Day 10:Using the correct type of power
Bible Verse: John 19:10-11 (NKJV)
“Then Pilate said to Him, “Are You not speaking to me? Do You not know that I have power to crucify You, and power to release You?” Jesus answered, “You could have no power at all against Me unless it had been given you from above. Therefore the one who delivered Me to you has the greater sin.”"
Leadership Lesson:
There are different types of power. Some people yield power to destroy and tear down relationship while others use power righteously. Pilate thought he had the power to free Christ or crucify Him. Pilate yielded a transactional type of power. Pilate wanted Jesus to speak. If Jesus spoke Pilate might release Him. If Jesus didn’t speak, Pilate could put Him to death. How often do you use this same power?
Transactional power can sometimes work and get the job done, but it isn’t liberating and if abused, disrespects the individual. Jesus came to this world yielding the type of power that was liberating and empowering. His power respected the individual and created true win-win situations. If respect and love is the basis of your power, you wield the ultimate power. This type of power is relationship enabling. This power is the power whose tide raises all ships.
Through love, people will do what you ask not because they are forced to, but because they want to. They do it because you’ve served them and respected them. Are you like Pilate, asking people to do things because you’ll do something for them in return? Or, are you like Christ, leading with love and respect?
Today’s Prayer:
Dear God, Help me to understand power. Though it is tempting and often easier to use transactional or coercive power, give me the wisdom to use a power that respects the individual because it is based in love. Help me to lead like Christ. Amen.
Day 9: The call of leadership
Bible Verse: Exodus 3:4 (NKJV)
“So when the LORD saw that he turned aside to look, God called to him from the midst of the bush and said, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.”"
Leadership Lesson:
Moses was tending to Jethro’s flock when he saw a bush on fire. Moses went to investigate this strange sight. When the Lord saw that Moses turned toward the bush, He called to Moses.
Moses heard his call to leadership. He did not run from the burning bush in fear. Even when the Lord called him by name, Moses was steadfast and exclaimed, “Here I am.” Perhaps our call to lead will not be as dramatic as Moses’, but when it happens, how will you respond?
The call to lead is frightening. Whether your call is to coach your son or daughter’s soccer team, manage a new project, or steer an organization out of trouble and into profitability, you will be responsible for the results of others. Your ability to serve their needs and assist them in their journey will lead to their success and yours.
How will you respond to your “burning bush”? How have you responded? How will you respond in the future?
Today’s Prayer:
Dear God, If your will is to have me lead, help me to hear the call and follow. Help me to realize that leadership is not about what I can do for myself but what I can do for you and those I lead. Amen.
Day 8: Pause and rest
Bible Verse: Mark 1:35
“Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed.”
Leadership Lesson:
Work can be hectic. Meetings, interviews, completing reports, business luncheons, returning phone calls and other activities keep our minds filled to the brim. If your mind is always working and never rests during the day, where can good ideas come from? How is it possible to stay fresh and innovative?
Though Jesus did not work a typical job, he did have a full schedule. Jesus was a busy guy. In scripture he is always active healing the sick, casting demons, forgiving sins, studying, and preaching. Though he was busy, Christ made time for prayer and reflection.
This passage demonstrates the importance of quiet time with God. Prayer and meditation in the early morning, at mid-day, or in the evening can help energize us. This quiet time is beneficial spiritually, emotionally, intellectually, and physically. Inner reflection and prayer helps us to pause and come closer to God. This quiet time also helps you to work more effectively and efficiently, think more creatively, and have patience with your co-workers, and lead at a higher level.
Today’s Prayer:
Dear God, I am always busy and realize that I need to spend more time with you. Help me to follow your Son’s example. Even though the day may be hectic and stressful, I will take respites throughout the day to reconnect with what is really important in life; You and your Son. Amen.
Day 7: Show you are humble
Bible Verse: 2 Samuel 6:21-22
“So David said to Michal, “It was before the LORD, who chose me instead of your father and all his house, to appoint me ruler over the people of the LORD, over Israel. Therefore I will play music before the LORD. And I will be even more undignified than this, and will be humble in my own sight. But as for the maidservants of whom you have spoken, by them I will be held in honor.”
It would be helpful to read the entire passage 2 Samuel 6:14-22.
Leadership Lesson:
“…and will be humble in my own site.” How powerful a vision for us today. David, the king of the Israelites, jumping and whirling, overjoyed and praising the Lord. He does not feel that he is too “important” to act in such a free spirit. He was not only humble in his own site, but also in the site of those around him.
It is important to show our humanity to those with whom we work. Some may argue that showing humanity demonstrates weakness. As David demonstrates, however, it is a sign of true leadership strength. By being humble and showing that we are no better or worse than those around us, we create an environment where others can be themselves. When people are free to be themselves, a new workplace is born that encourages individuality, diversity, and personal and team creativity.
At the end of the day, would you rather know your people as fellow co-workers or fellow human beings?
Today’s Prayer:
Lord, let me act in ways that show my humble obedience to you. Let me be a positive example to those around me. Give me the strength to show my weaknesses. Give me the strength to show my co-workers, my manager, and those who I lead my authentic self. Guide me as I try to make a workplace where people are free to be people. Amen.
Day 6: Leading without a leader
Daily Verse: Proverbs 6:6-8 (NKJV)
“Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise, which, having no captain, overseer or ruler, provides her supplies in the summer, and gathers her food in the harvest.”
Leadership Lesson:
What do you do when there appears to be no leader? Do you have the capabilities and the internal fortitude to lead yourself? Though the bible teaches us that we must rely on God, it also teaches us take initiative and make decisions on our own.
This proverb’s message tells us that we must be as self-sufficient; like an ant. An ant knows what to do and how to do it. It doesn’t have a leader to instruct it at every turn. In fact, working environments where empowerment is the standard, employees are expected to make critical decisions without a manager’s direct input. For example, in some auto plants, empowered employees are allowed to stop the assembly line when they feel there is a problem with the system.
When there is no apparent “captain”, do you rise to the occasion? Do you have the confidence to move forward and make critical decisions on your own? As a leader, have you empowered your employees to make decisions without you? If so, have you given them the tools necessary? Are their roles clear? Do they have your full support when a choice of action is made?
Today’s Prayer:
Dear God, I often need to make tough decisions and be accountable for the outcomes. Give me the confidence to lead myself. Also, help me to empower my team and give them what is necessary to perform at the highest levels. Amen.
Day 5: The Lord is always with you
Bible Verse: Deuteronomy 20:1 (NKJV)
“”When you go out to battle against your enemies, and see horses and chariots and people more numerous than you, do not be afraid of them; for the LORD your God is with you, who brought you up from the land of Egypt.”
Leadership Lesson:
Some days our trials are easy and other times we are tested to the limits. Whatever happens, have faith in God. Put your life and your work into his hands. As the passage states, when forces that seem innumerable are against you, have no fear. God will never abandon you. Have faith in His ways.
At work you are challenged daily. A boss may give you what seems to be an impossible deadline. Your staff is revolting over a decision you’ve made. A customer is threatening to leave for a competitor. Politics in your organization have you stressed and worried. Whatever the situation, turn to God. Surrender yourself and your problems to Him. Pray for strength and that ‘his will be done’. Understand that as your heavenly Father, He knows what is best for you. Oftentimes our greatest trials become a source of great strength and we are better because of them.
Today’s Prayer:
Say this prayer today and whenever needed when faced with work challenges.
“Dear God, When I pray the ‘Our Father’ I say, ‘Thy will be done’. Though at times I seek my will I understand that I must surrender to you. I ask for strength and wisdom in dealing with workplace challenges in the way that pleases you. I ask that your will, not mine, be done in helping through the difficult challenges I face today and in the future. Amen.”
Day 4: Keeping Perspective
Bible Verse: Acts 15:19-20 (NKJV)
“Therefore I judge that we should not trouble those from among the Gentiles who are turning to God, but that we write to them to abstain from things polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from things strangled, and from blood.”
Leadership Lesson
When on a project, have you witnessed how many people become obsessed over issues that are not significant to the success of the project? You should never belittle their concerns, but some employees get so caught up in the day-to-day they lose sight of what’s important and critical.
In the early church, the Pharisees argued with the disciples as to whether or not men should be circumcised. The Pharisees demanded they be circumcised while Peter, Saul and James disagreed. The disciples wanted to preach the good news and keep people from doing things that actually distanced themselves from God. The important thing was to believe in Christ and have a relationship with God. Being circumcised was inconsequential to the disciples of Christ.
When there is an issue that you or your team encounters, take a step back and consider its severity. Keep perspective of all problems. What happens if the issue isn’t resolved? Can the issue wait? Are there other issues looming that pose a greater threat to success? Getting bogged down the like Pharisees can create a situation where petty issues absorb your attention. Be like the early disciples and see the reality of the situation and concentrate on what is truly important.
Today’s Prayer:
Dear Lord, I sometimes get caught-up in issues that are not significant. I focus on items that distract me from what is important. Help me and my team to be better at discerning between competing priorities and challenges. Most of all, help all of us see that despite the issues of our jobs, you are the most significant part of our lives. Amen.
Day 3: Speak up
Bible Verse: Matthew 16:16-17, 23
“Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven…Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, “Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!” But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.”
Leadership Lesson:
What a striking juxtaposition. Within a few verses Peter is both praised and rebuked by Jesus. Jesus is the leader; Peter the follower. In this instance, however, Peter shows to Jesus that he is also a leader among the disciples.
What is important to note is that Peter spoke up twice. He was “rewarded” the first time and “reprimanded” the second. He did not fear his “boss” but openly spoke his heart. How often do you keep your thoughts and feelings at bay because of fear or lack of self-confidence? The only way to achieve what you want in life is to speak up and act.
Follow Peter’s example and question your boss. Make suggestions. Express what is on your mind. Peter took a risk by speaking up and became the “rock” in which Christ built His church; despite this and other harsh rebukes he received from Jesus.
Today’s Prayer:
Dear God, give me the strength to respectfully and confidently speak my mind. Help me to follow Peter’s example and, despite the consequenses, not back down from my convictions and to stay true to you. Amen.
Day 2: Don’t give up on people
Bible Verse: Matthew 1:19 (NKJV)
“Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly.”
Leadership Lesson
Imagine the scene; Mary, an unwed pregnant teenager and her boyfriend, Joseph. How do you think Joseph felt when he discovered Mary was pregnant? He was likely saddened and distraught. Joseph knew the child wasn’t his. Joseph did not know at the time Mary was carrying Christ. Instead of making a public spectacle of Mary, he showed mercy and compassion.
It is very easy to give up on someone who disappoints you. People at work, and in life, cause us grief, anger, sadness and even disbelief. How do you respond? Are you compassionate and forgiving? When you feel like giving up on someone, use this passage as inspiration. Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus, showed that he was a just and kind man. He did not jump to conclusions, or make Mary’s pregnancy public (which would have called for her stoning).
The next time you are about to abandon someone or throw up your arms in resignation, remember the example Joseph set.
Today’s Prayer:
God, as a leader, I realize the need to be compassionate and forgiving. Help me to be a leader who genuinely cares for my team and co-workers. When impatience sets in help me to be patient. When an employee fails, let me see it as a coaching opportunity. Help me to model the example Joseph set. Amen.
Day 1: Begin your journey
Bible Verse: Joshua 14:10-11 (NAB)
“Now, as he promised, the LORD has preserved me while Israel was journeying through the desert, for the forty-five years since the LORD spoke thus to Moses; and although I am now eighty-five years old, I am still as strong today as I was the day Moses sent me forth, with no less vigor whether for war or for ordinary tasks.”
Workplace Lesson
We start this journal with excitement and hope. The promise of a new start lets us contemplate the past, live in the present and plan for the future. This year, begin your journey with a promise. Promise to live each day to the fullest and understand that the life you lead is yours alone. Your future is set by the choices you make. You are never a victim.
How often do we let external factors sap our energy and thus inhibit our ability to lead? Joshua is eighty-five years old in this passage, yet exclaims that he still has the vigor and leadership acumen as he did when he was younger. The only barrier to success is ourselves.
Joshua reminds us that though the body may age and other external factors may attempt to hinder us, we choose to be successful. When you wake up in the morning, you have two choices;
- Greet the day with excitement, enthusiasm and vigor (which leads to success) or
- Greet the day with dread, negativity and worry (which leads to failure).
Joshua chose number one, which do you choose?
Daily Prayer:
Lord, I am about to embark on a year long journey. I want to be a better leader, better manager, better employee, and a better person. As I reflect upon scripture for leadership lessons, please help me to live those lessons so the way I lead serves others and pleases you. Amen.
