I severely limit my effectiveness as a leader when I jump to conclusions or feel pressured to respond immediately. Limitless character deals with these pressures successfully.
This blog post republishes my weekday LinkedIn posts that appeared June 7 through June 11, 2021. Leadership topics include deep thoughtfulness, effectively sharing thought leadership, and guarding my character.
Special day!
Today is our anniversary. My wife has put up with me for 46 years! Why? Certainly not because I’m always perfectly considerate and caring. And most certainly not because of my great wealth and status.
So, why? I think there are two factors in a relationship that survives this long. In my opinion, the two are a deep faith in God combined with a firm commitment to the relationship.
Now, Proverbs 18.22 observes that whoever finds a wife finds good. And, by the way, they also get favor from the Lord!
I’ve tried, but cannot find a companion verse about finding a husband!
Seriously, what factors have you identified that are critical to your long-term, successful relationships?
Multiplying thought leadership impact
Ever have a good idea then quickly forget it? What’s the solution? Find a way to refine the idea. Then, share so others can comment, critique, and enhance the idea.
Proverbs 25.1 is an example of re-sharing content from 300 years prior. Without that coping, nearly 17% of the content in Proverbs may have been lost.
Granted, thought leadership is lacking impact if the content isn’t recognized as being of value.
So, our ideas can be lost (never shared), lacking (poor quality), or limited (never reach a broader audience).
Thus, be intentional about sharing what’s inside you in order that it can be of multiplied value to others.
Limitless character!
Leaders must have a character that doesn’t break under pressure.
They don’t need all the answers but cannot run out of character when pressured. Personally, I realized that when pressed I was relying on the character I had already developed, else it wasn’t available.
Similarly, Proverbs 25.3 says a leader’s character must be unlimited.
As leaders we run out of lots of things, like energy and patience. But, we must never exhaust our character!
What works for you when pushed on issues that demand a clear response about right and wrong?
Jumping to conclusions!
Ever hear something and want to fix it immediately? I have. I can usually respond in a split-second!
The problem? I’m often jumping to conclusions! Based on what? Frequently, just my ego. So, don’t be a one-tool leader!
Rather than go there I should ask some questions. Like: “Is that accurate?” Or, “Tell me more.” And, “What do you mean by…”
Conversely, when I respond without thinking I may be taking the bait of a careless or dishonest comment.
I’ve been on the other side of aggressive or condescending responses several times in the past several weeks. I’ve been publicly attacked by different people who’ve made assumptions about my intentions or my character.
Those experiences are a good reminder, I think, about not jumping to conclusions!
Don’t answer before you get the facts. Proverbs 18.13 (my paraphrase).
Tyranny of the now!
My desires and perceptions are heavily dependent on immediate circumstances. That is, I often judge life by the now.
Similarly, I project future outcomes based on the now. This excess weight given to right now leads to sweeping generalizations like “always” and “never.”
So what? The so what is that I severely restrict my options when controlled by the tyranny of the now.
Be realistic, but don’t be overwhelmed by the now. Instead, watch your character. And, learn to think deeply.
When you’re full you have no desire for the sweet. But, when you’re hungry almost anything is good! Proverbs 27.7, my paraphrase
Remember, NOW works well for seizing opportunities and being present for others. But NOW doesn’t work well for a balanced perspective on past or future actions.
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