I came across this article (click) about leadership and have enjoyed going through the tips listed. The writer starts by asking this question, "What do great leaders do that other leaders (average and, well, poor) don't? The writer points out 21 different priniciples/disciplines that will strengthen your influence, I encourage you to check it out. For this post we're going to take a different spin on a few of these principles and reask the question to focus on our personal and home lifes. It's so easy to get caught up in the grind of just doing life, bouncing from one "important" thing to another. The pressure to succeed in work and life seems relentless and before you know it the things we claim that we value are often the first to be neglected. By being an average (fill in the blank), can we really expect to leave a legacy worth following?
Here is our new question, "What do great fathers (mothers, husbands, wives, adults, teens, etc.) do that others don't?
1. Work on your character
Be a better person in private than you are in public. Your public "face" will eventually wear off and reveal what's really going on. No matter how polished you think you are, character flaws will always sink the ship. You want to win your spouse's and children's heart? Be your best where it matters (home) the most.
2. Refuse to make excuses
You can make excuses, or you can make progress, but you can't make both. If something is off in your life, address the issue and start moving forward again. Don't point your finger, unless you're in front of a mirror.
3. See the opportunity, not the obstacle
Some people only see the negative and obstacles, this is evident on how we handle our stress and "cows" (crisis of the week). Great (fill in the blank) won't allow their circumstances to control their behaviors. While others give up, those who are trying to be great will work through the problem until they find the opportunity.
4. Schedule their priorities
What on your calendar is receiving your best energy? Before we begin rationalizing our crazy schedules, we also need to realize that everything else is receiving your "leftovers". What is it that you really value? Does your priorities filter through these values? If they're not, then you may be starving the very thing you need the most.
5. Leave people better than you found them
Everyone leaves a wake. The choices were making, the things we say, even our body language is leaving an impression on others. Poor (fill in the blank) will sometimes leave a trail of disappointment and pain. But those that are striving to be great leave a legacy, because they leave people better than they were when they found them. When was the last time you were concerned with making someone else's world better? Even the smallest pebble leaves a wake, so does our smallest encounters with others.
Your character is always on display. Character is one of the most important things that you have. How are you investing in yours? What else would you add to this list?
Go Deeper:
Romans 5:3-5
Galatians 5:22-23
1 Timothy 4:12
Matt. 12:35
