When Leaders Lose Their Cutting Edge II

Dear Rising Leader,


How does a leader remain S.H.A.R.P.? If we are to remain sharp or cutting edge leaders> we must first acknowledge "if" we're losing our edge, them proceed.

Keep in mind it really doesn't become a reality within an individual until he/she passes from paper to practice. Let me explain: everything always looks good on paper, or should I say in theory. But in practice well.... Vision looks fantastic on paper, Goals look amazing on paper, and a mission statement looks utterly tremendous. But? What get pictured and doesn't get done is what I liken it to: "a submarine with screen doors" Pretty much> useless. Or a decoration on the wall of some large foyer of an organization.

There must be an applying of the following keys: 1) S- Skills: in the Book of Ecc. we're reminded of a scripture that says if the axe is dull it takes more strength, but skill will bring success.


Staying shrp involves aquiring and maintaing skills. Such as people skills (listening, communication, etc) 2) H- Heart : do you still have a heart for people and ministry?

Or have you become harden due to hurts, disappointments and even betrayal? We must cultivate a passion with compassion in our hearts continually.

3) A- Attitude: It's has been said before Attitude not aptitude will determine your altitude in this life. You attitude will determine how far you go in this life.. How you do what you do?
Is a measuring of our attitude> An example of this is when given something to do> do You respond based on how you feel or do you just do it? 4) R- Read: to lead you must continually read! Not what's trendy or "IN" But relevant and worthy of application. Not everything you and I read is for where we are at for that particular time. Lastly to remain sharp: P- 5)Pray: for the christian leader this a non-negotiable item. Remember: God is not like a spare tire, call on him only when we need him!! Consistently seeking him- for the Refining, Refueling, Realignment, and Restoration..



Until Next time: Leaders Are Readers.

When Leaders Lose Their Cutting Edge

Dear rising leader,
Have you ever asked yourself do I still have the cutting edge as I did in the begining of my leadership? Many leaders today have lost their cutting edge and may not even realize it.
The tradegy is that they don't have it and continue to operate as if they still had it.
In the pages of Gods Word we find an account of a story that depicts this very thing. In 2 kings 6: 1-6, please allow me to paraphase this passage: As they were cutting, the iron axe fell..The individual cries out " it was borrowed"--> Exactly; all we have is borrowed: Time Talent, Treasue, and even Titles.

Nothing really belongs to us anyway!

The axe head is now floating Not attached (the cutting edge is lost)
Please note is another passage in the bible it speaks about when the axe is dull it takes more strength.
This is why so many Leaders are burned out--> they have lost their cutting edge..
The Cutting Edge: Signs that you might be loosing or lost your cutting edge.
First and foremost, There's a lack of Relationship Building. Remember people are your greatest asset. Secondly, not Reproducing other Leaders. As Leadership expert John Maxwell says: It takes a leader to know a leader, to show a leader and to grow a leader.
Thirdly, the constant inability to Retain Followers..If there is a revolving door in your ministry or business this an indicator. Quick test: how many people in your organization that were close to you have left in the last 3months. Lastly: Resilience That's Fading. IN OTHER WORDS IF YOU'RE AT A POINT OF ALMOST QUITTING. I didn't say quitting- but almost. We've all had those days: I almost lost my temper, I almost slipped my tongue, I almost walked out of my marriage. I'm sayin that happens but come on--> every week? somethings wrong. be careful my friend..You resilience is fading.. So how do you remain S.H.A.R.P.? A cutting edge leader?
Stay tuned - next issue. Until next time: remember leaders are readers!!

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Developing Potential Leaders II

Dear Rising Leader,
From where we last left off. I spoke to you about some of the mistakes that are made concerning the Potential prospects and the choosing of those candidates. Let’s look at some basic principles of developing potential leaders:
I liken it to discipleship: This is what I call moving them through the process:Convert-Disciple-Worker-Leader- Leader of Leaders
The first principle:
1) IDENTIFY
What do they look like? Are they what I call a F.A.T.S.O., meaning are they Faithful, Available. Teachable, Spiritual, and Obedient. Now this a short concise list. A leader displays or should display: a. People skills b. Willingness to pay the price c. Character d. Self-discipline e. Positive f. A thinker g. Follower h. Humility

2) INVEST
Your investment strategy is always determined upon you philosophy (way of thinking)For example if you're wanting to just raise up followers verses raising up leaders- your training will be different, because of your philosophy. If you’re working at raising leaders your thinking is as follows> you want to be succeeded. If you want to raise up followers you want to be needed. So then your philosophy is expressed in this type of training. Investing of time, energy, and money, oops I said it> MONEY. Always remember the pay off is great!
The next and final principle is:
3) INSPECT
What I mean by this: people will not do what you expect but rather what you inspect. Through the process you’re inspecting to be critical, but 2 assist along the way.Your inspecting >is as follows with (affirmation) being clear of you objective, having the end in mind. Don’t think that everyone is going to be like you: there’s only 1 of you.
But keep the end in mind as to what an effective leader is who can reproduce the process (the finish product) if I will.

Till next time happy travels. Readers Are Leaders

Developing Potential Leaders I

Dear readers, Or should I say Leaders:
Here's the latest for rising leaders...
You can not push anyone up a ladder- unless he's willing to climb a little

The Development..Of Potential Leaders
Sometimes in our endeavors to find potential leaders we all make the mistake of choosing the wrong candidate(s). Several mistakes are made, allow me to give them to you.
1) Outward appearance - right conversation, looks faithful, even demonstrates some qualities
2) Potential - just cause some have potential dosen't neccesarily mean that they have "IT"
I need to pause for a minute and explain that thought. All of us have potential. For Example when it comes to growth, people have potential to grow, yet doesn't mean they'll grow. It is dependant upon what that individual does with what has been given them. (Application)
I Have a saying that goes like this: Information + Application = Transformation
reverse of that> Information without application = Spiritual constipation.
Another area that I found myself making when it comes to developing Potential leaders
3) Unwillingness from the person
this goes hand in hand with my quote in the opening of this teaching.
I found myself pushing instead of leading..T Roosevelt "hitting people over the head is not leadership, that's an assault"

these were just a couple of mistakes that I've made, if time would allow me, I would write about endless mistakes that I've made. I'll cover more next time on the how to's of developing potential leaders.
Until then, Remember: Leaders are Readers
(if this has been helpful to you please email me a response)