Relational Leadership (Part 2)

October 27, 2006

If the Omniscient God, ‘leader’ of the universe, adjusts his decisions based on the relational discourse with man, then shouldn’t we as ‘leaders’, limited and finite, also allow our decisions to be bent through relational discourse with those we lead.

With this in mind, how does one approach organizational impasses around decision making. As a leader, do you plough ahead with your convictions despite the relational fallout? Or do we sacrifice what we know is best, for something less out of love and respect for those we lead. A couple Biblical examples are worth noting:

Genesis 18:23-25 – Abraham pleads with God to spare the city of Sodom and God listens to Abraham and deals with Sodom not on His own terms but on Abrahams terms. Exodus 32:9-14 – God is wanting to destroy the Israelites and begin again with Moses, but Moses replies :12 – “Turn from your fierce anger; relent and do not bring disaster on your people.” God relents from his decision and bends to the request of Moses.

In looking at these Biblical examples it’s important to note that if God is God then he knows all things and His way will always be best. And yet, God, out of relationship, opts for something less than the best because he’s a relationally driven leader. This expression of God is what makes prayer worth our effort. In addition, It shines a light on why we are here: God didn’t create man to accomplish a task but to enjoy a relationship.

Posted in Thoughts on Life | Comments (1)

Which One Is It? …

October 26, 2006

The JOY OF THE LORD is my strength

The joy of the Lord is MY STRENGTH

Posted in Thoughts on Life | Comments (3)

Quote for the Day

"I’d rather be lead by a healed heart than a savvy brain. "

Posted in Thoughts on Life | Comments (4)

A Tender Moment

October 25, 2006

The other day I was walking along the boardwalk and felt God convict me of being a sneak. It goes back a few years into childhood where stealing cars, trespassing, and sneaking around were my ideas of a jolly good time. Even as an adult I put myself in precarious situations at work and in marriage for withholding information out of fear of conflict. I had always thought that to protect myself I had to hide and avoid conflict. But, instead of making me feel safe it made me insecure; afraid of being discovered for my mistakes.

There walking on the boardwalk I felt God encourage me to draw a boundary line around myself to never again cross over into the shadows with anything, but instead to be transparent in everything. So I did.

The next day I reluctantly walked into my boss’ office and apologized to him for withholding information on some shipments we had made. Again the following day I brought up some other seemingly trivial stuff I’d done wrong.  A week and a half into it – already a cool thing is happening to me: I’m not afraid.

Who would have thought that doing the very thing I thought was suicide (walking in the light) is having the very opposite effect in making me confident, strong and secure.  Even my abs are starting to ripple.

Posted in Thoughts on Life | Comments (2)

Relational Leadership (Part 1)

October 24, 2006

A glimpse of God’s heart is revealed where people and relationship with people is more valuable to Him than accomplishing tasks. St. Iranaeous said it well: “The Glory of God is Man Fully Productive Alive”

In contrast, the glory of today’s organizations is how productive / successful / money making / goal accomplishing they are. What CEO has ever said to an employee, ‘the glory of our organization is that you are fully alive’. I’d send him my resume today!

If we as leaders consistently accomplish task through devaluing others, how different are we from communists or slave traders - trading money / glory / goals for people.

Posted in Thoughts on Life | No Comments »

Innocent Sin

October 9, 2006

“Whatever weakens your reason, impairs the tenderness of your conscience, obscures your sense of God, or takes off the relish for spiritual things then it is sin for you, however innocent it may be in itself.” – Suzanna Wesley

This quote has been really challenging me lately. I’ve been looking at a number of relaxing ‘take your mind off’ things I do that in actuality I know blur or muddy my spirit and ability to listen to God. Some of the things for me have been online video games, watching DVD’s with my wife, looking at newspapers or magazines, looking at seemingly innocent online news-sites, to even listening to the radio in my car. Often those things obscure my sense of God, they become the comfort, de-stressing mediums instead of the Holy Spirit. On their own they seem innocent, and yet afterwards I feel like I have climb back up a ladder and repent a bit to restore my conscience and purity of mind with Christ.

The pervasive power of culture redirecting our passion, re-writing our conscience, and discipling us away from of Jesus. I’m often a victim. God help me.

Posted in Thoughts on Life | Comments (8)

Aiming for Hire Character

October 6, 2006

An interesting point from the book “Mavericks at Work” by William C. Taylor and Polly LaBarre – based on 32 maverick firms: When these firms are recruiting their work force, they look for character more than credentials.

It would be a great move forward in our educational system when schools and universities begin teaching their students what the best companies are looking for: honesty, transparency, kindness, respecting and honoring others, not cursing and swearing… and so on.

That’s the business world. Politically speaking, I would, and hopefully you would too, vote for a man or woman of character over a Yale grad who can’t tell the truth.

Posted in Thoughts on Life | Comments (3)