Self Help And Education Blog

Today when we think of leadership we think of corporate Chief Executive Officers, talking heads on political talk shows and management gurus. There was an era when leadership meant men living and dying for their beliefs. While this happens occasionally today – professional military people, firefighters, law enforcement offices and a few other rare instances. During the era of the American Civil War, Americans from the North and the South routinely died for their causes. The men who led them are after one hundred forty five years still examples for us today.

Integrity

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Because of our unique life’s experiences everyone has certain prejudices and biases, both good and bad, that we content with. The question is not whether a great leader-coach has prejudices and biases, but how they manage their biases. These biases can pose an enormous obstacle for a leader-coach when they are asked to coach someone who for whatever reason fits into a category that the particular coach has a potential negative bias against. As the workforce has become more diverse, and as companies become more international in nature, leaders may be more challenged in handling diversity related issues effectively. More and more leaders will be needed to coach those who have backgrounds and experiences drastically different from their own. When coaching those of different cultural backgrounds coaches may be totally unaware of the emotional reactions that may occur subconsciously because of the cultural differences and the “different visions of life” that result from those different cultural experiences (Goldsmith & Lyons 2006, p. 133). The potential downside of not being able to recognize and deal with resulting biases can have huge negative consequences to organizations.

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Leaders who want to give positive and dynamic and successful leadership could not do better that study the leadership presented to us in the book of Acts. Why do I write so strongly on this?

The book of Acts in the New Testament in the Bible is a vitally important book. Each book is important because each book is the Word of God, but the Book of Acts shows us clearly and specifically how a man comes into The Church of Jesus Christ.

Come with me on a journey through part of the Book of Acts. But hear me on this vital point – more importantly than reading these words, is the reading of the Scriptures, the Word of God, itself. If you want to exercise true valuable read Acts Chapters 1 and 2.

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While anyone can become a leader, not everyone is cut out to be a leader. When considering leadership roles, it is important that we are honest with ourselves as we analyze our strengths, areas of opportunity, and willingness to step outside of our comfort zones. The first step in leadership development is determining if you have what it takes to be a leader.

Leadership is not for fence riders, followers, cowards, or indecisive people. Leaders are fearless movers, shakers, motivators, innovators, and creators. Leaders are action oriented. If the mere thought of taking action is frightening to you, consider the saying “Lead, Follow, or Get Out of the Way,” and take the appropriate action.

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Some time ago I listened to Zig Ziglar’s audiobook 5 Steps to Successful Selling. The first time I played it, all I could relate it with was the selling of physical products, such as lamps, vacuum cleaners, or computers. The second time, I saw how this selling process was also applicable to the selling of services, perhaps management consulting products or legal advice. But the third go-around was the most enlightening one, since I realized the connection between the selling process and leadership: it was one and the same! This obviously does not mean that all good salespeople will necessarily be good leaders. What it does mean is that all good leaders are in a way good salespeople. Leadership involves selling ideas. It involves trying to persuade people to believe in your ‘product’, which is your vision. Leaders want to gain ‘costumers’, or followers. This is definitely not a breakthrough in human history. Many before me have expressed the link between selling and leading. Nevertheless, it is always helpful to point it out. For that reason, I have decided to attempt to demonstrate, in this short introductory series, how Zig’s 5 Steps could be implemented in the development of the leadership process. The 5 steps are: building a positive self-image, prospecting, having a planned presentation, closing, and following up.

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Over these past 2,000 years it has been so interesting to observe and learn that no matter how certain persons have tried, nothing can stop the gospel of Jesus Christ.

In a number of articles, the truths and lessons which I have been writing about, have been based on the authority of the book of Acts. Bible Studies? Dry, dull and boring? Nonsense!

One of the strong messages arising throughout the Book of Acts is, nothing can stop the Gospel, and, no-one can prevent this Word from spreading.

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Leaders require certain qualifications and equipment for their task in a particular field, and many are totally unaware of this necessity and flounder on in their own inadequate strength and try to muddle along. I was once in this very situation.

What I am describing here is not theory, and nor is it religious philosophy.

Before the risen and living Jesus ascended back to God the Father, He instructed His disciples, to wait in the city of Jerusalem until they had received the power of the Holy Spirit.

They were going to be obedient to Jesus. It always pays to be obedient to Jesus. They patiently wait and faithfully pray.

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Using quotes from famous leaders, politicians or athletes has become part and parcel of business communications.

Try getting through a sales seminar, self-help book or sales kick-off meeting without being confronted by “the quote”.

Using quotes from proven leaders, or those people you feel have shown integrity and wisdom is, in itself, a sign of humility and wisdom. Unfortunately, too many of the quotes thrown out at us are designed to generate an emotional response – especially in large groups. They are used to get a sales team fired-up or to engender loyalty to the enterprise, leader or vision.

I am not saying that using quotes in this manner is wrong, only, too basic and unsophisticated for today’s employees.

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“ Every failure is a blessing in disguise, providing it teaches some needed lesson one could not have learned without it. Most so-called Failures are only temporary defeats.”

Napoleon Hill

The world has changed. Nations are no longer limited or isolated. Technology has brought us closer. No one can hide or feel safe with terrorism on the rise. Likewise, contemporary leaders cannot hide from the economic consequences of a global market. Globalization has brought the world together. Jreisat, author of Governance in a Globalizing World, argues that globalization provides a deepening of intercontinental relationships and “worldwide interconnectedness in all aspects of contemporary social life, from the cultural to the criminal, the financial to the spiritual.” Peter and Donnelly, authors of Designing the Global Corporation, maintain that there are several factors, including structure and culture, that impede or facilitate a company globally. Furthermore, noted author Galbraith further maintains that companies must understand their competitors and determine whether they can transfer to their competitive advantage in an international environment.

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Many people have no idea that Almighty God curses as well as blesses. If not, then the Bible is most misleading, and over these past forty years, I have not found it to be misleading in way whatsoever.

If a lot of bad things are happening to you have a look at Deuteronomy Chapter 28 and you may discover why life is treating you the way it is.

But, in these articles, I have been writing about what went so terribly wrong when Almighty God created this world. It was once in perfect condition, and man was placed in a delightful park.

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