Are you teachable? Really? It’s critical for a leader to answer this question honestly, because the level of our teachability determines our level of lead-ability. When you’re experiencing momentum in ministry or business, it’s easy to start believing you are the secret…
“God I’m doing everything you’ve called me to do—why are things so hard right now?” Ever thought that? Told God that? I have. And I know I’m not alone. The other day I had breakfast with a friend who has…
If you want to lead well for a long time—you have to figure out how to handle difficult conversations. In last week’s post, Leadership & Difficult People we stated that longevity in ministry requires pastors to occasionally make tough people-decisions, and from…
Difficult people go to church. I wish it wasn’t true . . . but sadly, it is. Not all people who go to church are difficult. The vast majority are not. But the few who are can make life miserable…
Do you ever struggle saying with “no”? In his 2014 book—The Power of No—James Altucher writes: “How many times have you had to say ‘no’ only to have it cause anguish, arguments, and anxiety? Even the hours, days, and months…
Assignment is such a critical word for a leader. 2 Chronicles 23:6 says “… all the other men are to guard what the Lord has assigned to them.” The apostle Paul said at the end of His life: “I’ve finished my race.”…
What is the ideal work-week length? In 1900, the Ford Motor Company commissioned a series of tests to determine how long a workweek should be to optimize productivity. Ford discovered the “sweet spot” was forty hours per week. Sara Robinson,…
“Healthy leaders know how to separate what they do from who they are.” ~ Carey Nieuwhof That one-liner hit me right between the eyes earlier this week. Been going through a challenging stretch of late where it’s been a struggle…
Have you ever been in a meeting where people were talking (and maybe even shouting), but no one was communicating? I recently sat through one of those . . . it was ninety minutes of sheer torture. Multiple people talking over each…
Every relationship in our life—both present and future—carries with it a degree of risk. If risk-free friendships you seek, find yourself more and more isolated you will. (Written in Yoda-speak) In our increasingly lonely society, I wonder if one way we…
