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Competence Goes Beyond words. It is a leaders ability to say it, plan it, and do it in such a way that others know you know how, and know that they want to follow you – John Maxwell.

We all admire people who display high competence regardless of whether they are precision craftsmen, world class athletes, or successful businessmen. You do not need to become a Michael Jordan or a Bill Gates to excel in the area of competence. If you desire to be competent then follow these steps.

Show Up Every Day

There is an old adage that says, All things come to him who waits! Unfortunately, sometimes you get the leftovers from people who get there first. Responsible people show up when they are expected. Highly competent people take it a step further, They do not just show up, they show up ready -No matter how they feel, what kind of circumstances they face, or how difficult the game may be.

Keep Improving

Highly competent people continually search for ways to keep growing and improving. They do that by asking why? People who know HOW will always have a job, but the person who knows why will always be the boss!

Follow Through With Excellence

You will never meet a person considered to be competent that does not follow through. Willa Foster stated, “Quality is never an accident; it is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction and skillful execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives.

Accomplish More Than Expected

Highly competent people always go the extra mile. For them good is never enough. Author of the book Men in Mid-Life Crisis writes that some feel “a weakening of the need to be a great man and an increasing feeling of let’s just get through this the best way we can. Never mind hitting home runs. Let’s just get through the ball game without getting beaned. Leaders cannot afford to have this attitude on their team day in and day out.

Inspire Others

Highly competent leaders do more than perform at a high level. They inspire and motivate the people around them to do the same. Effective leaders combine relational skills with high competence to take their organizations to the next level of excellence and influence.

When you reflect upon competent people you are only considering three types;

Those who can see what needs to happen

Those who can make it happen

Those who can make things happen when it really counts

Consider yourself for just a moment – where do you consistently perform? Are you a thinker, a doer, or a clutch player? The better you are, the greater your influence you will have on others around you.

To improve you need to:

Get your head in the game – this is not a time to detach, rather reengage.

Redefine the standards of excellence. It is better to aim high and occasionally miss rather than aim low and hit it often.

Find three ways to improve your professional skills today.

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

A Journey Toward Significance – Take The SEVEN DAY CHALLENGE

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Communication: Without It You Travel Alone

Developing Excellent communication skills is absolutely essential to effective leadership. The leader must be able to share knowledge and ideas to transmit a sense of urgency and enthusiasm to others. If a leader can’t get a message across clearly and motivate others to act on it, then having a message doesn’t matter – Gilbert Amelio

You can become an effective communicator by following these basic truths.

Simplify Your Message

Communication is not just what you say – it is how you say it. The key is simplicity. Do not seek to impress people with complexity. Communicate a dramatic opening. Then create a dramatic summary. Keep these two items as close together as possible.

See The Person

Effective communication focuses upon the people with whom you are communicating. Ask Who is my audience? What are their questions? What needs to be accomplished? How much time do I have to communicate?

Stay oriented to your audience. People will believe effective communicators because effector communicators believe in people.

Show The Truth

Credibility precedes communication! Here are two ways this is communicated. First believe in what you say. Excitability naturally flows when there is a personal conviction on the matter. It has been said the most powerful weapon on earth is a soul on fire. Secondly live out what you say. There is no greater credibility than conviction in action.

Seek A Response

Do not loose sight of the real reason for communication, it is to solicit a response. When you speak to people remember to give them something to feel, something to remember, and something to do. Accomplish this and you will lead people to new levels in their life.

Danto Manquez Jr., president of MVM stated, A leader must get things done through others, therefore, the leader must have the ability to inspire, motivate, guide, and direct. It is only through communication that the leader is able to cause others to internalize his or her vision and implement it.

Here are three items to assist you in your communication.

1. Be Clear – Keep your sentences short and direct. Do not follow rabbit trails. Will my audience understand my word choices. Simplicity and Clarity are your two best friends in communication.
2. Refocus Your Attention – Are you talking about yourself or is your focus on your audience. What does your audience need? Stay committed to the answer to this question.
3. Live Out Your Message – “Walk the walk – don’t just talk the talk!

On April 7, 1865, President Abraham Lincoln made a burdensome decision, and he needed to communicate it to his general in the field. On it rested all his hopes and the entire weight of his leadership as president. Using considerable as a communicator, he wrote the following:

Lieut. Gen Grant – Gen Sheridan says, “If the thing is pressed, I think that Lee will surrender.” Let the thing be pressed.

The president did not allow the importance of a piece of communication to complicate its simplicity. Neither should we.

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A Journey Toward Significance – Take The SEVEN DAY CHALLENGE

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People do not follow uncommitted leaders. Commitment can be displayed in a full range of matters to include the work hours you choose, how you work to improve your abilities, or what you do for your fellow workers at personal sacrifice – Stephen Gregg CEO Ethix Corp.

The story of Michelangelo and his four year effort to paint the Sistine Chapel is amazing to study. In his journal he would relate that after four tortured years, more than four-hundred over life sized figures, he commented that he had become old and weary as Jeremiah. He stated that his friends did not recognize him. However, we cannot under estimate the influence that his work has had on others through the years.

The world has never seen a great leader who lacked commitment. Ed McElroy, US Air Force stated, “Commitment gives us new power. No matter what comes to us – sickness, poverty, disease – we never turn our eye from the goal.”

What is the true nature of commitment? Consider these three observations

Commitment Starts In The Heart

Some people want everything to be perfect before they will commit to anything. But commitment always precedes achievement. It is told the winners of Kentucky Derby effectively run out of oxygen after the first half mile, the rest is run with heart. Michael Jordan stated that heart is what separates the good from the great. If you really want to be an effective leader, look into your heart to see if you’re really committed.

Commitment Is Tested By Action

It is one thing to talk about commitment and it is a totally different thing to do something about it. Nothing is easier than saying words. Nothing is harder than living them every day.

It was told once about a newly elected judge who had won the office in a special county election. In his acceptance speech he stated, “I wish to thank the 424 people who promised to vote for me. I wish to thank the 316 people who said they did vote for me. I wish to thank the 47 people who came out to vote last Thursday and I wish to thank the 29 who actually voted for me.” How well are you following through on your commitments?

Commitment Opens The Door To Achievement

As a leader you will face many obstacles. Commitment will be the only things that carries you through those difficult days. David McNally stated, “Commitment is the enemy of resistance, for it is the serious promise to press on, to get up, no matter how many times you are knocked down. If you want to get anywhere worthwhile, you must be committed!

When it comes to the subject of commitment there are truly only four types of people.

• COP-OUTS – people who have no goals and do not commit
• HOLDOUTS – People who don’t know if they can reach their goals, so they are afraid to commit
• DROPOUTS – People who start toward a goal but they quit when the going gets tough
• ALL-OUTS – People who set goals, commit to them, and pay the price to reach them

To improve your commitment do the following;

Measure it – Your calendar and your checkbook will tell you whether you are serious about commitment or not

Know what is worth dying for – What are you willing to die for?

Use the Thomas Edison Method – make your dreams public, knowing that everyone just heard your announcement.

LINKS

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A Journey Toward Significance – Take The SEVEN DAY CHALLENGE

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How can you have charisma? Be more concerned about making others feel good about themselves than you are making them feel good about you. Executive Pastor Dan Reiland

Most people think of charisma as something mystical and undefinable. Many believe that you are born with it. Charisma, plainly stated is the ability to draw people to you. Like other character traits, it can be developed. Here are four (4) key thoughts that will help to flesh this subject out.

LOVE LIFE

People enjoy leaders who enjoy life. Think of the people that you want to spend time with. How would you describe them? Grumpy? Bitter? Depressed? Of course not. Lovers of life are celebrators and not complainers! They are passionate about life. John Wesley stated; “When you set yourself on fire, people will come to watch you burn!”

PUT A 10 on EVERY PERSON’S HEAD

One of the best things that you can do to attract others to yourself is to expect the best of them. It helps others to think a bit more of themselves while at the same time it helps you. According to Jacques Wiesel in a survey of 100 self made millionaires found these successful people only saw the good in others. Benjamin Disraeli, two time Prime Minister of Israel stated, “The greatest good you can do for another is not just to share your riches, but to reveal the other person’s riches.” If you truly appreciate others, encourage them and help them reach their potential.

GIVE PEOPLE HOPE

The famous French General Napoleon Bonaparte characterized leaders as “Dealers in hope!”

Bonaparte knew that hope is the greatest of all possessions. If you can be that person that bestows that gift on others, they will be attracted to and will become forever grateful.

SHARE YOURSELF

People love leaders who share themselves. As you lead others give yourself. Share wisdom, resources and special occasions. When it comes to charisma the bottom line is other mindedness. Leaders who think about others and their concerns before thinking of themselves exhibit charisma.

How would you rate yourself when it comes to charisma? Consider the following;

PRIDE – nobody wants to follow a leader who thinks he is better than everyone else.

INSECURITY – If you are uncomfortable with you are, others will be too.

MOODINESS – If people never know what to expect from you, they stop expecting anything.

PERFECTIONISM – People respect the desire for excellence, but dread totally unrealistic expectations.

Perle Mesta, the great Washington Hostess, was asked how she managed to get so many rich and famous people to attend her parties. “It is all in the greetings and good-byes. When they arrive she responded, “At last you are here.” When they were leaving, she responded, “I’m sorry that you have to leave so soon.”

Focusing on others, not yourself, is the essence of charisma!

LINKS

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A Journey Toward Significance – Take The SEVEN DAY CHALLENGE

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Leadership is the capacity and will to rally people to a common purpose and the character which inspires confidence – Bernard Montgomery

Character

How leaders deal with circumstances of life tells you many things about their character. Crisis does not make character, it does however reveal it. Adversity, when it strikes will offer two paths for you to follow. One is the path of character and the other is the path of compromise. Nobel Peace Prize winner, Alexander Solzhenitsyn stated, “The meaning of earthly existing lies, not as we have grown used to thinking, in prospering, but in the development of the soul.”

The development of character is at the heart of our development not just as a leader, but as human beings. Notice the following 4 insights on character.

Character Is More Than Talk

Anyone can say they have integrity, but our actions are the real indicator of character. Who you are determines what you see. What you see determines what you do. This is why you can never separate character from actions. If a leaders actions are constantly working against you, then look at their character to determine WHY.

Talent Is A Gift, Character Is A Choice

We have zero control over a lot of things in this life. You did not choose your birth parents or location of birth. You did not choose your IQ capacity of talents. But we all choose our character. In fact we create our character every time we make choices either to cop our or dig in for the long haul of life; to bend the truth or stand under the weight of it. As you live your life and make choices today, you are continuing to create your character.

Character Brings Lasting Success With People

True leadership always involves other people. The old leadership axiom is true; “If you think you are leading and no one follows then you are only taking a lonely walk.” Followers do trust leaders whose character they know to be flawed and they will not continue following them.

Leaders Cannot Rise Above The Limitations of Their Character

Have you seen highly skilled people suddenly fall when they achieve a certain level of success? Steven Berlas, psychologist at Harvard Medical School states when people achieve great heights, but lack bedrock character are headed for a disaster. He suggests they will become one if not several of the 4-A’s – Arrogance, Aloneness, Adventure-Seekers, or Adultery. Each is a terrible price to pay for weak character.

To improve your character consider the following:

• Search for cracks – spend some time examining your work, family, marriage, service, etc. Where are you cutting corners. Write them down and make this your most important to-do-list.
• Look for patterns – Look closely at each item you just wrote down to discovery weaknesses or particular problems that keep resurfacing? Detectable patterns will help diagnose character issues,
• Face the music – the beginning of character repair comes when you face your flaws, apologize, and deal with the consequences.
• Rebuild – It is one thing to face past failures and then look to build a new future.

LINKS

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A Journey Toward Significance – Take The SEVEN DAY CHALLENGE

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Disagree Without Drawing Blood

Author Catherine Johnson wrote a book entitled Lucky In Love. She interviewed a large number of happily married couples who were obnoxiously happy in the married life. She learned in these interviews that at some point these couples agreed together they would have spirited disagreements but refused to destroy each other in the process. They absolutely refused to destroy the relationship long-term. The author wrote of these couples, “When we disagree, we will not draw blood.”

Leaders do not fear passion. They welcome it. But there are times when passionate discussions digress into personal attacks and people get hurt. The Ephesians 4 “truth in love” passage starts of with Paul telling Christ-followers to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. He discusses gentleness, humility, patience, and peace. Insist on leading in a manner that contributes to unity, even in the heat of disagreement.

Help Me Understand

There is a huge temptation for leaders, when subordinates make mistakes is to launch into a “what were you thinking” type of lecture. May I suggest that approach is degrading and potentially dishonoring to God.

When tempted to launch into a mean-spirited lecture, pause for a few minutes and then ask “Help Me Understand?” This little devise will help you from slipping into an accusatory role or even worse, polarizing the conversation before you actually understand what happened. You may still end up where you would have otherwise. The key difference is that the conversation sounds different and is more accepting.

Real-Time Coaching

If you know anything about coaching a sports team, you know there are a number of coaches that work on different areas of teamsmanship – offense versus defense. Also will notice that coaches coach in real-time, they do not wait until after the practice.

Leadership requires that we coach in real time. Year-end evaluations serve no purpose to something that you could have addresses earlier in the year. Learn the art of coming along the side of those you desire to influence and coach them in the moment. Jesus was the great example of taking his team and putting them into difficult situations. He would observe and then coach them on what they were doing correct and then help them to improve.

Purpose to be a leader that helps others in real time so they can succeed at a higher level. Compliment their success and coach their mistakes.

LINKS

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A Journey Toward Significance – Take The SEVEN DAY CHALLENGE

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How Are You Doing….Really?

In the American culture when people are asked, “How are you doing?” people usually respond with a one word answer, FINE! In our culture, if you are truly interested and you want the other person to give honest insightful responses, you have to rephrase the question slightly. Ask, “How are you doing, really?”

No matter what the goal of your organization, do not become so professional and efficient that relationship building and community gets squeezed out. It is shameful to spend half a day with a colleague without realizing they spent the night in the ER with an ailing family member. Is it so difficult to take a few moments of your time to ask how your team is doing, really? The responses to this question at the beginning of any meeting is not for leadership’s sake, but for love’s sake.

As a faith based organization, is it to much to be reminded that we are biblically driven to “…bear one another’s burdens.” (Galatians 6:2). The people you are leading have to know they are part of a burden-carrying team. They have to know there is an avenue for them to convey personally or professionally any calamity they are facing. They have to know their colleagues will hear them out without prejudice or judgment.

It would be helpful to start your meetings with the question that is the focus of this leadership axiom, “How are you doing, really?” Once everyone has responded to this question, take the time to prayer for each person.

Speed of The Leadership, Speed of The Team

The two most powerful words that can be spoken by any leader is FOLLOW ME! These two words were spoken by Christ. The Apostle Paul would state that his followers should follow him only as he follows Christ. Both of these statements refer to the power of leading by example.

Understand there are questions that your followers are asking. They wonder how joyful they are going to be by observing how joyful your are as their leader. How joyful are you? How determined are you? How loving are you? The answer that is formulating in the mind of your followers will determine how joyful, determined, and loving they can become. Leaders should never assume more from their followers than what they can deliver. Never expect higher levels of commitment if they cannot see it in you.

If you cannot say FOLLOW ME to your followers and mean it – then you have a problem. A big one! Speed of the leader, speed of the team.

Pay Attention To Greetings and Goodbyes

Leaders by nature can see a mountain to conquer and they want to accomplish yesterday. Leaders will open meetings usually with, “I will open with prayer, then let’s get after it so that we don’t waste anyone’s time!” The most important part of your meetings are the “Greetings and Goodbyes!” Every person who works for highly motivated leaders carry a low-grade concern if they are going to be tossed aside after being used up. Deep down inside every person wrestles with the notion they are just another cog in someone else’s wheel.

It seems to me that we have lost the art of eye to eye contact and communicate statements of warm appreciation for the other person. This is to be followed up at the end of a meeting with sincere THANK YOU for being part of this awesome team should be given. TRY IT at your next meeting to see if it want produce different results that what your are presently getting.

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A Journey Toward Significance – Take The SEVEN DAY CHALLENGE

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Six-By-Six Execution

This leadership axiom basically asks what are the the six most important tasks that I can tackle in the next six weeks. This axiom forces you to concentrate truly on the top six things that need to be accomplished within six weeks. This exercise is not as simple to begin because it forces reflective thinking and that does not come as easy for everyone. In fact critical thinking skills are needed. This forces advance thinking two and three steps ahead of your present reality.

Pastor Hybels popularized this exercise. There are various versions of this idea. Anytime you bring focused attention on key goals, the end result will be to raise the level of performance in other areas that you might not have expected. Give it a try and write a comment to share how this worked for you.

Only God

This axiom of leadership suggests there are times when clever wordsmithing is not what attracts results. It suggests that your 4 color printed ads and promos are not what attracts results. It suggests that results are beyond explanation within the realm of human capability.

So much of our modern day “Church-Growth” concepts are based upon market-proven strategies in the business world that have been adapted for the church world to get results. Can I suggest to you that if you can get results on the basis of your wordsmithing and market campaigns, you do not need a miracle. You can grow your organization all by yourself.

May I suggest this is more than a leadership axiom, It is a theology to seek after. “If God does not help us, we will perish” is a mantra of a person who recognizes their limited skills and capabilities.

The Three C’s

When building a “Dream Team” that will help you move your organization to fulfill the dreams that you are destined to accomplish, how will you evaluate individuals to help? I am a big fan on using psychometric measuring tools to assess gifting’s. When you reduce it all down there are three key areas to not compromise on:

• Character
• Competence
• Chemistry

Character should always be at the top of the list. Character is hard to discern in a 15 minute interview with a person. You have to exercise due diligence to get at the heart of this quality. Do they have a proven track record, are they truth tellers, covenant keepers, and do they conform to the character of Christ.

Never apologize for looking for maximum competence in your newest teammates, gifts, talents, and capabilities.

The final C is the Chemistry test – do they get along with others around them. Are they adaptable and flexible when working with new people, methods, and ideas. Even if they have tons of character and competence, do not believe for a moment that they will gain the chemistry along the way. Take the time for group interviews with other staff that will work with this new person to see what their perspectives are about the newbie.

LINKS

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

A Journey Toward Significance – Take The SEVEN DAY CHALLENGE

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Build A Boiler Fund

It is a sad commentary in modern religious history that what was some of the finest ministries have either laid off staff, shut the doors, or sold the property. It begs the question, “Is there a mysterious force in the world that has the capacity to destroy great ministries?”

When you dive into the obituary of these once thriving ministries, you see that mismanagement is at the heart of the problem. What is even worse is that a naïve understanding that somehow profits are the culprit. Go ahead to the comment section of these notes (shepherdsadvantageinc.com) and leave a comment for the following statement; “I believe that ministry should be profitable!” There I said it. Before you leave a mean commit, please understand that I am not talking about raking in as much cash as we can hold. The tell of the matter is that unless you are making a profit you will not stay in business very long.

I know the argument we are supposed to be non-profit! In the words of Pastor Hybel’s, try standing behind your nonprofit status before the Lord when he asks what you had to close the doors.

One of the damaging byproducts of a nonprofit mentality is that if we raise $1.8 million then we need to spend the full $1.8 million. Can I tell you that it is not faith to always live a day or one week away from financial extinction. Here is a biblical axiom to challenge our thinking “Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise.” Proverbs 6:6

If we believe that the church is the hope of the world, the we should do all that is within our power to make sure the church will survive well into the future.

Values Need Heat

Anytime you see god-honoring values being lived out genuinely and consistently, it’s probably because there is a leader that decided to identify a handful of values and began to teach, talk, and live out those values.

Leaders must figure out what values they believe should be manifested in their organizations. When those values are taught consistently and repetitively, being reinforced with scriptures, over time hot values will begin to shape the culture of any organization.

The Dangers of Incrementalism

It is always interesting to see how at the beginning that people will give big-time hours, pray big-time prayers, and give big-time dollars. Over time leaders and volunteers begin to realize how much effort it takes to keep the machine moving.

All of a sudden those big dreams, hours invested, and dollars donated begins to fade and the people settle for incrementalism. What happens is that we are not willing to step into bold challenges so readily anymore. All of a sudden a 2%-3% increase starts to sound like reaching the moon. Please understand I am not advocating that faith is a blind leap in the dark and that we somehow should stop thinking for ourselves.

What we should realize that a normal attrition rate for most churches is somewhere between 7%-10% per year. That fact alone requires that you pay attention to community growth cycles and trends of employment. In theory you can operate amazing programs and community service outreach centers and still loose 10 people out of every 100 people you gain.

Incremental thinking, incremental planning, incremental prayers is the kiss of death. Don’t fall into it.

LINKS

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A Journey Toward Significance – Take The SEVEN DAY CHALLENGE

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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.

LINKS

Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on iTunes – SUBSCRIBE

Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on Stitcher – SUBSCRIBE

FREE GIFT – “The Art of Balancing Candor With Care” – Click on the icon at the bottom of the page

Executive Coaching Service– Private message me for details on this customizable service

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

A Journey Toward Significance – Take The SEVEN DAY CHALLENGE