Dare to be Supportive

Let us consider how to stir one another to love and good works.  – Hebrews 10:24

There is a tendency, when we have idea or a dream, to keep it to ourselves.  It’s not that we don’t want to share the idea with others, but we have learned not to share.  The reason we learn not to share is because people mess with our ideas and tell us they are impossible or foolish.  We share our heart with others and are told why it won’t work or why we can’t do it.

This is something we need to think through.  Is this the sort of people we want to be?  Do we want to be the people that deflate dreams?  Do we want to be the sort of people that cause others to stop trying?  I wonder what would happen if we began to believe in one another.  I wonder what would happen if we encouraged one another. 

We need to make it our goal to encourage people’s dreams.  We need to be the sort of people that equip, empower, and encourage others.  If we have the capability and the connections, we need to introduce people to others who might be able to help them get where they are going.  We might just be surprised what people can accomplish if they just have someone that believes in them.

Dare to be Positive

Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worth of praise, think about these things.  – Philippians 4:8

We live in a day and age where it is almost considered a virtue to be a negative, condescending, pessimistic individual.  It is as if the more negative we can be, the more miserable we can be, then all the better.  However, we really do not have to be this way.  There is plenty around us that is positive. There is plenty that is going on that is praise worthy, we just have to look for it.

I have noted in my own life, besides the countless research studies that are out there, that keeping a positive mindset impacts everything.  When I keep my mindset positive, I accomplish more, feel better, and I am able to do more for others.  Sometimes we have to really press to see things positively (and sometimes I fail), but it is worth the effort.  Look for the good around you today.  Look for how God is blessing.  Look at what He is doing in your life and in the life of your family.  Look at how God is using your ministry and lives He is touching through you. 

It will take some discipline at times, but looking for the good around us really is worth the effort.

Dare to be Inconsistent

Recently, a friend of mine and I were discussing leadership.  Specifically we were discussing the fact that consistency is a myth.  There seems to be some idealistic thought whereby we handle all people and all situations the same, or in a consistent manner.  In reality, this is an unobtainable goal and as a result, we end up frustrated, discouraged, or feeling like a failure.

The truth is that every situation and every individual must be handled differently.  Some people are high achievers and all they need from us is the nod of the head or a pat on the back.  With these people we can approach leadership in a very laissez-faire manner.  There are others who tend to be driven, but need a little more coaching.  With these folks our leadership will be authoritative, but not completely controlling.  Then there are those who have to be pushed.  These are the ones with whom we have to be authoritarian.  We are going to have to tell them how, when, and what to do.

The recognition of the consistency myth helps us to be free to pursue success.  We need not waste a lot of time worrying about consistency.  Every person and every situation are going to dictate a different response on our part.  Trust your instincts.  Do what you know to do.  In the end, both we, and the people we lead will win.