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Owner Vs. Hireling

In the Biblical book of Acts chapters 20 & 21 we read about Paul’s emotional farewell to some of his fellow leaders as he was boarding a ship to sail to his next assignment. The narrative reads how the Spirit of God came upon Paul, challenging him to preach the gospel in Jerusalem as he had done in Ephesus. A fellow prophet intercepted him and questioned Paul’s decision. He warned that this decision may cost you your life. Paul reminded the fellow prophet that the God of heaven has entrusted me with this vision – I am ready to give my all.

This narrative messes me up every time I read it. It begs the question, “What motivates your living and will you pursue your vision in life?” The implications are huge as you ponder your response.

Great leaders understand the single greatest determinant of whether followers will ever own a vision deeply is the extent to which those followers believe the leader will own it.

Based upon empirical evidence, those following you will formulate an assessment of the depth of your ownership and will adjust their ownership accordingly. Followers take their cues from the leader! People will only take a bullet if they thoroughly believe that you as a leader will do the same. Understand your followers will see, sense, and smell your level of ownership.

The Value of A Good Idea

Has it ever occurred to you that you are one idea away from the next greatest sermon series, fundraiser, or outreach. All pockets of success for your organization can be traced back to a good idea!

The truth is that Leaders traffic in idea creation. As you read about the great leaders, it seems that all of them are ferociously disciplined about seeking good ideas and they are incredibly committed to stewarding them.

Beware of an atmosphere that kills good ideas. For example, do not ask your team to assist you with good ideas about an upcoming launch when you mind is already made-up. You waste people’s time. They may not be so generous in the future when this happens. Another idea killer might be to work together and develop a good idea for it to become derailed by non-essential business.

Steward creative moments in your life. I remember while doing short term mission work in South Africa in the pre-Mandela era, I came across an old church that was converted to an Antique Shop which was titled “Has-Beens and By-Gones.” Needless to say that picture became a powerful catalyst for vision casting at our church for one of the most significant transitions in its history.

It is told that in the early years of Motorola’s history that you could not enter a strategy meeting as a senior leader without having a list of new innovative ideas. If you came to the meeting without your list, you would not be allowed into the meeting.

Steward your ideas! This means to have pen and paper at your bedside or have an electronic means to record your thoughts and ideas. Otherwise the next greatest idea for your organization will escape and never be discovered.

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Music: “Gratitude Mood” by David Arivett. You can learn more about his music by clicking on his name. THANKS DAVID!

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