by Clarence E. Stowers | Feb 10, 2014 | Current Affairs, Decisions, Empowerment, Leadership, Success
Most people don’t take into account how many mistakes account for success. For some there is the idea that if you fail it’s the end: The end of the world, the end of the opportunity, the end to your chances for success. In reality the opposite is true. Mistakes are good for you because mistakes give the biggest opportunity for growth, learning and development.
“The only complete mistake is the mistake from which we learn nothing.” – Jacob Braude
Of all the great scientific breakthroughs, inventions or discoveries, not one of them achieved success on the first attempt. In fact when Thomas Edison was ridiculed for his more than 200 failed attempts to create a light bulb, his response was not full of self-pity or anger. Instead in his defense, he simply stated that he’d learned more than 200 ways of how not to do it. For Thomas Edison every mistake was a learning opportunity. How many of us could do the same? 
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by Clarence E. Stowers | Jan 31, 2014 | Encouragement, Goals, Leadership, Networking, Teamwork
I need your help!
I’m noticing a disturbing trend on my Facebook timeline. It’s filled with negativity, sexually suggested dancing, fistfights, & bizarre/demonic criminal behavior. It appears people are in despair & perhaps have lost hope. Facebook and other social media outlets are the places people gather to mingle and converse. They are today’s wells….the gathering place for people to catch up on what’s happening. If Jesus were here today, he’d log on to Facebook.
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by Clarence E. Stowers | Apr 24, 2013 | Church Issues, Decisions, Leadership, Mars Hill Baptist Church, Servant Leadership
Humility increases our appreciation for God. To respect God’s majesty, we must compare ourself to his greatness. When we look at creation, we often feel small by comparison. To feel small is a healthy way to get back to reality, but God does not want us to dwell on our smallness. Humility means proper respect for God, not self-depreciation.
In 2011 saw some exciting changes at the Mars Hill Baptist Church. But as exciting as that vision of building was, we know now that in the process we left some people behind. There were parts of the process where as leaders we simply dropped the ball. During this three-part series, my purpose was to share three humbling lessons learned. If you missed reading Part 1 and Part 2, you can read them HERE and HERE.
(Sanctuary Renovation – 2011)
So, what did I learn? (more…)
by Clarence E. Stowers | Apr 17, 2013 | Church Issues, Decisions, Leadership, Mars Hill Baptist Church, Servant Leadership
I am surprised and humbled by the overwhelming response to this week’s post, “Humbling Lessons In Change & Transition.” If you missed it, you can read it HERE.
(Sanctuary renovation – 2011)
In 2011, I shared some new and exciting changes at Mars Hill Baptist Church. But as exciting as that vision of building was, we know now that in the process we left some people behind. There were parts of the process where as leaders we simply dropped the ball. I believe you can learn a lot from your failures if you’re willing to admit and learn from them.
(Sanctuary renovation – 2011)
First, I learned how buildings house memories. Therefore, it is wise not to erase their significance. Parents have introduced their children to the church and sat Sunday after Sunday in the pews together. Others have said goodbye to loved ones and those last few words in that place were significant. In addition to learning the significance of buildings, I also learned how change can happen quickly but, transition often follows more slowly. (more…)
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?
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