Misc
Leadership Minute: Resource Management
This is the first in a continuation of what I am calling Leadership Minutes….basically a quick read to provide some food for thought on certain areas and aspects of leadership.
“Time is at once the most valuable and the most perishable of all our possessions.”
When we think of all the resources we manage (money, facilities, staff, volunteers, etc….) how many of us realize OUR time is probably the most precious of them all.
Here are a few ideas to help you better manage your day.
Just Say No. When is the last time you truly evaluated your schedule. What are you doing that you no longer need to do. In his book, Spiritual Leadership, Henry Blackaby states that many leaders are generally susceptible to the “messiah complex.” They can easily come to believe that their involvement is the only guarantee of success for an activity. On the other hand, healthy leaders graciously, yet regularly, say no to many opportunities presented to them.
Delegate. The quantity of work you can accomplish is in direct proportion to your ability to delegate. When you refuse to delegate, you limit the success and productivity of your team to the level of your own physical stamina, your own creativity, and your own intelligence. (Remember the lesson from Moses: Exod 18:13-26). Delegation not only helps you focus on your priorities it is a necessary tool for the leadership development of your team.
Set a routine. Is your day to day practice set? Has it devolved to a point where you are at the mercy of everything around you – everything but your goals and priorities? As a newly promoted Captain, I remember one of my senior Sergeants telling me, “Sir, if you do not make a plan for your time, someone else will.”
As many of you may be enjoying a brief break during the summer, now is the time to take a hard look at your upcoming fall schedule…it will be here before you know it. To quote Blackaby again: “God does not give people more than they can handle, but people regularly assume responsibilities for things they should not be doing.”
Courage Under Fire
July 1st 1863….
152 years ago today, the largest military conflict in North American history began when Union and Confederate forces collided at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. The epic battle lasted three days and resulted in a retreat to Virginia by Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia.
Throughout my military career, and even still today, I am an avid consumer of military history. When it comes to the Battle at Gettysburg I have continually been awed by the decisions and actions of Colonel Joshua Chamberlain. I have read Michael Shaara’s Pulitzer-prize winning novel “The Killer Angels” and watched Jeff Daniels remarkably play Chamberlain in the movie “Gettysburg.” However it was not until I had the privilege of taking a group of my Marines to the actual battlefield that I truly understood this tragic conflict.
Together we climbed the slope of Little Round top and walked the path of Pickett’s Charge. We studied the defensive positions on Cemetery Hill and continually discussed the decision making of opposing Generals Lee and Meade. From human factors to combined arms, we immersed ourselves in the significance of this three day battle.
During a moment of reflection on the hallowed ground of Little Round Top, I paused to think about the decisions Chamberlain had to make. Against all odds, he stubbornly and courageously rallied his forces. Many historians claim his actions saved the day and possibly turned the tide of the Civil War. For his actions, he was awarded the Medal of Honor. His citation simply stated: “For daring heroism and great tenacity in holding his position on the Little Round Top against repeated assaults, and carrying the advance position on Big Round Top.”
It has been five years since I was last at Gettysburg. I no longer view Chamberlain’s actions through the lens of a fighter leader. I now view his actions through the lens of a father leader. The battlefield I must now protect and hold is called my home. At stake is the hearts and minds of my wife and children.
The world will continually tell my wife and children lies about their identity.
They will be continually be presented with expectations that drown their worth.
They will continually be attacked….
But like Chamberlain I will not back down. I will continue to love, lead and serve well. I will continue to point them to the Father who created us for His glory.
I have always been amazed at how one man can change the course of a battle. Husbands and Fathers….more than ever before, I believe it is our duty to now do so.
Will you join me?
We All Have Super Powers: Part Two
This is the second in a series of three posts on the different types of super powers we all have. My definition of a super power: the ability to shape the life of others….for better or worse.
Super Power #2: The Power of Your Example
“Example is the school of mankind, we learn at no other.”
This picture was taken a little over 3 years ago. Like all pictures, this photo tells a story.
What you see in this picture is two boys dressed up for church. You see two boys who paused long enough for mom to snap a picture. Their hair is still somewhat combed and they have yet to spill anything on themselves….or others.
What you don’t see in this photo is that they HAD to have those specific ties. They HAD to have a navy blue sports coat. They HAD to dress just like this…….why…..because that’s how daddy dressed for church on this day.
As I look at this picture (and many others like it) I am not only reminded of how fast they grow but I am reminded of something even more urgent…..the power of my example.
In his work, Lincoln on Leadership, Donald T. Phillips provides examples of leadership strategies used by one of our nation’s greatest presidents. Of all the guidelines, ideas, and generalities on Lincoln’s leadership, I find the simple concept of “Honest Abe” to be the most profound. President Lincoln was guided by his moral compass. He understood the power of his example would speak volumes to a nation in need.
Whether in the ministry or the military a constant question emerges…how can I be a better leader, parent, spouse, or friend? My answer remains the same: “Model the behavior that you wish to see.”
As a Father, Husband, Pastor, and Friend, I must remain aware that my personal example in speech, love, service, and faith will speak more to those in my life than any words written on a blog. As you look at those in your life, are you providing the right example? Does your example shape the life of others for better or for worse?
I’m not perfect. Neither are my family or friends. Mistakes will be made and sin will be encountered. Even then, the offer of repentance and the gift of forgiveness will demonstrate the greatest example of all…..grace.
We All Have Super Powers: Part One
This is the first in a series of three posts on the different types of super powers we all have. My definition of a super power: the ability to shape the life of others….for better or worse.
This past Memorial Day weekend my family got to spend time with some of our best friends. Between our 2 families we had 6 kids under the age of 10 running around our home. A portion of our time together was spent creating new super hero names for each kid and identifying their corresponding super powers. When I watched our children imagine different types of creative superpowers, I think about how we as adults fail to realize the powers we can actually yield….the powers to shape the life of others….for better or for worse.
Super Power #1: The Power of Words
“Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.” – Mother Teresa
As children we all heard the rhetoric, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me.” Really? Let’s not kid ourselves. Words are potent. They can build and they can destroy. I once read that a word is like a living organism, capable of growing, changing, spreading, and influencing your family, team, or organization in many ways, directly and indirectly.
Many years ago as a young platoon commander, I worked with a Marine originally from India. He and his family moved to the U.S. at an early age and he decided as a junior in high school to serve his country. During one of our many conversations about his childhood in India, he shared with me a Hindu word, “Genshai” – his translation – never treat others in a way to make them feel small.
Our discussion reminded me that the importance and power of one’s words is noticed across all cultures. Coming from one’s parent, spouse, friend, or leader, a positive word provides inspiration. It builds confidence, initiative, and trust. Most importantly it builds courage. Courage to do what’s right. Courage to try new ideas. Courage to make your family, team, or organization better!!
As a spouse, parent, or leader, how are you leveraging the power of your words?
I offer the following three daily challenges to you (think Public, Private, Protect):
(1) Public: Publicly speak a work of encouragement / praise to one of your family or team members in front of others.
(2) Private: Privately drop an email or note to one of your people thanking them for their hard work and encouraging them in their efforts.
(3) Protect: Protect your family and your team from the damage that your words may cause…..hold your tongue when angry, frustrated, or tired….you’ll never regret it.
Like all super powers, the power in your words can build or destroy. Use them wisely!
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Brad Flurry 