by Clarence E. Stowers | Jan 12, 2012 | regular
7. DWELLING ON THE “WORST CASE” SCENARIO.
As one who recognizes the validity and importance of spiritual gifts, one of my dominate gifts is discernment.
It can be a positive gift when God’s in control of my life. However, when I try to take control, discernment can lead me towards sin. The sin I’m referring to is called worry or anxiety. I’ve wasted way too much time worrying about challenges or problems that never happened. It has been said that “85% of what we worry about never happens.” Man, with odds like these who can loose. Personally, this is an area of vulnerability. What’s yours?
Do you dwell on the “worst case scenario?”
by Clarence E. Stowers | Jan 11, 2012 | regular
8. WAITING UNTIL THERE IS A PROBLEM TO PROVIDE FEEDBACK.
As a pastor, I understand the importance of encouraging others. It empowers others to reach their fullest potential.
Furthermore, it motivates them to want to go the extra mile. Because I can fall victim to the tyranny of the urgent, sometimes I’m encouragement-challenged. Moreover, since I am results oriented, my tendency is to only speak up when expectations aren’t met. Experience has taught me that this can create a culture of fear. I need to discipline myself to encourage my staff, leaders, and members more. As Tom Peters has said, “Reward excellent failures. Punish mediocre successes.”
Have you encouraged someone today?
by Clarence E. Stowers | Jan 10, 2012 | regular
9. STAYING TOO BUSY.
I’ve too often made the mistake of assuming that since I’m busy I’m adding value.
It’s very possible to be constantly busy and be completely ineffective. By the way, email can be the biggest trap of all. If I wanted to, I could spend every hour of every day processing email and getting absolutely nothing accomplished.
It has been said, “never mistake motion for progress.” Throughout the day we must stop and ourselves, “is what I’m doing adding value to others or helping me reach my destiny?” If so, keep doing what you’re doing. If not…well, you know what to do.
How do you know when you’re too busy?
by Clarence E. Stowers | Jan 9, 2012 | regular
Leadership Guru, John Maxwell is known for saying: “Everything rises & falls on leadership.” Even though I’ve been in various leadership roles for about 25 years now, I’m still learning what it takes to be a good leader. Because of that, I feel awkward trying to tell other leaders how to lead because I’m still trying to figure it out myself.
With that in mind, I’ve decided to take a different spin with this post. With the help of some friends, I’ve compiled a list of the “10 Dumbest Leadership Mistakes I’ve Made.”
In other words, rather than sharing all of the enlightening leadership principles I’ve discovered through the years, Over the few weeks, I’m going to confess all the dumb mistakes I’ve made.
If you are fascinated by grown men baring their souls and confessing their deepest, darkest secrets, then you may want to consider sharing some of your mistakes.
OK, HERE WE GO:
10. SPENDING TOO MUCH TIME ON THE DETAILS RATHER THAN THE DREAMS.
Check out Genesis 11:31-32. Terah intended to go to Canaan. Instead he stopped in Haran. He got stuck there for 205 years. Then he died. Why? Was it disobedience? Did he lose sight of God’s vision? Did he just get too comfortable? Did he settle for less than God’s best?
When I get too focused on responding to the urgent, I lose sight of the big picture. And, frankly, my tendency is to settle into a routine that’s very comfortable but doesn’t accomplish the full mission God has for my life and my ministry.
What mistakes come to mind after reading this post?
by Clarence E. Stowers | Jan 5, 2012 | regular
It appears I hit the right nerve judging from your response to “Getting To The Next Level.” Thank you for sharing the articles with others via Facebook and Twitter. I’m humbled and happy that others are able to experience what you have. If you haven’t read Part 1 and Part 2, you can read them HERE and HERE.
Getting to the next level is a GOD-THING and not OUR-THING. He alone determines who’s prepared and elevates them at the appropriated time. No better person illustrates this important principle like Joshua.
According to The Book of Numbers, Moses and Aaron had disqualified themselves from entering the land of promise when they had failed to honor the Lord by striking the rock at Meribah in the Desert of Zin (Numbers 20:12). Aaron had already died (Numbers 20:27-29) but the Lord now allowed Moses a glimpse of Canaan from afar. Rather than lapsing into self-pity as a lesser man might have done, Moses expressed his concern that Israel have a good leader to take his place.
He implored the God of the spirits of all mankind to select this leader. This unusual title of God (occurring only here and in Num. 16:33) refers to God’s omniscient understanding of everyone, which guaranteed the wisdom of His choice. The leader, Moses said, should be like a shepherd who would lead Israel. The Lord’s response was immediate: Take Joshua son of Nun.
This Spirit-filled man, who had already demonstrated his qualities and capabilities, was an ideal successor to Moses. His appointment must be public, however, so the community would know Joshua was entitled to the same respect as Moses and was to have some of Moses’ authority. Joshua’s appointment answers the question: When is the right time for next level leadership.
When Is The Right Time for Next Level Leadership?
You may argue that Joshua was fortunate in that he knew his purpose on earth. Many of us spend a lifetime trying to figure that out. How do you know when it is time to step up into a next-level leadership role? The answer is to prepare yourself for next-level leadership but to wait for it to be assigned to you. In other words, don’t have an agenda of self promotion.
A good leader is focused on empowering others and they will see when you are ready for next-level leadership. In the meantime read up as much as you can on servant hearted leadership. Find a mentor to work with and encourage you. Spend time studying God’s word. These things will take your understanding of leadership to the next level.
Further Reading Inspiration and References:
Scripture verses:
- Wait for appointment to next-level leadership – Proverbs 25:6-7
- God appoints the next level of leadership– Numbers 27:15-19
- Tools for next-level leadership – Romans 12:9-13
- Fruit of next-level leadership – Galatians 5:22-24
Other Reading:
- Developing Leaders Around You – John C. Maxwell
- How the Mighty Fall. And Why Some Companies Never Give In – Jim Collins
- A Force for Change – John P. Kotter
