Monthly Archives: July 2013

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Reaching Out To Others: You Have Nothing To Lose & Everything To Gain

The act of reaching out to others may be daunting for some people, but not for leaders! Leaders know that they have nothing to lose and everything to gain by doing so.

Hand reaching out with a message

The simple act of reaching out sometimes takes guts, especially if the person you are reaching out to is deemed more successful than you, more powerful, wealthier, is an influencer who has a large following, or is someone who is just plain intimidating to you. However, what is the worst that can happen if you reach out to these types of people? The worst they can say is “NO”.

But what if they say “YES”? What are the possible consequences then?

Let’s take a moment to contemplate this.  Read more...

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How To Handle Conflict In Leadership

Conflicts arise in every relationship. Whether it’s conflict with your spouse, conflict with a friend, or conflict with a team member.

Anger will arise. You’ll want to air your frustrations. You’ll want to kill the relationships.

Instead, I encourage you to deal with the conflict. Learn how to handle conflicts as they come at you.

Image by Louis K.

Image by Louis K.

In most instances, you’ll be able to reconcile and resolve the conflict. This is the ideal solution.

We want conflicts handled quickly and nicely.

If you do is up to you. Let’s first look at:

What Not To Do

Often when we’re faced with conflict, our minds begin to race. Anger can begin to seep in.

Resentment. Hatred. Hurt. Distrust.

These are some of the feelings you’ll probably feel.

What you don’t want to do is focus on these emotions. They’re deadly and will destroy your ability to lead effectively.  Read more...

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What Are You Expecting As A Leader?

Have you ever worked within a youth group? It’s an amazing experience. Teenagers and students bring such varied personalities to the table you never know what to expect.

One day everything is sunshine and roses. The next it’s doom and gloom.

It’s hard to keep your expectations positive at times.

I know this isn’t something that’s only experienced when working with youths. Adults can be just as finicky and have the same kind of mood swings.

Yet I think having positive expectations is key to leading well.

Having positive expectations changes situations. It changes people.

My wife and I have seen it first hand in dealing with the students in our youth group.

After having a rough night with the students, our expectations can easily drop. Then, when we come back the following week, we’ve brought those expectations with us.  Read more...

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3 Ways To Welcome Feedback As A Leader

Leaders are constantly trying to give feedback to their team. It’s essential that your team know whether or not what they’re doing is correct. Thus feedback has to be given.

But how often do you stop and welcome feedback as a leader? Stop and think about that…

If you’re like most leaders, you’ll discover you haven’t been receiving feedback as often as you should. Maybe not at all.

It’s easy to dismiss feedback the further up the chain you get. Whether it’s as an organizational leader or the leader of your home. The higher you rise, the harder it is to welcome feedback.

To become a great leader though, you have to be open to feedback. Feedback tells you whether or not you’re doing something right, if it’s effective, or if things need to change.

Start listening to the feedback given to you.  Read more...

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Be A Solutions Seeker

There’s never a QUICK way to the top of leadership. This takes hard work, lots of time, and plenty of effort.

However, if you’re looking for a way that will get you noticed and help you rise in your level of leadership. Look no further.

The way to get noticed as a leader is to be someone who seeks out and offers solutions. Solutions to the little problems. Solutions to the big problems. Solutions that will help others.

Solving problems and getting things done is what a leader does. So look for those solutions.

Why Be A Solutions Seeker?

There’s a simple reason to be a solutions seeker. When you constantly seek out new solutions, you’re able to find new ways to accomplish difficult tasks. You’re able to put together a way to do the impossible.  Read more...