Agility

By Charles Scott
The word “agility” has become a buzz word in these times of economic challenge for America. Those who can think quickly and move with agility will be able to find and sustain success in spite of problematic situations. Lee Colan speaks on what he calls FS2:

Flexibility – The leader must stretch their mind and thinking patterns. The leader must define what subjects are rigid and which are flexible. The leader’s mind and thought process must be likened to a work-out gym: many tools that have an individual purpose to build the thinking capacity.

Strength – Colan writes, “Regardless of the whirlwind of changing circumstances around you, continue to strengthen yourself and your team.”

Speed – The best way to quicken your decision making skills is to get prepared spiritually through prayer, study and analysis. Generally speaking the 80/20 rule holds true for leaders in a decision making situation: the leader will in all likelihood not have all the facts. A good rule of thumb is that if you have 80% of the facts and you have prepared yourself through spiritual disciplines you can make a good decision. Colan states that there are four steps in this process:

1. Identify the top 5 pieces of information you need and decide which four of these are highest in priority;
2. Next, identify the outcomes from the alternatives placed before you;
3. Harness your advisory team and listen to their advice;
4. Make a decision!

Colan concludes by reminding leaders how necessary it is to build an agile team. A strong team sees no obstacle as too big. A strong team is able to see creative solutions to overcome big problems. We may face big problems but we have a bigger God!

Transformational Leaders

By Charles Scott
It has been stated that many scientists of Galileo’s time refused to look through the telescope rejecting the possibility that their belief system could be wrong. They opposed to accept anything outside their belief regardless of the evidence.

Leaders must deal with these type of people but more than deal with them; we must serve them. It is difficult to serve those who restrict the progression of the entire organization.

In the words of Phil Pringle, “Insecurity keeps us from serving people.” It is human nature to prefer to be seen as the important person rather than the less significant individual.

Jesus washed the feet of the disciples because He was/is secure in Himself. Leaders who are secure can willingly bow in service and know their service is in dignity. Insecure people cannot serve because they must have others make them feel better about themselves.

Jesus knew who He was, where He came from and where He was going. He knew what He had and He knew what He had to give. Knowledge produces security and security produces a servant’s heart.

Concepts on Serving:

1. The main area of service is to serve the Lord. There is a story told that Abraham Lincoln purchased a slave girl for the sole purpose of giving her freedom. He paid the price and handed her the papers for her freedom but she did not understand. He told her she was free and could go anywhere. She replied, “Then I will stay with you and serve you until I die.”
   
   
2. The next area of service for leaders is to serve other leaders. Timothy served Paul in the Gospel. Joshua served Moses and Elisha served Elijah. Leaders are called to assist other leaders in accomplishing their vision. We grow more by serving other leaders than by serving ourselves.
   
   
3. Leaders are called to serve the Body of Christ. It is critical that leaders model service to the Church. Ne person stated, “Serving people means solving their problems.” Regardless of the abilities a person may possess until they learn to truly serve they will fail to reach their God-given potential.
   
   
4. Leaders are also called to serve everyone, even those and perhaps especially those outside the Body of Christ. An interesting comment about service oriented businesses said, “Service focused companies go out of their way to hear customer complaints. The Church must change the method of “selling” Jesus through so-called spiritual marketing and began to serve people in a manner they will see Jesus. Francis of Assisi is known to say, “Preach the Gospel always and if necessary use words.”