Leadership Is Leading In The Valley #235
“Leaders must themselves know the valley and how to deal with it. But the time will come when they must lead people, and even entire organizations, through the valley experience. Some leaders will inherit difficult circumstances and lead almost constantly through valleys. Nearly all leaders will have to do so at some point in their careers. These tools seem especially important for leaders whose people must traverse the valley.” (Shepherd Leadership by Blaine McCormick and David Davenport)
Leadership isn’t always fun. We often walk the valley noting the shadows of hurt, depression and issues of caring for those who follow. The pressure seems unending. As you walk these days, remember, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee”. (Hebrews 13:5 NIV)
“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” (Psalm 23 NIV)
Nehemiah, Moses and Paul all experienced the valley. David, as a shepherd, set the example and we, leaders of today and tomorrow, need to rely on God’s word and lead others as He is leading us.
Leadership is … following our Heavenly Father so others will follow us as we lead through the valley.
Yours in Service,
Laurie D. Kennedy
Leadership Coach
Jethro Group
ldkjethrogroup@gmail.com
Leadership Is Excelling In Service
David was a shepherd. A youth, a harp playing servant. Yet with God, he single handedly defeated Goliath providing opportunity to defeat the enemy. As a shepherd, he cared for his sheep and the sheep trusted him. As leaders, we may not herd sheep, yet we are responsible to lead staff and volunteers with the skill and ability of David. The lives of our associates and the future of our church or mission depends on our leadership.
Pray about these principles. Your work, your relationship with your people and achievement for God’s glory will be changed dramatically.
- Leaders who serve their people, their Ministry and our Heavenly Father consistently lead healthier organizations.
One third of Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to work for are involved in the Servant-Leadership movement or identify servant leadership as a core operating principle. (Hunter, James C. The World’s most powerful Leadership Principle)
“You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:42-45 NIV).
- You are the leader. You set the example. Find something to do every day that serves your people.
“I have a theory: That if one person will go out of their way to show kindness and compassion, it will start a chain reaction of the same.” (Columbine massacre victim Rachel Scott in an essay written shortly before her death in April 1999).
“The Leader is the ‘servant’ of the followership” (Global Leaders for the Twenty-First Century by Marquardt).
“This is a large work I’ve called you into, but don’t be overwhelmed by it. It’s best to start small. Give a cool cup of water to someone who is thirsty, for instance. The smallest act of giving or receiving makes you a true apprentice. You won’t lose out on a thing.” (Matthew 10:40-42 MSG)
Leadership is ensuring that every discussion, decision, and action puts God and your people first.
Yours in Service,
Laurie D. Kennedy
Leadership Coach
Jethro Group
ldkjethrogroup@gmail.com
Leadership Is... 