by Clarence E. Stowers | Dec 11, 2012 | Accountability, Decisions, Leadership, Self-Leadership, Servant Leadership
Sacrifice is being willing to give up something good for something better. Life is full of boundless possibilities, but in order to transform a possibility into a reality we have to choose — sacrificing the many in order to attain the one. My previous posts suggests, as a leader you sacrifice your time and energy. In case you missed it, you can read it HERE and HERE.
Nothing is gained without something relinquished.
Sacrifice has meaning only in the context of a goal, dream or mission. In pursuing these, we often face obstacles which require us to forfeit physical or emotional comfort in the service of something that matters more. Often, the greater the dream or vision, the greater the shared sacrifice required to attain it. Sacrifice is easier when we stay focused on what we are choosing rather than what we are giving up. In addition to sacrificing time and energy, As a Leader you sacrifice your Ego (more…)
by Clarence E. Stowers | Dec 7, 2012 | Accountability, Communication, Decisions, Empowerment, Encouragement, Leadership, Self-Leadership, Servant Leadership, Success
Successful leaders don’t rest on their laurels, because leadership is not a title on a business card. Leadership is a living process – and that means growth, according to Ken Blanchard & Mark Miller in Great Leaders Grow. Ask any leader “what it takes to become a great leader” and I guarantee you sacrifice is right at the top of every successful leader’s list.
My previous post suggests, as a leader you sacrifice your time. In case you missed it, you can read it HERE. I once heard someone say, “in order to go up, you must be willing to give up something.” A true leader will sacrifice their personal agenda for the sake of an organization’s goals. In addition to sacrificing time, as a leader you sacrifice your energy.
The task of being an effective leader requires diligent effort and sacrifice. The principles of servant hearted leadership encourage an aspiring leader to invest themselves in others. This means that you need to pour energy into your team and organization. As a result there will be many emotional, mental and physical demands on you.
When preparing for leadership, know that you will have to sacrifice your energy. To counter this, find ways in which you can keep your energy levels up so that you can remain effective as a leader. Physical fitness has great benefits and is one way in which you can keep your energy resources renewed. The important thing is that you be prepared. Don’t underestimate the sacrifice of energy that leadership requires.
What do you do to keep your energy levels up?
by Clarence E. Stowers | Dec 4, 2012 | Communication, Decisions, Leadership, Personal, Self-Leadership, Servant Leadership
If something is gained by personal sacrifice, how much more valuable is it to you?
An athlete crossing the finish line for their first marathon appreciates that all the time and effort put in to training has been worth it. The same can be said for life. While the idea of sacrifice especially on a personal level makes most people uncomfortable, it is essential if you are to build strong character.
As a leader you will have many responsibilities and be faced with many challenges. It will require a depth of character to achieve your goals. Character is often molded through challenges. As a leader there are three common areas of your life that you may need to sacrifice. Think of them as character building exercises rather than sacrifices and you can become an influential leader.
As a Leader you sacrifice your Time.
A true leader will sacrifice their personal agenda for the sake of an organization’s goals. People will require meetings with you. They will need your input when making decisions and all of this demands your time. Many CEO’s are in the habit of working long hours. They know that they have to sacrifice their time in order to help the organization succeed. Of course a wise leader will balance this with a need for rest. But as a general rule a leader often has to sacrifice their personal time for an organization.
In addition to sacrificing your time, on my next post I’ll share the second sacrifice leaders must make – their energy. Stay tuned!
Have you ever had to sacrifice your time? If so, how?
by Clarence E. Stowers | Nov 26, 2012 | Christmas, Current Affairs, Mind Dump, Thanksgiving
Last week I noticed something deeply disturbing. As long as I’ve been living, Thanksgiving was a day to relax with family, friends, football, while enjoying great food. It is the day when we express our gratitude and show appreciation. What’s disturbing is how greed & excess invaded and took over the ethos of Thanksgiving.
It is sad, but 2012 will be remembered as the year, where last semblance of a boundary between the actual day of Thanksgiving and the formal commencement of the holiday shopping season finally collapsed. It wasn’t just the decision by some of the biggest retailers to move their opening hours earlier than ever before. For many customers, the exact time when the doors were unlocked was irrelevant, because Thanksgiving had already become completely subsumed in shopping mania. What difference does it make if the doors open at 8 p.m. or midnight, if you were already in line days earlier. Something is wrong with this picture. (more…)
by Clarence E. Stowers | Nov 21, 2012 | Mars Hill Baptist Church, Success, Thanksgiving
In a few days we will celebrate Thanksgiving. Historically, It is a day set aside to show how thankful we are. Families and friends will gather to eat, reminiscence, and watch football. It is the one-day we set aside to show our appreciation for all we have been given. I love Thanksgiving, but it should not be limited to one day. We should have an attitude of gratitude everyday.
The older I get, the more I realize the importance of the little things that are right in front of me to appreciate all year long. With that in mind, I decided to use my blog as a platform to express my gratitude. So, once again, as we celebrate Thanksgiving, this uniquely American holiday, here is the list of blessings for which I am thankful in 2012.
I’m Thankful For The Mars Hill Baptist Church of Chicago
The enemy always tempts us to look at the glass as half-empty. Rather, it is a good discipline to consider how that cup is actually overflowing. Every pastor has the temptation to get discouraged or frustrated working with people… just as every congregation has the temptation to get discouraged or frustrated working with their pastor. However, the joy of pastoring far outweigh the frustrations.
Here’s why I’m thankful:
- I’m thankful for the local church and still believe that it’s the hope of the world.
- I’m thankful that my church hangs around and talks long after the worship service is over.
- I’m thankful that my church expects & anticipates Scripture to be opened and explained.
- I’m thankful that my church members have developed friendship that extends well-beyond Sunday morning.
- I’m thankful for the way I’ve seen God work, in my life and the lives of others – in big ways and small.
- I’m thankful for the worship team who lead us into worship each week, not for a big performance or to focus attention on their own musical talents, but to give glory to God and help us do the same
- I’m thankful that God planned all of this – that He brought a small, faithful group to plant this church 49 years ago
That’s my list (or at least part of the list…there are so many more). What about you? What are you thankful for?
Nothing is gained without something relinquished.
