...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
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