Ten years ago, on the morning of September 11, 2001, I happened to be the first one in our office (a rare time of silence). About five minutes before 9am, a coworker arrived and said "did you hear what happened - a plane flew into one of the World Trade Center towers". I had not heard the news and we immediately ran to turn on the TV to see what was going on. Oh my God! Not just an expression, my thoughts immediately turned to God.
My pastor's message on Sunday reminded us that we were a nation of prayer and one founded on Christian principles. After all, our country's motto is "In God we Trust."
More prayers were probably made that morning than any other day. But what has happened over the past ten years? We need to change this. Our leaders need to bring faith into every day tasks and let the rest of us see it. I've been a leader for most of my adult life, although I never really realized it or thought about it until recent years. It seemed to happen naturally and not something I desired, worked at or ever hoped to achieve. But like it or not, the positions that I've held have been ones of leadership.
I've embraced that more this past summer than ever before. I've read several books on leadership this summer and it's helped me identify my strengths, weaknesses and areas for improvement. One area that I am and will focus on most will be using Jesus as my model for the ideal leader. I now desire another position of leadership. I enjoy it and think I'm pretty good at it -- now just to get better. And being a better leader is always thinking of others and never yourself.
My pastor used King Solomon as an incredible example of a great leader on Sunday. Forth in the series, here's the link to listen to Sunday's message: http://www.northpoint.org/messages/recovery-road. Wouldn't it be incredible if President Obama or any of the GOP candidates and all of Congress could get down on their knees and ask God for help? Our nation might recover. Humility. I know that's easier said than done as a leader. We don't want to look weak in the eyes of others, but listening to Andy Stanley, it's not a sign of weakness but a sign that we have a greater leader and answer to a higher being that is all powerful and wants this nation to be great again.
What do you think makes a good leader? What traits do you find the best leaders have? What are some of your examples of great leaders?
As an educator for 26 yrs, I am sad to say that I have yet to come across a good leader. This is not just in administrative roles, but in Union roles. It is sad.
ReplyDeleteMy role models are not my leaders but my learners. From then I learn to be a better teacher, a better person, a better wife.
I have yet to see a politician who is a role model. I have yet to see principal that truly has the students as the focus of success.
A great leader leads by actions. A great leader has the mass in my his vision. a great leader has humility. A great leader listens. A great leader rethinks his opinions when they need to be rethought.
Unfortunately, the position of leadership today often holds the position to a higher level than the actions taken.
In my job, I have many leaders by default of job description. It is sad none of them have fulfilled the position's expectations.
I want to apologize. In my original post I added Dr. before Andy Stanley's name. I assumed he was a doctor - I was wrong. Thank you Steve for making sure I'm accurate.
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