...leadership doesn't start or end with a position, but everything you are.
Application of leadership principles can become so overwhelming as we read books, blogs and hear top leadership speakers give us their key insight. Our influence and leadership can become very compartmentalized to a specific role or position that we have within an organization, family or group of people. We desire these principles to be applied to that position and it becomes very difficult to separate our role from the rest of our life.
I propose to you that while many only think to be leaders in their specific role, true leaders allow their leadership to impact all areas of their life. Let's take a look at sports because that is what I know best. There have been Pro Football Quarterbacks that have to be leaders on the field and have done a great job with that role. They apply all that they know to that role and do what they can to influence their teammates to play better. This elevates that entire team.
A few of these quarterbacks have left practice and the game to go out with buddies and make bad decisions. Some of been pulled over for a DUI and yet others have done even worse with harm to others. Their leadership was only compartmentalized to their role and not all areas of their life. I can think of several that lost their influence as quarterback because they weren't leaders socially and in other areas of life.
If we want to influence and to be leaders that impact the world around us, we must realize that we need to have standards and be leaders in all areas. This can be a very big responsibility but when we become leaders in all areas, our influence becomes even greater. Leadership doesn't start or end with a certain role or position, it should be in everything you are.
I challenge you to see all areas of your life as opportunities to influence others. Your decisions not only impact you but all those around you and all areas of your life. Be the one that sets the pace!
Ryan
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Monday, December 20, 2010
Celebrating Legacy
...your legacy is defined by who you were, who you are, and who they will be.
Over the past few days, there have been many circumstances that has shed a whole new light on celebrating Christmas and what it really means for us. This time of the year is more than just presents, giving, receiving, decoration, family and even the Christmas Eve service that you may attend. Those are all great parts of this season but there is sooo much more than that.
As we go about our daily routines and getting ready for this weeks celebrations, other families and friends are experiencing more than we know. We have several friends that have received early Christmas presents in the forms of little babies that happen to have perfect timing, just in-time for Christmas. What a gift, a life and child that will make this one of the best Christmas celebrations ever. While others have lost loved ones in the recent days and weeks. A very close friend of ours just lost his Grandpa and one of the most influential churches in America just lost the founding pastor yesterday after a battle that has seemed to last forever.
Now, these circumstances and experiences can be sad, happy and bring a flood of emotions that we don't always understand. I'm not saying that I know what each of these people is going through, however something hit me that brings new clarity to Christmas and the birth of Jesus. Leadership isn't just about the here and now, but more importantly, how will your leadership will impact the future. Your legacy will be defined by who you were, who you are now and ultimately by who those that follow you will become.
You see, these two great men that passed away in the last week have left a legacy that will be seen for generations to come. Who they were was changed by Jesus (who we celebrate this week), who they are can be seen in those that have followed and have been influenced by these men living out what they were gifted with. Leadership doesn't always feel good and isn't ever easy, but realizing that what we deal with now will impact those that follow brings a whole new meaning to leadership. These little babies that have been born will follow someone and become the man or woman they've been created to be if they have leaders that have legacy in mind, not there own personal agenda.
This week as you celebrate Christmas and go through your traditions, celebrate the legacy that Jesus left. Then, take a look at the legacy you are leaving and the influence that you have in others. We have all made mistakes in our past, but we can create a legacy by what we do now. Be the leader that does the "right" things now to secure the legacy for those that follow you.
Lead like their life depends on it, because it does!
Ryan
Over the past few days, there have been many circumstances that has shed a whole new light on celebrating Christmas and what it really means for us. This time of the year is more than just presents, giving, receiving, decoration, family and even the Christmas Eve service that you may attend. Those are all great parts of this season but there is sooo much more than that.
As we go about our daily routines and getting ready for this weeks celebrations, other families and friends are experiencing more than we know. We have several friends that have received early Christmas presents in the forms of little babies that happen to have perfect timing, just in-time for Christmas. What a gift, a life and child that will make this one of the best Christmas celebrations ever. While others have lost loved ones in the recent days and weeks. A very close friend of ours just lost his Grandpa and one of the most influential churches in America just lost the founding pastor yesterday after a battle that has seemed to last forever.
Now, these circumstances and experiences can be sad, happy and bring a flood of emotions that we don't always understand. I'm not saying that I know what each of these people is going through, however something hit me that brings new clarity to Christmas and the birth of Jesus. Leadership isn't just about the here and now, but more importantly, how will your leadership will impact the future. Your legacy will be defined by who you were, who you are now and ultimately by who those that follow you will become.
You see, these two great men that passed away in the last week have left a legacy that will be seen for generations to come. Who they were was changed by Jesus (who we celebrate this week), who they are can be seen in those that have followed and have been influenced by these men living out what they were gifted with. Leadership doesn't always feel good and isn't ever easy, but realizing that what we deal with now will impact those that follow brings a whole new meaning to leadership. These little babies that have been born will follow someone and become the man or woman they've been created to be if they have leaders that have legacy in mind, not there own personal agenda.
This week as you celebrate Christmas and go through your traditions, celebrate the legacy that Jesus left. Then, take a look at the legacy you are leaving and the influence that you have in others. We have all made mistakes in our past, but we can create a legacy by what we do now. Be the leader that does the "right" things now to secure the legacy for those that follow you.
Lead like their life depends on it, because it does!
Ryan
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Driving Force
...the life we live isn't limited by titles or methods, but by obedience alone.
Well, it's been a while since I've posted on here and now hope to get back into the swing of things. Writing and discussing the topic of leadership as well as how it apply's to each and everyone of us is the passion of this blog. There are many books and speakers out there that have more knowledge and experience than I do. However, my hope is that I can bring leadership and influence to a place in your life and mine that can be applied and lived out on a daily basis.
The last year has been quite the ride as we transitioned out of a great position and family in Kenai into what we have felt was the next step for us. Ultimately, we are taking this journey one step at a time and seeing the great possibilities that are being opened in front of us. To some we had taken a detour off the "right" path but Heather and I know that the life we live isn't limited by titles or methods, but by obedience alone. As I take a step back and see what has transpired over the last year, this step has been confirmed many times over.
As blog posts come from this page, please understand that each of us lives a journey that requires us to make decisions that are not only about us and our current circumstances, but a legacy and influence that we have been given to live. Your comments, questions and thoughts are always welcome here. My passion to lead and communicate the message I've been given is paramount. This is the driving force to hopefully helping you walk this out on your journey as well.
Ryan
Well, it's been a while since I've posted on here and now hope to get back into the swing of things. Writing and discussing the topic of leadership as well as how it apply's to each and everyone of us is the passion of this blog. There are many books and speakers out there that have more knowledge and experience than I do. However, my hope is that I can bring leadership and influence to a place in your life and mine that can be applied and lived out on a daily basis.
The last year has been quite the ride as we transitioned out of a great position and family in Kenai into what we have felt was the next step for us. Ultimately, we are taking this journey one step at a time and seeing the great possibilities that are being opened in front of us. To some we had taken a detour off the "right" path but Heather and I know that the life we live isn't limited by titles or methods, but by obedience alone. As I take a step back and see what has transpired over the last year, this step has been confirmed many times over.
As blog posts come from this page, please understand that each of us lives a journey that requires us to make decisions that are not only about us and our current circumstances, but a legacy and influence that we have been given to live. Your comments, questions and thoughts are always welcome here. My passion to lead and communicate the message I've been given is paramount. This is the driving force to hopefully helping you walk this out on your journey as well.
Ryan
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Lasting Leadership
As we go through life, there are transitions and circumstances that will cause us to wonder what God is doing. Heather and I are currently going through one of these transitions and allowing God to direct our every step. We will be transitioning out of our current position as Youth Pastors here at Kenai New Life Assembly of God at the end of May. It has been amazing to be apart of what God has done in our lives and the lives of our students and leaders at Engage. If the steps God has for us meant staying here another 10 years, that is what we would do. We love the students, staff, and people here very dearly.
God's direction for our lives has never been dictated by money, family, position, or anything else other than desiring for God to do what He has for us. Over the last couple years, God has birthed a passion for leadership and to train church/business leaders in leadership and communication. The only thing I have to compare this to, is when God called me to lead students and become a Youth Pastor. This God given passion to lead people is only from Him and the main reason for starting my MBA in Leadership in January of 2009.
The door has been opened wide for me to take a position as Operations Manager for Tunista Construction a start up company that is a subsidiary of Calista Corporation in Anchorage. This is a very exciting opportunity but also a little scary. The potential of this company and how God is going to use this is up to Him, but we know that this is something we are supposed to do.
Lasting Leadership happens when you pour everything you are into everyone you lead. My desire since being here and for the last few months that we minister here at Kenai New life is to do just that. Joshua did a great job leading the Isrealites into the promise land and conquered many things, but as far as we read he didn't replace himself as leader. After Joshua was done leading, the nation of Israel went down hill fast. Our desire is to pour what God has done in us into our students and leaders so that no matter who the next leader is, God can still work and be evident in the Youth Ministry here in Kenai.
There is still a generation in Kenai that needs to be reached no matter the man or women of God that takes over. Heather and I want our leadership to be lasting so that the next leader can run with what God has started and done over the last 4 1/2 years.
Will you strive to do the same? Your lasting leadership can build momentum and allow change to be a catalyst for something great!
God's direction for our lives has never been dictated by money, family, position, or anything else other than desiring for God to do what He has for us. Over the last couple years, God has birthed a passion for leadership and to train church/business leaders in leadership and communication. The only thing I have to compare this to, is when God called me to lead students and become a Youth Pastor. This God given passion to lead people is only from Him and the main reason for starting my MBA in Leadership in January of 2009.
The door has been opened wide for me to take a position as Operations Manager for Tunista Construction a start up company that is a subsidiary of Calista Corporation in Anchorage. This is a very exciting opportunity but also a little scary. The potential of this company and how God is going to use this is up to Him, but we know that this is something we are supposed to do.
Lasting Leadership happens when you pour everything you are into everyone you lead. My desire since being here and for the last few months that we minister here at Kenai New life is to do just that. Joshua did a great job leading the Isrealites into the promise land and conquered many things, but as far as we read he didn't replace himself as leader. After Joshua was done leading, the nation of Israel went down hill fast. Our desire is to pour what God has done in us into our students and leaders so that no matter who the next leader is, God can still work and be evident in the Youth Ministry here in Kenai.
There is still a generation in Kenai that needs to be reached no matter the man or women of God that takes over. Heather and I want our leadership to be lasting so that the next leader can run with what God has started and done over the last 4 1/2 years.
Will you strive to do the same? Your lasting leadership can build momentum and allow change to be a catalyst for something great!
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Change in the New Year
Well, we are back into the swing of things after a great Christmas and New Year. Our family spent a week in with Heather's parents and sister in Wasilla. It was a great time to do nothing except eat too much, play games, and try to get as much sleep as possible. As many do, it is a great season to ponder and think through the last year and make goals for the year to come. Many of us experience some tough times as well as exciting times this last year. What do we expect for Twenty-Ten? What do I want for my family and life in the new year?
The New Year is a great opportunity for change. Many of us shy away from change and do what we can to keep our comfort and schedule intact. However, if we keep doing the same things and remain in what we've always done, we will get the same results we've always had. A new year means that many of us can get a fresh start, create good habits, and make changes that will allow us to live a more fulfilled and fruitful life in the coming year. Great leaders will see change as an opportunity for growth and help others work through the change. Without change our lives, businesses, families will remain the same and the results won't change. If we need different results, than something is going to have to change.
Instead of creating goals or resolutions for the coming year, go after it with passion to change so that we can do our part for a better year. We can blame the government, family, our spouses, our kids, and anyone else we want, but really it comes down to us changing what we can in our lives and leading others. What if we tithed and God could bless us to overflowing? What if we thought of our spouses first and our marriage thrived? What if we did what we could to get our kids and families in the presence of God every week and we saw God not only work in our lives but our families as well? What if our job was an opportunity to speak life into others and God began to change the lives of those around us?
Every decision has a impact and corresponding action by not only us, but those around us. How will we change our decisions in 2010 to get the outcome we desire in all areas of our lives?
Change is good, let's do it with passion!
For Life
The New Year is a great opportunity for change. Many of us shy away from change and do what we can to keep our comfort and schedule intact. However, if we keep doing the same things and remain in what we've always done, we will get the same results we've always had. A new year means that many of us can get a fresh start, create good habits, and make changes that will allow us to live a more fulfilled and fruitful life in the coming year. Great leaders will see change as an opportunity for growth and help others work through the change. Without change our lives, businesses, families will remain the same and the results won't change. If we need different results, than something is going to have to change.
Instead of creating goals or resolutions for the coming year, go after it with passion to change so that we can do our part for a better year. We can blame the government, family, our spouses, our kids, and anyone else we want, but really it comes down to us changing what we can in our lives and leading others. What if we tithed and God could bless us to overflowing? What if we thought of our spouses first and our marriage thrived? What if we did what we could to get our kids and families in the presence of God every week and we saw God not only work in our lives but our families as well? What if our job was an opportunity to speak life into others and God began to change the lives of those around us?
Every decision has a impact and corresponding action by not only us, but those around us. How will we change our decisions in 2010 to get the outcome we desire in all areas of our lives?
Change is good, let's do it with passion!
For Life
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