Proverbs 15:15 (NIV) All the days of the oppressed are wretched, but the cheerful (merry, glad) heart has a continual feast.
It’s not the circumstance where you find yourself: it’s how you respond and that response begins with an understanding of who you are.
Understanding our purpose has powerful implications. Anxiety drains us. Allowing circumstances to shape our view of the future is not only unbiblical, it is damages our ability to live and lead. I know. I’ve been there. Circumstances crowded me. In that confined space, it was about me – not about my purpose in life – it was just about me and my “wretched” conditions. No cheerful heart there.
Recently studying the life of the Jewish patriarch, Joseph, has reminded me of the strength of a cheerful heart that is pure with a clear comprehension of purpose. If anyone had an excuse to be shaped by circumstances, it was he. He endured his brothers’ jealous behaviors and the false accusation of a lustful woman: he was imprisoned and forgotten for several years, and when released to interpret Pharaoh’s dream, he instantly deflected the ruler’s flattery and, in humility recognized the source of his abilities was outside of himself – it was not about him, but about the God.
The source of that instinctive humility? It was from a heart fixed on purpose and filled with joy. A leader, who serves others with humility and resoluteness of will, will do it in prison or in the palace. It does not matter.
How are you responding to your circumstances?
Copyright ©2010 by P. Griffith Lindell
Showing posts with label humility. Show all posts
Showing posts with label humility. Show all posts
Monday, March 15, 2010
Thursday, February 11, 2010
It’s Not About Adequacy: It Is About Attitude
CONTROL YOURSELF - Integration * Proficiencies * Behaviors
Proverbs 11:2 (AMP) When swelling and pride come, then emptiness and shame come also, but with the humble (those who are lowly, who have been pruned or chiseled by trial, and renounce self) are skillful and godly Wisdom and soundness.
The Amplified Version gives real insight into the processes that may lead to humility – note the “may.” Some going through these pruning processes or the pounding of the chisel working on their character respond with bitterness and pride. I know. Been there myself.
Apostle Peter was there: remember in the courtyard when his pride, expressed in the Upper Room, (“Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.”) stood in the way of his behavior? Why? As Lloyd Ogilvie points out “Peter had built his relationship with Jesus Christ on his assumed capacity to be adequate.” Pride.
Authentic leaders display a humble heart because they are grounded in the God who does not change and are centered in His love for them that does not result from some quid pro quo behaviors –“if I do this and that God will love me.”
Are you living and leading (behaving) to gain His love or because of His love?
Copyright ©2010 by P. Griffith Lindell
Proverbs 11:2 (AMP) When swelling and pride come, then emptiness and shame come also, but with the humble (those who are lowly, who have been pruned or chiseled by trial, and renounce self) are skillful and godly Wisdom and soundness.
The Amplified Version gives real insight into the processes that may lead to humility – note the “may.” Some going through these pruning processes or the pounding of the chisel working on their character respond with bitterness and pride. I know. Been there myself.
Apostle Peter was there: remember in the courtyard when his pride, expressed in the Upper Room, (“Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.”) stood in the way of his behavior? Why? As Lloyd Ogilvie points out “Peter had built his relationship with Jesus Christ on his assumed capacity to be adequate.” Pride.
Authentic leaders display a humble heart because they are grounded in the God who does not change and are centered in His love for them that does not result from some quid pro quo behaviors –“if I do this and that God will love me.”
Are you living and leading (behaving) to gain His love or because of His love?
Copyright ©2010 by P. Griffith Lindell
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Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Walking Like a Leader
Proverbs 30:29-31 (AMP) There are three things which are stately in step, yes, four which are stately in their stride: The lion, which is mightiest among beasts and turns not back before any; the war horse [well-knit in the loins], the male goat also, and the king [when his army is with him and] against whom there is no uprising.
My mind is filled with scenes from Hollywood trying to depict what Agur, the author of this observation depicted – and sometimes they capture a whiff of this kind of stateliness.
I have been fortunate to know some who fit this mold, and the room does really “hush” when they enter.
The leader who know his/her purpose, has articulated their values, has a firm grip on their mental model of the world (worldview), and have a dominating perspective of a humble heart and an open mind (to the input from others) have shown themselves to be innovative,. These folks are stately to their followers. They are the kind of leaders whose “troops are with” them and against whom “there is no uprising.”
Jesus Christ, had that same effect on people – and Christian leaders are called to be Christ-like.
How’s your walk as a leader?
Copyright ©2009 by P. Griffith Lindell
My mind is filled with scenes from Hollywood trying to depict what Agur, the author of this observation depicted – and sometimes they capture a whiff of this kind of stateliness.
I have been fortunate to know some who fit this mold, and the room does really “hush” when they enter.
The leader who know his/her purpose, has articulated their values, has a firm grip on their mental model of the world (worldview), and have a dominating perspective of a humble heart and an open mind (to the input from others) have shown themselves to be innovative,. These folks are stately to their followers. They are the kind of leaders whose “troops are with” them and against whom “there is no uprising.”
Jesus Christ, had that same effect on people – and Christian leaders are called to be Christ-like.
How’s your walk as a leader?
Copyright ©2009 by P. Griffith Lindell
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Wednesday, May 27, 2009
The Power of Servant Leadership
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
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
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Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Leaders Don’t Quarrel
Proverbs 20:3 (AMP) Keeping away from strife is an honor for a man, but any fool will quarrel.
In Genesis, there is a story about land and quarrelling.
It seems that the land could not support both Abram and Lot’s herdsmen who were quarrelling (two groups professing faith) in a land of unbelieving people. Abram’s plea for peace came with a powerful offer to Lot: take half. Lot did not deserve it: was not promised it. But “keeping away from strife” drove Abram’s decision. He trusted God to provide even though Lot chose the best land.
The mix of humility and relentlessness will may define a “Level 5” (Collins, Good to Great), but for the Christian at work, there may be more to consider. Humility is more than some building block toward leadership: it must be an essence of leadership. It is THE definition of a leader that is driven by a desire to serve others.
Sometimes, moving from “good to great” demands a sacrifice resulting in a “move” for which God alone receives glory.
What sacrifices do you need to make to move from “good to great?”
In Genesis, there is a story about land and quarrelling.
It seems that the land could not support both Abram and Lot’s herdsmen who were quarrelling (two groups professing faith) in a land of unbelieving people. Abram’s plea for peace came with a powerful offer to Lot: take half. Lot did not deserve it: was not promised it. But “keeping away from strife” drove Abram’s decision. He trusted God to provide even though Lot chose the best land.
The mix of humility and relentlessness will may define a “Level 5” (Collins, Good to Great), but for the Christian at work, there may be more to consider. Humility is more than some building block toward leadership: it must be an essence of leadership. It is THE definition of a leader that is driven by a desire to serve others.
Sometimes, moving from “good to great” demands a sacrifice resulting in a “move” for which God alone receives glory.
What sacrifices do you need to make to move from “good to great?”
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Thursday, April 30, 2009
Contentment and Leadership
Proverbs 30:7-9 (NIV) "Two things I (Agur) ask of you, O LORD; do not refuse me before I die: Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, 'Who is the LORD?' Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.
It was the first century Roman philosopher, Seneca, who observed, “Poor is not the person who has too little, but the person who craves more.”
Our society has built commerce on carving more and more. The Community Reinvestment Act (CRA), and the US Government drove the kind of behavior the allowed people who could not afford housing to fulfill cravings for housing. The result has been nothing short of catastrophic.
Today, woven throughout modern secular literature on leadership is the thread of the importance of character in leadership - especially the literature on servant-leadership. The nature of character of contentment – often couched in terms like “finding wholeness” yields behavior that reaches goals but not for purely self-serving motives.
The contented leader is a concept that addresses personal core values and has nothing to say about achieving profitable market share. The later drives a business: the former drives how the leader leads the people who “do the business.” Agur’s prayer – like the Lord’s Prayer – recognizes the truth that living is to be a daily experience.
There’s an old prayer, that I was taught as a child, that might illustrate: “God is great, God is good, and we thank Him for ______.”
How are you filling in the blank?
Copyright © 2009 by P. Griffith Lindell
It was the first century Roman philosopher, Seneca, who observed, “Poor is not the person who has too little, but the person who craves more.”
Our society has built commerce on carving more and more. The Community Reinvestment Act (CRA), and the US Government drove the kind of behavior the allowed people who could not afford housing to fulfill cravings for housing. The result has been nothing short of catastrophic.
Today, woven throughout modern secular literature on leadership is the thread of the importance of character in leadership - especially the literature on servant-leadership. The nature of character of contentment – often couched in terms like “finding wholeness” yields behavior that reaches goals but not for purely self-serving motives.
The contented leader is a concept that addresses personal core values and has nothing to say about achieving profitable market share. The later drives a business: the former drives how the leader leads the people who “do the business.” Agur’s prayer – like the Lord’s Prayer – recognizes the truth that living is to be a daily experience.
There’s an old prayer, that I was taught as a child, that might illustrate: “God is great, God is good, and we thank Him for ______.”
How are you filling in the blank?
Copyright © 2009 by P. Griffith Lindell
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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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Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Leaders Learn to Let Go
Proverbs 21:1 (MSG) Good leadership is a channel of water controlled by God; He directs it to whatever ends he chooses.
What do successful businessmen like Ken Blanchard, Jim Amos (President of Mail Boxes, Etc.,), John Couch (one of the early VPs at Apple Computer) and Senator Bill Armstrong (former entrepreneur), just to name a few, have in common?
Read their stories and discover that each learned from mistakes - a mistake with the most impact was their pride that made them independent of God. Pride produced results they each did not like. They changed what how they thought and what they did to produce different results.
That journey of change began at the door of self. Denying self and following Christ changed their perspective and their life results. Personal humility grew them and their businesses.
It is our responsibility to plan, vision, propose, motive, implement, control, manage and lead; however, all this is done from an internal understanding that we are but a “channel of water controlled by God.” It is God who must be our strength. It is in Him we must trust. We are not sovereign: Only God is.
Who do you really trust to guide your life?
Copyright © 2009 by P. Griffith Lindell
What do successful businessmen like Ken Blanchard, Jim Amos (President of Mail Boxes, Etc.,), John Couch (one of the early VPs at Apple Computer) and Senator Bill Armstrong (former entrepreneur), just to name a few, have in common?
Read their stories and discover that each learned from mistakes - a mistake with the most impact was their pride that made them independent of God. Pride produced results they each did not like. They changed what how they thought and what they did to produce different results.
That journey of change began at the door of self. Denying self and following Christ changed their perspective and their life results. Personal humility grew them and their businesses.
It is our responsibility to plan, vision, propose, motive, implement, control, manage and lead; however, all this is done from an internal understanding that we are but a “channel of water controlled by God.” It is God who must be our strength. It is in Him we must trust. We are not sovereign: Only God is.
Who do you really trust to guide your life?
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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Friday, March 13, 2009
Collaborative Change Management Success Begins with Humility
Proverbs 13:10 (MSG) Arrogant know-it-alls stir up discord, but wise men and women listen to each other's counsel.
In a discussion about misplaced arrogance in leaders, the Center for Creative Leadership recently reminded its audience, “The leading reason managers [leaders] with impressive track records and high potential get knocked off the career track is their inability or unwillingness to change.”
Our current state of the economy - less customers; inventory building; layoffs occurring; a host of challenges to the status quo - demands change. Collaboration becomes the key resource in a small business. Interdependence yields team-based results. Rowing the boat in sync helps manage the stormy seas of the economy. This is not the time for arrogance.
As Jim Collins, author of Good to Great discovered, leaders who successfully manage change are not only humble, but also have learned to collaborate.
Are you fostering collaboration? Are you willing to listen?
Copyright © 2009 by P. Griffith Lindell
In a discussion about misplaced arrogance in leaders, the Center for Creative Leadership recently reminded its audience, “The leading reason managers [leaders] with impressive track records and high potential get knocked off the career track is their inability or unwillingness to change.”
Our current state of the economy - less customers; inventory building; layoffs occurring; a host of challenges to the status quo - demands change. Collaboration becomes the key resource in a small business. Interdependence yields team-based results. Rowing the boat in sync helps manage the stormy seas of the economy. This is not the time for arrogance.
As Jim Collins, author of Good to Great discovered, leaders who successfully manage change are not only humble, but also have learned to collaborate.
Are you fostering collaboration? Are you willing to listen?
Copyright © 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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Monday, March 09, 2009
Life Is Full Of Choices
Proverbs 9: (NIV) 4"Let all who are simple come in here!" 16"Let all who are simple come in here!"
Twice in this chapter the same words are used: the first time it is Wisdom calling out; and the second time it is the siren song of the seductress – Folly, she is called.
At face value, seems a simple choice. Not so. The seductress is subtle, often mixing the messages easily and with little distinction from the calls of Wisdom.
Discernment demands discipline. Godly leaders must be rooted in a Christian Worldview to better discriminate between the calls. But often, acute decision-making is blocked by repeated simple behaviors that reflect Folly, not Wisdom: Examples may include:
Leaders face many kinds of choices.
To which invitation will you respond: Wisdom’s or Folly’s?
Copyright (c) 2009 by P. Griffith Lindell
Twice in this chapter the same words are used: the first time it is Wisdom calling out; and the second time it is the siren song of the seductress – Folly, she is called.
At face value, seems a simple choice. Not so. The seductress is subtle, often mixing the messages easily and with little distinction from the calls of Wisdom.
Discernment demands discipline. Godly leaders must be rooted in a Christian Worldview to better discriminate between the calls. But often, acute decision-making is blocked by repeated simple behaviors that reflect Folly, not Wisdom: Examples may include:
A sharp word of rebuke in public vs. a quiet correction in private;The former are self-centered: the later are other-centered. Real choices.
A belittling remark vs. an encouraging comment; and,
willingness to book business you know will fall out vs. reporting only what is really sold.
Leaders face many kinds of choices.
To which invitation will you respond: Wisdom’s or Folly’s?
Copyright (c) 2009 by P. Griffith Lindell
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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
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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
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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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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
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Tuesday, January 20, 2009
The Inauguration and Humble Leadership
Proverbs 20: 27 (AMP) The spirit of man [that factor in human personality which proceeds immediately from God] is the lamp of the Lord, searching all his innermost parts.
Christians should have a natural advantage as business leaders. After all, we have “put off the old” and now have “the mind of Christ” who is to be ruling in our lives, right?
But this kind of humility is hard work for the driven and successful. We are so used to using our analytical skills, solving problems on the fly and driving action.
It is very easy to forget that we are stewards of those gifts of leadership, and we are called to manage ALL that God has given us for His glory. A lamp, whose light source is self, is a darkened light.
It’s all about His light. Not ours. What does your lamp reveal?
Copyright ©2009 by P. Griffith Lindell
Christians should have a natural advantage as business leaders. After all, we have “put off the old” and now have “the mind of Christ” who is to be ruling in our lives, right?
But this kind of humility is hard work for the driven and successful. We are so used to using our analytical skills, solving problems on the fly and driving action.
It is very easy to forget that we are stewards of those gifts of leadership, and we are called to manage ALL that God has given us for His glory. A lamp, whose light source is self, is a darkened light.
It’s all about His light. Not ours. What does your lamp reveal?
Copyright ©2009 by P. Griffith Lindell
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