Quotes are strong. Often their meaning impacts lives. Sometimes even history. Just as it took Martin Luther King only four words to change a nation: „I have a dream.“
Earlier in my life I didn´t care much about sentences like this. Nowadays they´ve become more important to me. They move me, provoke me and cheer me on to grow in my leadership role.
These are three of the most powerful that I know:
„Everything stands and falls on leadership“ John C. Maxwell
Everything. Literally everything. World policy, church history, a healthy family, a growing marriage. Even the course of my own life is directly linked to my ability to lead myself well.
Not blaming others was one of the toughest lessons I learned in the last couple of years.
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The volunteers have handled the task the wrong way? - Probably I haven´t communicated well enough.
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The emerging leaders aren´t developing like they should? - Probably I haven´t invested enough time.
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The wife isn´t happy? - Probably I haven´t bought her flowers for a while. ooops, …
It´s not that everyone else is always right and I´m wrong all the time. It´s not about condemning yourself. However, it is a healthy habit to first reflect yourself. To ask yourself (and maybe others) what you can do different and better.
This quote screams: „Stop the excuses! Take on responsibility!“
„Do for the one what you wish you could do for everyone.“ Andy Stanley
How often do you tell yourself „I can´t do that. What if everyone would show up?“.
Everyone is just not showing up. So we don´t pay attention or invest time. We don´t pray for someone. We don´t make this one phone call.
Therefore it could be just these small things that could make a big difference.
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You can´t take everyone out for coffee this week. - However, you can take this one person.
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You can´t invite everyone for dinner this month. - However, you can invite this one couple.
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You can´t pay for everyone´s conference or summer camp this year. - However, you can do it for this one person.
This quote screams: „Stop the excuses! Show your heart for people!“
“If you want to build a ship, don’t drum up the men to gather wood, divide the work, and give orders. Instead, teach them to yearn for the vast and endless sea.” Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
Noting I ever heard about vision exceeds this picture. This is exactly what makes a great leader. The ability to get people excited for a better future. And to mobilize them to take action.
How often do I still find myself looking for workers. Not yearning men. This is just because of one thing: My perspective.
I want to work on:
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Spending less time at my desk. Instead spending more time talking to others.
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Thinking less about my projects. Instead thinking more about what could happen in their lives.
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Giving less practical instructions. Instead asking others to take on responsibility for a certain part of the vision.
This quote screams: „Stop the excuses. It´s possible to win people for a common goal.“
Which quotes do you know that challenge you and cheer you on at the same time? I´m looking forward to read your comment.
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