Proverbs 21:21 (NLT) Whoever pursues godliness and unfailing love will find life, godliness, and honor.
Plato taught that moral thoughts are universal and that “the Good” can be attained through reason not through submission to revelation. Pursuing godliness is an act of submission.
Submitting or reasoning? We like the second: appeals to our ego.
Pursuing godliness (righteous living) and love (focus on others) in the workplace results in the kind of life that is attractive. The “work of the Lord” is always about love; therefore, we must speak the truth seasoned with grace.
Even when dealing with an under-performing employee, speaking brutal truth is about us: our reasoning ability to see what is “right and true.” Authentic leadership drives us to use compassion in exploration of the drivers of behaviors that result in negative impact on productivity (what Will Tuttle calls “ethical intelligence”). Honor results when we focus on the impact that truth will have on the hearer for the benefit of the Kingdom.
Pursuing godliness fuels personal outcomes that are attractive to God and others.
What fuels you?
Copyright ©2009 by P. Griffith Lindell
Showing posts with label authentic leadeship. Show all posts
Showing posts with label authentic leadeship. Show all posts
Monday, September 21, 2009
Friday, September 11, 2009
The Leadership Team
Proverbs 11:14 (MSG) Without good direction, people lose their way; the more wise counsel you follow, the better your chances.
Leaders practice foresight – remembering the past, objectively looking at the present, and ascertaining known consequences of decisions for the future.
Servant-leaders not only provide good direction, they also seek wise counsel. This is not “either/or” thinking; rather, it is “both/and.” The event we honor today, September 11, 2001, is a horrific example of the results of either/or.
Silo thinking is not part of servant-leadership culture and there is an absence of hierarchical vocabulary within the culture and its effect -- lack of collaboration. However, when humility is not regarded as vital, and arrogance is not only tolerated, but also often rewarded, people “lose their way” and become well known for offering answers, not solutions. The people running these kinds of organizations often don't ask for advice from the team despite the admonitions above that are certainly plain enough: get advice - Godly advice (wise counsel).
God has called Believers to adopt a different attitude - one that seamlessly integrates the scared with the secular. God's word - God's people - and You. That's a team that improves “your chances.”
Do you have a Godly team surrounding you?
Copyright ©2009 by P. Griffith Lindell
Leaders practice foresight – remembering the past, objectively looking at the present, and ascertaining known consequences of decisions for the future.
Servant-leaders not only provide good direction, they also seek wise counsel. This is not “either/or” thinking; rather, it is “both/and.” The event we honor today, September 11, 2001, is a horrific example of the results of either/or.
Silo thinking is not part of servant-leadership culture and there is an absence of hierarchical vocabulary within the culture and its effect -- lack of collaboration. However, when humility is not regarded as vital, and arrogance is not only tolerated, but also often rewarded, people “lose their way” and become well known for offering answers, not solutions. The people running these kinds of organizations often don't ask for advice from the team despite the admonitions above that are certainly plain enough: get advice - Godly advice (wise counsel).
God has called Believers to adopt a different attitude - one that seamlessly integrates the scared with the secular. God's word - God's people - and You. That's a team that improves “your chances.”
Do you have a Godly team surrounding you?
Copyright ©2009 by P. Griffith Lindell
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Friday, May 22, 2009
Leaders Must Be Known For The “Right Stuff”
Proverbs 22:1 (NIV) A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.
For everyone, especially leaders, two attributes are more desirable than all the wealth we can accumulate: to be well spoken of and to be held in high esteem by others.
Both point to personal purpose: knowing who you are and what your purpose is. I hope you have a handle on that.
A.W. Tozer offered seven “tests” for us to use when we want to understand better how we are “known” and what really drives us:
1. What we want most
2. What we think about most
3. How we use our money
4. What we do with our leisure time
5. The company we enjoy
6. Who and what we admire
7. What we laugh at
And remember, as my Mom used to say: “What you do speaks so loudly, I can’t hear what you say.”
What really drives your behavior?
Copyright ©2009 by P. Griffith Lindell
For everyone, especially leaders, two attributes are more desirable than all the wealth we can accumulate: to be well spoken of and to be held in high esteem by others.
Both point to personal purpose: knowing who you are and what your purpose is. I hope you have a handle on that.
A.W. Tozer offered seven “tests” for us to use when we want to understand better how we are “known” and what really drives us:
1. What we want most
2. What we think about most
3. How we use our money
4. What we do with our leisure time
5. The company we enjoy
6. Who and what we admire
7. What we laugh at
And remember, as my Mom used to say: “What you do speaks so loudly, I can’t hear what you say.”
What really drives your behavior?
Copyright ©2009 by P. Griffith Lindell
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Friday, May 01, 2009
In Tough Economic Times - Relax
Proverbs 1:33 (MSG) "First pay attention to me, and then relax. Now you can take it easy--you're in good hands.
While thinking about sharing my thoughts on stillness and relaxing, I was later, in bed, reading a Tanenbaum novel last night wherein this description awoke my thinking: “Lucy in the meantime was exercising her primary religious talent…simply keeping still and reflecting in peace and gratitude. This had a radiating effect on the other lunchers.”
That author captured the both the wonder of stillness and result it produces. This result will impact all those around - all those watching you. You want to be a magnet of quiet meaning to those seeking rest and relaxation from the troubles of their life? Relax.
If lost in the woods, we are taught to be still. Stay in one place. Our nature is to move. Run. Flee. Frantically find the way out. Instead of frenetic activity, on writer advised, "I have stilled and quieted myself, just as a small child is quiet with its mother."1
This verse says there is a simple method that will provide what you need to learn to relax – and it’s free! Go deep into life – be still. It takes patience and discipline to quiet self and listen to the still, small voice of our Creator. For hard chargers like me, it is difficult to quiet my mind, my soul and my body – and I want God to shout. Being still – relaxing – I have learned will help you discover your way.
Do life right: Shift your focus. Being self-absorbed brings anxiety: Becoming God-absorbed yields relaxation. The choice should be clear.
In the stillness, to whom are you paying attention?
Copyright © 2009 by P. Griffith Lindell
1 David, in Psalm 131:2
Rest, Relax, Reflect Then Lead
While thinking about sharing my thoughts on stillness and relaxing, I was later, in bed, reading a Tanenbaum novel last night wherein this description awoke my thinking: “Lucy in the meantime was exercising her primary religious talent…simply keeping still and reflecting in peace and gratitude. This had a radiating effect on the other lunchers.”
That author captured the both the wonder of stillness and result it produces. This result will impact all those around - all those watching you. You want to be a magnet of quiet meaning to those seeking rest and relaxation from the troubles of their life? Relax.
If lost in the woods, we are taught to be still. Stay in one place. Our nature is to move. Run. Flee. Frantically find the way out. Instead of frenetic activity, on writer advised, "I have stilled and quieted myself, just as a small child is quiet with its mother."1
This verse says there is a simple method that will provide what you need to learn to relax – and it’s free! Go deep into life – be still. It takes patience and discipline to quiet self and listen to the still, small voice of our Creator. For hard chargers like me, it is difficult to quiet my mind, my soul and my body – and I want God to shout. Being still – relaxing – I have learned will help you discover your way.
Do life right: Shift your focus. Being self-absorbed brings anxiety: Becoming God-absorbed yields relaxation. The choice should be clear.
In the stillness, to whom are you paying attention?
Copyright © 2009 by P. Griffith Lindell
1 David, in Psalm 131:2
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Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Leader: Are You Listening?
Proverbs 28:9 (AMP) He who turns away his ear from hearing the law [of God and man], even his prayer is an abomination, hateful and revolting [to God].
(MSG) God has no use for the prayers of the people who won't listen to him.
For some, it is the daily business issues often seem to be “not important enough" for prayer and searching and meditating on the His Word.
It is the "big" issues that drive people to seek God; but it is those small, daily issues that we think we can handle on our own, that begin our slide down the slippery slope of idolatry. “On our own” means we worship the creature (us) rather than the Creator.
Running a business, or being part of a team in a business, includes activities like: determining strategy; developing and implementing a sales plan; and, determining how best to use the human resources available. One might ask, “Where in Scripture will I learn about SWOT analysis, or territory management or Human Resource and Organization Development? You won’t. That’s not the issue.
His Word drives us to consider what are the essentials of life: it provides a foundation for our core values. It shapes our purpose. It gives us true meaning. From these platforms we can develop the strategy, plans and purposes to achieve business goals.
Tuning my ears to God's thoughts begins with my eyes focused on His word and my heart focused on Him in prayer. The result will be a life of significance that provides meaning to those seeking meaning.
How interesting: God listens to us when we listen to Him. Are you listening?
Copyright (c) 2009 by P. Griffith Lindell
(MSG) God has no use for the prayers of the people who won't listen to him.
For some, it is the daily business issues often seem to be “not important enough" for prayer and searching and meditating on the His Word.
It is the "big" issues that drive people to seek God; but it is those small, daily issues that we think we can handle on our own, that begin our slide down the slippery slope of idolatry. “On our own” means we worship the creature (us) rather than the Creator.
Running a business, or being part of a team in a business, includes activities like: determining strategy; developing and implementing a sales plan; and, determining how best to use the human resources available. One might ask, “Where in Scripture will I learn about SWOT analysis, or territory management or Human Resource and Organization Development? You won’t. That’s not the issue.
His Word drives us to consider what are the essentials of life: it provides a foundation for our core values. It shapes our purpose. It gives us true meaning. From these platforms we can develop the strategy, plans and purposes to achieve business goals.
Tuning my ears to God's thoughts begins with my eyes focused on His word and my heart focused on Him in prayer. The result will be a life of significance that provides meaning to those seeking meaning.
How interesting: God listens to us when we listen to Him. Are you listening?
Copyright (c) 2009 by P. Griffith Lindell
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Thursday, April 23, 2009
The Seduction of Success
Proverbs 23:17- 18 (NIV) Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the LORD. There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.
Personal success often gets in the way of real significance.
Hoping for personal success always gets in the way of being significant. We are called to significance – to live lives that are magnets of meaning to those seeking meaning.
Our only chance to build a life of significance is driven by a single-minded focus. Scripture tells us that this zealousness is “for the fear of God.” Our culture has softened this Biblical concept. If we are zealous after God, we will not covet, envy and be driven to be like the “successful” of the world.
This change in our leadership attitude means, that as leaders, we hope only in Him for meaning - for significance of our life itself.
Our leadership success is not measured by power, prestige or wealth. It is measured by our impact for Kingdom growth – and that’s often measured in eternity, not here on earth. The results of our life, lived in our workplace should have Kingdom impact.
Are you working for personal success or Kingdom significance?
Copyright © 2009 by P. Griffith Lindell
Personal success often gets in the way of real significance.
Hoping for personal success always gets in the way of being significant. We are called to significance – to live lives that are magnets of meaning to those seeking meaning.
Our only chance to build a life of significance is driven by a single-minded focus. Scripture tells us that this zealousness is “for the fear of God.” Our culture has softened this Biblical concept. If we are zealous after God, we will not covet, envy and be driven to be like the “successful” of the world.
This change in our leadership attitude means, that as leaders, we hope only in Him for meaning - for significance of our life itself.
Our leadership success is not measured by power, prestige or wealth. It is measured by our impact for Kingdom growth – and that’s often measured in eternity, not here on earth. The results of our life, lived in our workplace should have Kingdom impact.
Are you working for personal success or Kingdom significance?
Copyright © 2009 by P. Griffith Lindell
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Monday, April 13, 2009
Leaders Lives Are Living Lessons
Proverbs 13: 14 (MSG) The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, so, no more drinking from death-tainted wells!
In an article in Harvard Business School’s Working Knowledge publication, authors Sirota, Mischkind and Meltzer deduced that one does not have to motivate employees; they have to stop demotivating them.
They posit three goals – behaviors, really – that must be met: equity, achievement and camaraderie: in other words, treat people justly and with respect; recognize their contributions; and promote teamwork. With these practiced, demotivation will cease and teams will be built.
Core values of an organization, like these three, are the promises its members make to one another. They can’t be traded off: they each must be met. The values become "alive" in an organization when the leader practices them - the leader's life is the lesson.
Interesting: each of the three are taught in Scripture – our “fountain of life” - where the Christian leader is to be drinking deeply.
Are you a “fountain of life” to your team?
Copyright (c) 2009 by P. Griffith Lindell
In an article in Harvard Business School’s Working Knowledge publication, authors Sirota, Mischkind and Meltzer deduced that one does not have to motivate employees; they have to stop demotivating them.
They posit three goals – behaviors, really – that must be met: equity, achievement and camaraderie: in other words, treat people justly and with respect; recognize their contributions; and promote teamwork. With these practiced, demotivation will cease and teams will be built.
Core values of an organization, like these three, are the promises its members make to one another. They can’t be traded off: they each must be met. The values become "alive" in an organization when the leader practices them - the leader's life is the lesson.
Interesting: each of the three are taught in Scripture – our “fountain of life” - where the Christian leader is to be drinking deeply.
Are you a “fountain of life” to your team?
Copyright (c) 2009 by P. Griffith Lindell
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Thursday, April 09, 2009
Easter: Counter-cultural Leadership
Proverbs 9:10 (AMP) The reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord is the beginning (the chief and choice part) of Wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight and understanding.
Today’s culture demands that we read this verse privately, personally. After all, they say, it is simply an expression of subjective values - for the individual belief only. This thinking posits that accepting it has nothing to do with objective reality: and it certainly does not speak to how you lead in a business context. The educated opinion-makers would grant that believing this verse might be OK for you, but it is not truth, per se, and is not central to a business leadership construct.
As we approach Easter this weekend, we have to ask: are the Incarnation and Resurrection historical facts? If our answer is “Yes!” then the dichotomy that defines our culture is false – relegating “values” to personal and private issues and placing science, math, etc. to objective reality.
To believe both is a contradiction. God-fearing leaders hold that the Creation, Incarnation and Resurrection are objective Truth that speaks to our purpose and destiny including how we work, live and lead.
Christian leaders must begin to shape our culture – not succumb to it. Christianity offers a “unified, integrated truth” whose source is our Creator who, when He lived among us, molded servant-leadership to a group of men who could not grasp the concept until after He rose from the dead. Serving first, then leading, yields true happiness, contrary to what the world, which is centered in pride and selfishness, thinks.
Who are you going to believe: Our culture or our Creator?
Copyright © 2009 by P. Griffith Lindell
Today’s culture demands that we read this verse privately, personally. After all, they say, it is simply an expression of subjective values - for the individual belief only. This thinking posits that accepting it has nothing to do with objective reality: and it certainly does not speak to how you lead in a business context. The educated opinion-makers would grant that believing this verse might be OK for you, but it is not truth, per se, and is not central to a business leadership construct.
As we approach Easter this weekend, we have to ask: are the Incarnation and Resurrection historical facts? If our answer is “Yes!” then the dichotomy that defines our culture is false – relegating “values” to personal and private issues and placing science, math, etc. to objective reality.
To believe both is a contradiction. God-fearing leaders hold that the Creation, Incarnation and Resurrection are objective Truth that speaks to our purpose and destiny including how we work, live and lead.
Christian leaders must begin to shape our culture – not succumb to it. Christianity offers a “unified, integrated truth” whose source is our Creator who, when He lived among us, molded servant-leadership to a group of men who could not grasp the concept until after He rose from the dead. Serving first, then leading, yields true happiness, contrary to what the world, which is centered in pride and selfishness, thinks.
Who are you going to believe: Our culture or our Creator?
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 26, 2009
Sincere Leadership
Proverbs 26:23 (MSG) Smooth talk from an evil heart is like glaze on cracked pottery.
Why, in 2009, am I struck by this verse? Could it be all the smooth talk filling the airwaves?
The image in the verse is striking and apropos. Adding glaze, as fill, was the old trick used to hide blemishes. The Greeks marked their fine pottery after inspection with the word from which we get our word sincere – meaning unmixed or pure.
Leadership that builds trust, that is original, innovative, focused on people works best when it originates from a heart that is pure in motive. The antithesis is Machiavellian leadership. People want to be lead, not manipulated. That’s all about heart – motive.
The leader’s prayer must daily be the Psalmist prayer, “Create in me a clean heart, Oh God.” This is heart “surgery” that motivates followers and magnifies the leader’s Leader.
Are you willing to have daily heart surgery?
Copyright (c) 2009 by P. Griffith Lindell
Why, in 2009, am I struck by this verse? Could it be all the smooth talk filling the airwaves?
The image in the verse is striking and apropos. Adding glaze, as fill, was the old trick used to hide blemishes. The Greeks marked their fine pottery after inspection with the word from which we get our word sincere – meaning unmixed or pure.
Leadership that builds trust, that is original, innovative, focused on people works best when it originates from a heart that is pure in motive. The antithesis is Machiavellian leadership. People want to be lead, not manipulated. That’s all about heart – motive.
The leader’s prayer must daily be the Psalmist prayer, “Create in me a clean heart, Oh God.” This is heart “surgery” that motivates followers and magnifies the leader’s Leader.
Are you willing to have daily heart surgery?
Copyright (c) 2009 by P. Griffith Lindell
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