This blog entry is composed of LinkedIn posts I wrote, covering the dates April 12 – April 16, 2021. These five entries address: discerning what’s relevant, persisting toward life purpose, getting good advice, integrity, and critical thinking. Fact is, impactful leaders identify what’s relevant.
It’s accurate, but is it relevant?
Get the facts! Ok, then what?
Well, it’s one thing to have reams of data. However, it’s something very different to discern what’s relevant.
Now, Proverbs 15.2 says the wise use facts well, producing good. Conversely, fools miss what’s essential by getting tied up in foolishness.
Thus, it’s good for a leader to be data driven. But, it’s better to identify what’s most relevant, then use that data insightfully. So, be that leader!
What fuels persistence?
I believe persistence requires a clear goal. An end point that I visualize. That’s the WHAT. As such, that goal is what I want to accomplish.
Moreover, persistence is driven by the value added for that goal. It’s my unique value proposition. That’s my WHY.
Likewise, Proverbs 2.21 describes the blessings of being “perfect.” Of knowing and doing my life purpose. In fact, that same Hebrew word is used in Genesis 17.1 where God told Abram to get moving toward his life purpose.
Therefore, I persist because I know where I’m going. Plus, I have a clear purpose for why I’m going there!
Wise produces wise!
I become what I allow to influence me. For better or for worse.
Similarly, Proverbs 13.20 says I become wise by spending time with wise people. But, bad outcomes result from hanging out with fools!
As a leader, I must be discerning about who I choose as advisors. Then, I must be responsive to the wise advice I receive. Therefore:
1). Step 1: Commit to improved decision making.
2). Step 2: Select wise counsel.
3). Step 3: Be teachable – act on that wise counsel.
What’s enabled you to improve the quality of the advice you receive?
What’s first – poor character or bad advice?
Obviously, the answer is YES! My character, hence my choices, are influenced by those close to me.
But, more fundamentally, my lack of integrity is the result of deliberate choices I’ve made. Then, that poor character attracts others just like me.
Now, Proverbs 12.11 says: Poor character attracts advice from those who have poor character, thus distracting me from what’s essential.
A lack of integrity multiplies in my life. Likewise, leaders must be conscious of guarding their character above all else to maintain their influence.
I must not tolerate erosion of integrity. Otherwise, I attract advisors who are equally as perverse!
Do you know who you’re talking to?
Ever hear an utterly logical parent trying to reason with an emotional child? Doesn’t work well does it?
Why not? Because until they calm down, reasoning will not address the child’s emotional spike.
Now, Proverbs 14.8 observes that some are self-deceived while others are discerning because they think critically.
Similarly, leaders must be discerning enough to know who their talking to. Otherwise, they will, invariably, be self-deceived, managing conversations poorly. So, don’t be that leader!
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