UNDER FIRE

There has been a recent turmoil on the different media outlets over the moral character and inappropriate conduct of some of our top generals. All the rumors appear to be true and very sad. Lack of judgment and moral character has embroiled our top military leaders in shameful moral predicaments: dishonesty, adultery, lying, cover up, just to name a few.

The whole situation has made realized that periodically, Generals and Leaders will be put to the test. Their moral character and integrity will be put to the test.

My prayer and my hope is that after we have all been tested, we may all stand unashamed in one piece, but make no mistakes, if you are in leadership, you will be tested. As you go through the fire of testing and opposition, remind yourself of who you are, identify the tactics of the enemy, don't minimize the attacks. Keep your moral compass on hand and PRAY!

If you have fallen, you can rise up again! The return path may not be easy, as it also requires character and integrity, but don't stay there licking your wounds and regretting the past...MOVE ON!

GOING IN CIRCLES

One of the most frustrating things in life is the feeling that we are making progress but then come to the realization that we have gone in a big circle to the same starting point.

It takes courage to even realize that this is happening. We all get so busy and at the same time so complacent with our routines and lifestyles that we don't realize we are stuck or stagnant.

What are the signs of the "going in circles" syndrome? Well, from my personal experience I have noticed this syndrome in a variety of ways:

1. Dissatisfaction
2. Confusion
3. Tiredness
4. Irritability
5. Repeat of the same problems, situations or arguments

A true leader has to break out from these patterns (Ask for help if necessary).  There is an vast territory of opportunities, new challenges, new endeavors...We cannot afford for our own sake and our families to stay stagnant.

Stop! Think! Pray! Believe! Breakthrough!

THE BUCK STOPS HERE!

Many of us are familiar with president Truman's famous phrase "the buck stops here".  The phrase refers to the fact that the President has to make the decisions and accept the ultimate responsibility for those decisions

I good sign of a great leader is that he or she will assume the responsibility  for the ultimate success or failure of an endeavor. I am so sick and tired of the fault blaming game. A good leader knows how and when to listen to people's opinions, views, feelings, but ultimately he or she will have to make a final decision based on good conscience and the welfare of everyone, not just him or her self.

Final decisions may not be popular or agreeable with everybody else's but in the end we need to grow up and act as true leaders. This implies that on ocassions we may have to apologize and correct the course of action. Never is too late.

THE FEAR FACTOR

Many of us very likely remember the reality show "The Fear Factor". In that show contestants had to face three levels of stunts (fears) before they could claim victory and receive the big bucks. Some of the stunts where honestly disgusting and hard to overcome.

In the last few days I have been thinking that fear of the know and unknown is one of the biggest deterrents a potential leader will ever face. Some of these fears may grow to the level of "phobias" which may completely paralyze an individual.

The first honest think to do is to acknowledge those areas where fear has paralyzed us for years. Then, we need to start facing each one of them with an opposite attitude...that is COURAGE. As we go through this process, we should not be ashamed of enlisting the help of friends and allies to help us overcome our areas of fear.

In the end every leader has to understand that unless they overcome their fears, they will never attain their ultimate goals and the dreams stored in their hearts.

If there is a theme than constantly repeats itself many times in the word of God (the Bible)  is DO NOT FEAR!. Variants of this theme are BE STRONG! BE COURAGEOUS! HAVE FAITH!.

TIME TO RETHINK

A good leader has the ability to stop in the middle of busy-ness and turmoil and "rethink" where he or she is going.

In these modern busy and so distracting days we live in, it is so easy to get side tracked by extreme activity, anxiety, fears, and the always dreaded "to-do list" that we hardly have time to think if we are still going in the right direction.

Leaders have the courage to stop, rethink, re-prioritize, correct the course, and more importantly listening to others....LISTENING TO GOD.

We have the idea that leaders must have a "go-getter, get-it-done" mindset. Always relentless, never stopping until the goal is obtained.  There is true to that, but also, leaders MUST humble enough to stop and readjust when necessary.

Never be afraid of rethinking!

LEARNING TO PRAISE!

One of the more effective ways to build leaders is having the ability to "praise" others.
Another way of putting it is: Develop the ability  to affirm others.

Effective leadership is based on the willingness to the see the best in others and then broadcast it to the world. In the biblical sense one of the meanings of the word praise is to "Let it shine!".

I wonder how much we could accomplish in this life if get in the habit of building others up and letting them "shine" instead of us taking all the "glory".

Next time you see somebody leading or doing something worth of praise, take the time to acknowledge it. Let them shine! Celebrate with them!

EMPOWERING OTHERS

I went to the High School Football game tonight here in Wooster, OH. I saw at work a great principle of leadership. Mature leaders empowering younger leaders to lead, furthermore not being afraid of stepping aside so the younger ones had their chance to lead, perform and learn.

I watched with awe how the Wooster High Marching band erupted in celebration and freedom of expression after the game ended. The band director and coaches stepped aside and let the drum majors take charge and lead the group in an exuberant, free flowing 45 mins of dancing, percussion, chanting and celebration. It was really energizing and exciting to see free expressions of celebration, impromptu leadership and respect.

Mature experienced leaders need to make room for the the next breed of leaders and empower them to try, practice, learn and excel. That's what I am talking about!