that will "make one rich." Some think the way to move ahead is to collect and analyze data and understand the trends that the data may show. Others feel that adapting built on the value of harmony is the key to success.
Each value system produces a positive result. How can that be? The value drivers may be different; being diligent to capitalize on our drivers, to moderate their use and to supplement when needed is the key to personal success. God has wired you a certain way and he expects each of us to learn how we are wired and use it for His glory – the turn coin of the riches realm.
Do you know what value system drives you?
For more on diversity of value systems, see: http://www.grifflindell.blogspot.com/
Copyright © 2009 by P. Griffith Lindell
If you follow the behavioral science that looks at what drives people, this verse applies to those who prefer the "Supporting-Giving® window to the world." This type believes that hard work is what will get them ahead, and they are correct.
Others prefer to be driven by diligently capturing opportunity and that will "make one rich." Some think the way to move ahead is to collect and analyze data and understand the trends that the data may show. Others feel that adapting built on the value of harmony is the key to success.
Each value system produces a positive result. How can that be? The value drivers may be different; being diligent to capitalize on our drivers, to moderate their use and to supplement when needed is the key to personal success. God has wired you a certain way and he expects each of us to learn how we are wired and use it for His glory – the turn coin of the riches realm.
Do you know what value system drives you?
For more on diversity of value systems, see: http://www.grifflindell.blogspot.com/
Copyright © 2009 by P. Griffith Lindell
Bookmark this post: |
|
Monday, February 09, 2009
Christian Business Owners Are Clear About Ownership
Proverbs 9:6; (NIV) Leave your simple ways and you will live; walk in the way of understanding.
How well do you and I really understand that “the chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy him forever” (Westminster Catechism)? Enjoying God while the economy is hurting? While your business is adjusting? In the midst of weak sales, less and less customers? YES! One way of “walking in the way of understanding” is to get who owns your business. As one writer posited, "...the goal of a business is not profit. It is stewardship. Profit results from good stewardship."
I like that for it says to me that even the business is something that is not "mine.” It is His and how I run it should reflect the owner: How I treat my staff; How I nurture customers with exceptional customer service; How I deal with the bank in integrity; my face to the public. All should reflect my “understanding.”
Even for a CEO of a public company - the business is "owned" by shareholders and the CEO is responsible for being a steward of the assets of that company. Those assets are not for him/her. Someone else is always the owner!
Who owns you and your business?
Copyright © 2009 by P. Griffith Lindell
How well do you and I really understand that “the chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy him forever” (Westminster Catechism)? Enjoying God while the economy is hurting? While your business is adjusting? In the midst of weak sales, less and less customers? YES! One way of “walking in the way of understanding” is to get who owns your business. As one writer posited, "...the goal of a business is not profit. It is stewardship. Profit results from good stewardship."
I like that for it says to me that even the business is something that is not "mine.” It is His and how I run it should reflect the owner: How I treat my staff; How I nurture customers with exceptional customer service; How I deal with the bank in integrity; my face to the public. All should reflect my “understanding.”
Even for a CEO of a public company - the business is "owned" by shareholders and the CEO is responsible for being a steward of the assets of that company. Those assets are not for him/her. Someone else is always the owner!
Who owns you and your business?
Copyright © 2009 by P. Griffith Lindell
Bookmark this post: |
|
Friday, February 06, 2009
Leaders Value Others in a Down Economy
Proverbs 6:16a (AMP) These six things the Lord hates, indeed, seven are an abomination to Him: [#1] A proud look [the spirit that makes one overestimate himself and underestimate others]…
Bill George, in his book, Authentic Leadership: Rediscovering the Secrets to Creating Lasting Value, proclaims: “… that leadership begins and ends with authenticity…(it’s) being the person you were created to be.”
He then points out that truly understanding self takes some risk and humility – learning to be open to others. Sometimes that may mean simple actions in a down economy – like keeping everyone working with less pay or less hours - everyone sharing in the business status. Thinking about the needs of others does take effort – including thinking about solution implications.
“As a person thinks in his heart so is he.” What are you thinking about?
Copyright © 2009 by P. Griffith Lindell
Bill George, in his book, Authentic Leadership: Rediscovering the Secrets to Creating Lasting Value, proclaims: “… that leadership begins and ends with authenticity…(it’s) being the person you were created to be.”
He then points out that truly understanding self takes some risk and humility – learning to be open to others. Sometimes that may mean simple actions in a down economy – like keeping everyone working with less pay or less hours - everyone sharing in the business status. Thinking about the needs of others does take effort – including thinking about solution implications.
“As a person thinks in his heart so is he.” What are you thinking about?
Copyright © 2009 by P. Griffith Lindell
Bookmark this post: |
|
Thursday, February 05, 2009
Leading With “With The Lights Always On”
Proverbs 5:21 (MSG) Mark well that GOD doesn't miss a move you make; he's aware of every step you take.
What leaders do and what they fail to do define their integrity.
Recently, we have seen the supposed grayness of integrity as it applies to some candidates for positions in the new administration in Washington, D.C. Different standards seems to exist for some who supposedly have “something to offer” and therefore “get a pass” on what could cause you and me a problem, not a pass.
In Portland, OR, a mayor who lied about a sexual liaison with an adolescent still is mayor, having not resigned. His rationale? He admitted his “mistake” and asked for forgiveness, and he is “best” suited at helping the city in its current financial crises – i.e. his lack of truthfulness had no real consequence except for some embarrassment – and the end justified the means.
Leading with integrity results from behaving “in the dark” as if lights are on all the time. Integrity is about completeness. No division between the light of day and the dark of night.
Are you leading with the lights on – all the time?
Copyright © 2009 by P. Griffith Lindell
What leaders do and what they fail to do define their integrity.
Recently, we have seen the supposed grayness of integrity as it applies to some candidates for positions in the new administration in Washington, D.C. Different standards seems to exist for some who supposedly have “something to offer” and therefore “get a pass” on what could cause you and me a problem, not a pass.
In Portland, OR, a mayor who lied about a sexual liaison with an adolescent still is mayor, having not resigned. His rationale? He admitted his “mistake” and asked for forgiveness, and he is “best” suited at helping the city in its current financial crises – i.e. his lack of truthfulness had no real consequence except for some embarrassment – and the end justified the means.
Leading with integrity results from behaving “in the dark” as if lights are on all the time. Integrity is about completeness. No division between the light of day and the dark of night.
Are you leading with the lights on – all the time?
Copyright © 2009 by P. Griffith Lindell
Bookmark this post: |
|
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
Leaders Understand the Impact of the Starting Point
Proverbs 4:7 (NLT) The beginning of wisdom is: Get wisdom! And with all you have gotten, get understanding. {AMP = discernment, comprehension, and interpretation.}
For business success - or life success – having a clear understanding of beginnings is vital. In this tough economy, attitude drives business decisions. Understanding “beginnings” is the foundation of all your thinking.
Solidifying your comprehensive worldview (answering questions like these - Where did we come from? Why are we here? Where are we going?) will define where you look for wisdom and how your are (your attitude toward others, yourself and life) at business.
Believing leaders understand that the source of Wisdom for all of life (yes, business life too) comes from God who created us and provides a clear path of communication with Him.
The “external wisdom,” whose beginning is matter, or sensory data or “whatever,” is often packaged to look like "spiritual" wisdom. Good packaging. Bad product.
Either God is God of all (including all of wisdom and your work life), or he is not God at all. There’s a starting point that changes everything.
Are you getting your wisdom from the eternal or external?
Copyright © 2009 by P. Griffith Lindell
For business success - or life success – having a clear understanding of beginnings is vital. In this tough economy, attitude drives business decisions. Understanding “beginnings” is the foundation of all your thinking.
Solidifying your comprehensive worldview (answering questions like these - Where did we come from? Why are we here? Where are we going?) will define where you look for wisdom and how your are (your attitude toward others, yourself and life) at business.
Believing leaders understand that the source of Wisdom for all of life (yes, business life too) comes from God who created us and provides a clear path of communication with Him.
The “external wisdom,” whose beginning is matter, or sensory data or “whatever,” is often packaged to look like "spiritual" wisdom. Good packaging. Bad product.
Either God is God of all (including all of wisdom and your work life), or he is not God at all. There’s a starting point that changes everything.
Are you getting your wisdom from the eternal or external?
Copyright © 2009 by P. Griffith Lindell
Bookmark this post: |
|
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
Intentionality of Leadership
Proverbs 3:5-6 (MSG) Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he's the one who will keep you on track.
The measure of a Christian leader is how well that leader weaves his/her faith into the fabric of living both at home and at work.
Listening to God’s voice in everything we do takes intentionality, discipline and a determination to be humble, even in business problem-solving. We are often too caught up in the myth of Hollywood that we are autonomous, independent leaders and find ourselves just responding and reacting, that we forget about relying.
This verse is devoid of meaning if we relegate God to Sunday and forget Him Monday to Saturday. In the world of advertising/marketing finding a 7-day committed Believer is a breath of fresh air and one such man is Ray Brown, founder of DRB Partners. (http://www.drbpartners.com/) On his desk is a little plaque with verse 5 applied to it- a reminder to him and others that his faith means something to him and how he runs his business - intentionality, discipline and determination in action.
Who do you trust and listen to: myth makers or your Maker?
Copyright © 2009 by P. Griffith Lindell
The measure of a Christian leader is how well that leader weaves his/her faith into the fabric of living both at home and at work.
Listening to God’s voice in everything we do takes intentionality, discipline and a determination to be humble, even in business problem-solving. We are often too caught up in the myth of Hollywood that we are autonomous, independent leaders and find ourselves just responding and reacting, that we forget about relying.
This verse is devoid of meaning if we relegate God to Sunday and forget Him Monday to Saturday. In the world of advertising/marketing finding a 7-day committed Believer is a breath of fresh air and one such man is Ray Brown, founder of DRB Partners. (http://www.drbpartners.com/) On his desk is a little plaque with verse 5 applied to it- a reminder to him and others that his faith means something to him and how he runs his business - intentionality, discipline and determination in action.
Who do you trust and listen to: myth makers or your Maker?
Copyright © 2009 by P. Griffith Lindell
Bookmark this post: |
|
Monday, February 02, 2009
Leaders Are Willing To Be Changed
Proverbs 2:2 (NLV) …make your ear open to wisdom. Turn your heart to understanding.
There are two commands in this verse – make open and turn - that's all about the will. William Penn, in 1699 wrote, “No man is fit to command another that can not command himself.”
Will to open. Will to turn. Open to wisdom from others and from your Creator. The leadership stories in both Old and New Testaments provide foundational understanding of leading. Just knowing about them is not enough. We must turn our heart (including our head, hands and habits) – ah, there’s the rub!
What is naturally in us is all about us: what is supernaturally assimilated in us changes our focus to others. That’s the key to “servant leadership.” If you want to influence others, first allow yourself to be changed – the head and the heart internally, the hands and the habits externally.
Are you willing to be changed so you can lead like Jesus?
Coopyrigth (c) 2009 by P. Griffith Lindell
There are two commands in this verse – make open and turn - that's all about the will. William Penn, in 1699 wrote, “No man is fit to command another that can not command himself.”
Will to open. Will to turn. Open to wisdom from others and from your Creator. The leadership stories in both Old and New Testaments provide foundational understanding of leading. Just knowing about them is not enough. We must turn our heart (including our head, hands and habits) – ah, there’s the rub!
What is naturally in us is all about us: what is supernaturally assimilated in us changes our focus to others. That’s the key to “servant leadership.” If you want to influence others, first allow yourself to be changed – the head and the heart internally, the hands and the habits externally.
Are you willing to be changed so you can lead like Jesus?
Coopyrigth (c) 2009 by P. Griffith Lindell
Bookmark this post: |
|
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
