Leadership isn't for wimps!

As a leader, you have a lot pulling on you and pressing you into certain molds. Others look to you expectantly to make the right decision every time. And the pressure can build. No, leadership is not for wimps. It sometimes requires a “thick skin” to not be impacted by things others say about your decisions or your style. It often requires a tender heart that empathies with those whom the Lord has placed in your care. And it always takes godly wisdom to give good, visionary leadership.

I have quoted the late Fred Smith in past writings. His daughter Brenda keeps his legacy alive at the website www.breakfastwithfred.com. Here are a couple of Fred Smith’s answers to some common questions posed to this wise mentor.

How do I view bad experiences? I am known for my one-liners. For example, “wait to worry” has been quoted by speakers and writers throughout the country. Another one is “never lose the good of a bad experience.” The story of Joseph in Scripture is a clear example of this principle. As his brothers recognized him, they expected retribution for their despicable treatment of him as a young man. However, he responded, “You meant it for evil, but God meant it for good.”

We can never deny the reality of bad situations, but we must endure them and look for the good. And, often we need time to see the outcome and the good.

Do I motivate or manipulate others? Of course, the definition of each forms the answer. I have a basic rule that motivation is recognizing mutual interest and manipulation is focused only on what is to my advantage.

Many times, leaders will assert they are motivating, but in truth, they are manipulating for selfish purposes instead of serving the other person. I know of a writer who said he was writing a book on motivation titled, “How to get others to do what you want.” That was not motivation; that was manipulation.

Fred Smith got his wisdom from God’s Word. As his daughter puts it, “He knew how to take Scripture and put it in everyday language which could be readily applied.” Isn’t it amazing that the guidelines for leadership today can be found in the Ancient Text…God’s Holy Word? It should drive us to invest more time in Scripture and less time in worldly “wisdom.”