Leadership

One of Newton's laws of physics states that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.  Granted, that's a great oversimplification but what do you expect from a guy from Peoria? Leaders would do well to pay attention to this law.  Parents, too.  And teachers and managers and coaches.  Anyone in a position of influence should understand the law of action and reaction. If it's true that we lead by example, that raises an obvious question: What kind of example are we setting?  Your example -- like it or not -- is setting off a reaction inside those who follow you. Where Newton's law breaks down when it comes to leadership influence is here: Not all reactions must be opposite in nature.  In fact, good coaches bring out the best actions in their players.  Positive parents inspire positive actions in their children. But don't dismiss the main point:…

When faced with a decision, do you hear multiple voices?  If not, you should be ... “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.” - Proverbs 12:15 A fool hears one voice: his own.  If someone disagrees with a fool, the other voice must be wrong -- because the fool is always right in his own eyes. Wise people, on the other hand, listen to other voices.  You don't to agree with them; just listen to them.  Every once and a while (or more often than that), we see that the other voice is right. How many voices are you hearing?

"Life is no brief candle to me. It is a sort of splendid torch which I've got ahold of for the moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations." - George Bernard Shaw I first read this quote in Bob Buford's book "Halftime."  Buford raises the all-important question: What are you doing with your life?  More specifically, what will you do with the second half of life -- should the good Lord give you a full four quarters? Will you go through life carrying a candle or a torch?  Will you flicker or beam brightly?  Will you put off just enough light to crack the darkness or chase the darkness or away? Eleven years ago I decided to be a torch.  Rather, God called me to be a torch.  Through a season of searching and prayer, God placed three…

It's true: I'm a news geek. I watch the news, read it on my phone, and even watch C-SPAN on occasion (and not just the free-for-all British Parliament programming). Normally I don't venture into the political waters on this blog.  And this particular post is not intended for political purposes.  But something happened recently that I believe applies to leaders at all levels: Good leaders accept responsibility and accountability for what happens on their watch. You probably know about the attack on the U.S. Embassy in Libya.  Four people were killed, including an ambassador.  The spin/fall-out/excuses started immediately. The first explanation blamed the deadly uproar on a YouTube video.  Later we learned it wasn't a spontaneous attack, it had been planned for quite a while.  Yet people kept appearing on news programs telling us it was the video's fault. Then they started throwing each other (and each other's agencies) under…

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful." - Colossians 3:15 I read this verse this morning and thought about the connection between peace and thankfulness.  It's there.  It's definitely there. The most peaceful people I know tend to be the most thankful people I know.  There is a gratitude that flows from them in every conversation, in every situation.  You can't talk with them long before hearing words like "blest," "fortunate," "grateful" and others like that. Conflict is fueled by a sense of being wronged.  It is fostered when one person feels cheated or deprived of something. Contentment, on the other hand, flows out of thankfulness.  And content people tend to be peaceful people.  If I am content, I do not have to resent you for what you have and what I don't have.…