When things don't go to plan..

I read a great post today by Mac Lake and wanted to share it...

No matter how good our plans there are times we as leaders face disappointments. The dictionary says, Disappointment is a feeling of being let down, a feeling of sadness or frustration because something was not as good, attractive, or satisfactory as expected, or because something hoped for did not happen” As I look back over my years in ministry there have been several times I can recall having this disheartening emotion. Unchecked disappointment leads to discouragement, cynicism or even a sense of resignation.

It’s interesting that God encourages us to plan, yet allows unexpected detours or interruptions to those plans. While frustrating, detours are beneficial because they remind me that I’m not in control and keep me listening to the heart of God.

I have to remind myself that it ’s frequently God’s plan that things not go as I planned. And God desires to use the detours, interruptions and obstacles to grow my courage, persistence, patience, endurance, character and humility. When a leader engages disappointment by listening to the Truth of God he hears, “Keep on believing, keep moving forward, I’ve not abandoned you…I’m simply growing you.”

Facing an unexpected disappointment today? Check out Jesus words in John 15:1-2 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prune so that it will be even more fruitful.

Brilliant!!

If you want to be a good leader, Listen more

One of the most overlooked competencies in leadership today is the skill of listening. Listening enables the leader to maximize what God’s doing while minimizing mistakes, maximize team member’s strengths while minimizing their weaknesses, maximize employee engagement while minimizing misunderstandings. As leaders we can’t afford not to listen because the price is too high.

But leaders like to move fast which doesn’t always lend itself to listening. A large part of leadership is about understanding, discerning, reading people, assessing your culture, hearing God and then taking action. All which require listening. I mean really actively listening to people. I find it interesting that Solomon, a ”get it done” leader himself, repeated the instruction, “Listen” over 20 times in the 31 chapters of Proverbs. Perhaps he emphasized it so much because we aren’t quite as good at listening as we think.

So what is the taletale sign that you are a good listener? Your people feel valued, respected, esteemed, appreciated and loved.

A moving Story..The sound of opportunity and potential

Use your gifts and make the most of your opportunities. You gifts have been given to you for a purpose; so that you might feel fulfilled, be a blessing to others and bring glory to God! Don't get focused on what others have and rob yourself others and God, use what you have - YOU ARE UNIQUE!