You know you’re living the leadership life when you’ve been criticized and it cut deep. It’s a tough experience for a coach, teacher, principal, pastor or CEO when you take on unfair criticism for doing the things you know need to be done.
When we teach our leadership framework through the Stay The Course Academy we spend an entire week studying the two distinct types of leaders there are in all walks of life. One set is transactional, the other set is transformational.
Words carry weight. Especially when they come from the mouth of a transformational leader. Do you fully realize the power of your words? Maybe you’re the head coach of your own program. Or a principal of your own building. Or the CEO of a successful business. Or just a common teammate like most of us.
Transformational leaders recognize the power of the present. Leadership requires the ability to scan the future for obstacles, conflicts and opportunities.
A transformational leader has trained to embrace change. They know things can change in an instant. Suffering is one phone call away. It’s tough to trust a leader who’s never suffered.
It may have seemed a surprise to everyone that a little shepherd boy, David could kill the giant, Goliath. What a shocking turn of events that must have been for those on site.
It’s possible this event prompted the first ever “overnight success.” Prior to this event, no one knew who David was. He was a hidden star who came to the forefront after a big victory as a steep underdog. Even today, many know and repeat the story of David & Goliath. With this victory David “came out of nowhere.”
We’re about half way through the year 2021 and can you remember what you were worried about in early January? Maybe it’s still in your life, nagging at your peace, gnawing at your spirit. Getting in the way of internal stillness and rest.
At some point the things we are pursuing become a matter of obedience. For a transformational leader who has done the deep work and frequently rests in the secret place, their action steps become crystal clear.
It’s not uncommon for a transformational leader to be sought after by people outside of their realm of expertise. Was John a tax collector? No. Was he a soldier? No. Then why were these people asking him for advice, wisdom, and direction? What mastery in the inner workings of the life of a tax collector, or what knowledge of the mechanics of being a soldier did John possess prompting people to wait in expectation for his every word?
Failure is a human term - not a Godly term. God doesn’t fail because he can’t fail. His outcomes are always the desired outcomes. We need whatever he gives us. This doesn’t mean we must enjoy it, but it does mean we should be grateful for it.