Proverbs 27:2 (NIV) Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; someone else, and not your own lips.
The personal application of this verse is a powerful command to those who would practice servant-leadership – or the art of being other-oriented.
Self-adulation is seldom the intent that precedes self-glorifying behavior; often it flows naturally from a heart that is all about self. The heart change of humility is foundational.
The problem for us humans is that this humility is like a slippery watermelon seed: once you get your fingers around it, and you think you have it and it just slips away.
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 ©2009 by P. Griffith Lindell
Showing posts with label heart. Show all posts
Showing posts with label heart. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Monday, April 27, 2009
The Boldness of Leaders with Changed Hearts
Proverbs 27:19 (NIV) As water reflects a face, so a man's heart reflects the man.
Once they knew that their Redeemer lived, the hearts of the earliest church leaders changed from fearful to focused, becoming bold breakers of cultural and religious barriers. They faced the world with new hearts and became models of leadership to follow.
Consider the place of women in this community. At the first recorded prayer-meeting, women were present; incredibly, praying with the men. Unheard of in the Jewish synagogues, this was a radical result of the leadership of the Great Servant-Leader. The gender-barrier broken, ethnic barriers fell, and these leaders ultimately changed the diet of the early church. These, and other barrier-breaking behaviors, were lived out in deeds - not just motivating words and were born of hearts broken of self and filled with the Lord of the Universe.
From their lives (especially seen in the book of Acts), we learn that a heart committed to life of significance is educated through a commitment to prayer, enlightened by reading and meditating on the Word, and ultimately empowered by the Holy Spirit.
The result? Even in the workplace, as you work to break down societal and cultural barriers, your heart, reflected in your countenance, will attract followers who want what you have – the beauty of becoming a magnet of meaning to those seeking meaning.
What do you see reflected when you gaze into the mirror? Do you have the heart to break barriers?
Copyright © 2009 by P. Griffith Lindell
Once they knew that their Redeemer lived, the hearts of the earliest church leaders changed from fearful to focused, becoming bold breakers of cultural and religious barriers. They faced the world with new hearts and became models of leadership to follow.
Consider the place of women in this community. At the first recorded prayer-meeting, women were present; incredibly, praying with the men. Unheard of in the Jewish synagogues, this was a radical result of the leadership of the Great Servant-Leader. The gender-barrier broken, ethnic barriers fell, and these leaders ultimately changed the diet of the early church. These, and other barrier-breaking behaviors, were lived out in deeds - not just motivating words and were born of hearts broken of self and filled with the Lord of the Universe.
From their lives (especially seen in the book of Acts), we learn that a heart committed to life of significance is educated through a commitment to prayer, enlightened by reading and meditating on the Word, and ultimately empowered by the Holy Spirit.
The result? Even in the workplace, as you work to break down societal and cultural barriers, your heart, reflected in your countenance, will attract followers who want what you have – the beauty of becoming a magnet of meaning to those seeking meaning.
What do you see reflected when you gaze into the mirror? Do you have the heart to break barriers?
Copyright © 2009 by P. Griffith Lindell
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Friday, March 27, 2009
Praise Will Test a Leader’s Motivations.
Proverbs 27:21 (NLT) Fire tests the purity of silver and gold, but a person is tested by being praised.
When we communicate, we reveal much about ourselves, especially our authenticity. When providing sales training, I’ve noticed that some trainees want to adopt certain, perceived personality traits thinking those traits will make them better sales people. Not so. Lack of authenticity is soon detected. Sales people, like leaders, must root their communication in authenticity. Authenticity in communication purifies the messages delivered.
We all like to hear “job well done!” How we hear it and who is telling us are both critical to our ability to process the communication. When pricked with praise, bleed humility. Can’t do that if you’re faking it. A leader, in touch with his/her Leader, will be able to respond to the test of praise with honesty and gratitude, appreciative of the praise, but not gloating in it.
Your followers also like to hear praise. When you praise them, sincerely, you also can begin to get insight into their hearts. Does pride or arrogance creep out at the edges? Does giving credit where credit is due emerge? (Is that authentic or a simply dressing up a lack of self-confidence?) Praise is a powerful management tool. It revels much.
Authentic, Kingdom-driven, servant-leaders must daily empty self to allow the Spirit to move in. Discipline is involved. Commitment to the final praise from the Almighty (“…well done, good and faithful servant…”) must drive us. Followers, motivated by leaders who express character, compassion, concern and conviction, produce results that catch the attention and praise of those watching. How the leader handles that adulation the first time will predict whether a second time will result.
How are you handling the test of praise?
Copyright © 2009 by P. Griffith Lindell
When we communicate, we reveal much about ourselves, especially our authenticity. When providing sales training, I’ve noticed that some trainees want to adopt certain, perceived personality traits thinking those traits will make them better sales people. Not so. Lack of authenticity is soon detected. Sales people, like leaders, must root their communication in authenticity. Authenticity in communication purifies the messages delivered.
We all like to hear “job well done!” How we hear it and who is telling us are both critical to our ability to process the communication. When pricked with praise, bleed humility. Can’t do that if you’re faking it. A leader, in touch with his/her Leader, will be able to respond to the test of praise with honesty and gratitude, appreciative of the praise, but not gloating in it.
Your followers also like to hear praise. When you praise them, sincerely, you also can begin to get insight into their hearts. Does pride or arrogance creep out at the edges? Does giving credit where credit is due emerge? (Is that authentic or a simply dressing up a lack of self-confidence?) Praise is a powerful management tool. It revels much.
Authentic, Kingdom-driven, servant-leaders must daily empty self to allow the Spirit to move in. Discipline is involved. Commitment to the final praise from the Almighty (“…well done, good and faithful servant…”) must drive us. Followers, motivated by leaders who express character, compassion, concern and conviction, produce results that catch the attention and praise of those watching. How the leader handles that adulation the first time will predict whether a second time will result.
How are you handling the test of praise?
Copyright © 2009 by P. Griffith Lindell
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Thursday, March 12, 2009
Effective Leadership Begins at the Interview
Proverbs 12:13 (NLT) The wicked are trapped by their own words, but the godly escape such trouble.
When Dr. Donn Lobdell, head of R&D for COBE Labs, a high-tech medical device manufacturing company, was asked by the Denver Business Journal, "What's the most important part of your job?" he replied, "Hiring is the most important part of my job, because when you're hiring, you're creating the future of your company."
Good questions to get the interviewee talking are vital. Seemingly innocent questions work wonders. Questions like:
The answers reveal character qualities and patterns of thinking that give you a glimpse at the heart. To be effective, your heart and the words you speak aloud must be congruent. Remember, what comes out of the mouth has its source in the heart. Skilled “hands” and great hearts build successfully organizations.
Do you have the heart to ask insightful questions?
Copyright (c) 2009 by P. Griffith Lindell
When Dr. Donn Lobdell, head of R&D for COBE Labs, a high-tech medical device manufacturing company, was asked by the Denver Business Journal, "What's the most important part of your job?" he replied, "Hiring is the most important part of my job, because when you're hiring, you're creating the future of your company."
Good questions to get the interviewee talking are vital. Seemingly innocent questions work wonders. Questions like:
“Tell me about where you grew up?” [What issues do they talk about? Does their answer show awareness of the times and what it meant to their maturation?]
“Describe the work environment that invigorated you?" [What is important to them?]
"Tell me about the corporate culture where you experienced the most success.” [This is another way to ask the same question - is the answer essentially the same?]
“What are the three most important values you demonstrate as a leader/manager/team member?"
"Tell me a story that demonstrates how you made those values real within your workplace.” [This helps see if the values are platitudes or prompters to behavior]
The answers reveal character qualities and patterns of thinking that give you a glimpse at the heart. To be effective, your heart and the words you speak aloud must be congruent. Remember, what comes out of the mouth has its source in the heart. Skilled “hands” and great hearts build successfully organizations.
Do you have the heart to ask insightful questions?
Copyright (c) 2009 by P. Griffith Lindell
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Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Servant-Leaders Begin with a Humble 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 with empirical research how the “culture” of a corporation influences performance. They found that strong leaders:
Their research revealed that arrogance, inward focus and encumbering bureaucracy are all features of a company in disgrace – unable to adapt to change.
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: positive, productive leadership begins in the heart.
Got the heart to be a servant-leader?
Copyright © 2009 by P. Griffith Lindell
In John Kotter & James Heskett’s book, Corporate Culture and Performance, they explored with empirical research 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.”
Their research revealed that arrogance, inward focus and encumbering bureaucracy are all features of a company in disgrace – unable to adapt to change.
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: positive, productive leadership begins in the heart.
Got the heart to be a servant-leader?
Copyright © 2009 by P. Griffith Lindell
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Thursday, March 05, 2009
Effective Leaders Ponder the “Right Stuff”
Proverbs 5: 6 (NKJV) Lest you ponder her [a sexually promiscuous woman’s] path of life-- Her ways are unstable; you do not know them. ( Phil. 4:8*)
People at work often times are put in situations that can breed the wrong kind of “pondering.”
Godly leaders (at home or at work) are called to bring captive every thought by being saturated with Wisdom. “Summing it all up… I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse.”*
Meditating on the Word is foundational. In addition, developing an integrated Christian Worldview will yield insights, attitudes and behaviors that make the Sunday stuff alive at work and play.
Ponder that!
People at work often times are put in situations that can breed the wrong kind of “pondering.”
Godly leaders (at home or at work) are called to bring captive every thought by being saturated with Wisdom. “Summing it all up… I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse.”*
Meditating on the Word is foundational. In addition, developing an integrated Christian Worldview will yield insights, attitudes and behaviors that make the Sunday stuff alive at work and play.
Ponder that!
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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
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Monday, January 19, 2009
The Generosity of Leaders
Proverbs 19:17 (MSG) Mercy to the needy is a loan to God, and God pays back those loans in full.
In his article The Cultivation of Transcendent Leadership, Jamie S. Walters posits that generosity is the first of the six principles of “transcendent leadership.”
As he points out, “Generosity of spirit…fosters collaboration, creativity, idea-sharing, knowledge-sharing, camaraderie, trust, satisfaction, and constructive communication.”
Mercy to the needy is not only financial help (which is important in its own right) but also is expressed, in the work environment, in the sharing of information, delegating both authority and responsibility and/or providing necessary feedback.
Mercy is a quality from the heart.
Do you have the heart to lead?
Copyright 2009 © by P. Griffith Lindell
In his article The Cultivation of Transcendent Leadership, Jamie S. Walters posits that generosity is the first of the six principles of “transcendent leadership.”
As he points out, “Generosity of spirit…fosters collaboration, creativity, idea-sharing, knowledge-sharing, camaraderie, trust, satisfaction, and constructive communication.”
Mercy to the needy is not only financial help (which is important in its own right) but also is expressed, in the work environment, in the sharing of information, delegating both authority and responsibility and/or providing necessary feedback.
Mercy is a quality from the heart.
Do you have the heart to lead?
Copyright 2009 © by P. Griffith Lindell
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