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  I have been spending time reading and pondering the life of Eli, a spokesman for God who lost his voice. And no, he didn’t have laryngitis. The Bible records the story of Eli in the opening chapters of first Samuel. Eli held a prominent position of influence but lost his voice when he lost [...]

This year holds amazing accomplishments ready to be enjoyed. It will require solid leadership built on the foundation of trust and a firm belief in the giftedness of those you lead. Leaders who see the possibilities and encourage an open discussion will be positioned to celebrate an amazing 2012. The best is yet to come [...]

  If you’ve been in the workforce for very long, you’ve likely come across a manager or coworker who fits this description: “He is a dreadful manager. . . . He acts without thinking and with bad judgment. . . . He does not give credit where due. . . . Very often, when told of a [...]

  Every leader needs to be accountable. We all need to answer to someone. Accountability indicates responsibility. When we are required to provide an explanation for our actions, we realize personal agenda’s should not drive decisions. Accountability encourages finding the best solution for the movement over what is best for one individual. Leaders who resist [...]

  I recently asked my son to list the top 5 things he believed a leader should be and this is what he gave me: A True Leader is: 1. Willing to listen to what other people on the team have to say 2. Keeps up morale 3. Gives his best in all things 4. [...]

Have you ever worked for a boss who wouldn’t confront those who are make up their own rules? As the leader, the boss is ultimately responsible for calling out the self-serving. The story is told of a man in a high position of leadership named Eli. Among his many employees, were two managers who also [...]

  Have you ever wondered what it takes to produce excellence?  Excellence is the result of giving our best for the benefit of others. There is a huge difference between “getting by” and “giving our best.” These two approaches bring about very different results. Those who do just enough to “get by” go through life [...]

  Everyone benefits when people know that open and honest input is valued. Where there is candor, there is no fear of retribution. Team members who can freely share what they think and feel, enjoy the benefit of a deep trust relationship. They do not hold back for fear of receiving disapproving glares from other [...]

  Leaders understand the value of asking questions. Insightful leaders ask the right questions at the right time. What questions are you asking those you lead? Here are five questions that strengthen relationships between team members and invite healthy conversations. 1. How is your family? I am not sure who coined this phrase.  Its been [...]

  One moment I was relaxing on the bed, reading a book to my son. The next thing I knew, I was talking to a paramedic while lying in the back of an ambulance hooked up to an EKG. My arms were numb. My heart was thumping in my head. I felt dizzy as a [...]

  Results are often determined by the questions we ask. Hoping for a great outcome without asking questions leads to disappointment and frustration. When the right questions are asked, it leads to clarity and it’s more likely a successful outcome will be enjoyed. I lead a diverse team of artists at Oak Hills Church and one area [...]

  Recently had a meeting with the department heads of the team I lead and our discussion centered on how to invest in those we lead. That discussion led to a list of eleven ideas: 11 Ways to Invest in those you lead: Take them to a conference that will help equip them and then [...]

Candor: Speaking the truth openly. Displaying a willingness to say it like it is. All leaders need team members who are willing to say it like it is. People who honestly share what they see and feel bring candor to the team. It’s not uncommon for a leader to find they are surrounded by people [...]

Leaders must be able to make decisions if progress is to be experienced. Handling decision-making effectively is essential to building momentum and enjoying success. Decisions are the fuel that propels the team toward the goal. A leaders role in the decision-making should be approached thoughtfully. If most decisions have the leaders fingerprints on it, a [...]