Wednesday; January 17

Last week I was involved in a couple of situations where I felt the need – as a leader – to step up and take some action.  Over the last few days I have reflected on my actions and I am still don’t know if I responded appropriately.  Now, during my own efforts of wrestling with my own personal response, I was reminded of a lesson of leadership.  While leaders will be called upon to make decisions in the heat of the moment, what makes them effective is not in reacting to an incident, rather in responding to the people involved in the incident.  Once the emotional matter is put to rest are we willing to regroup and move forward?  When control has been regained are we committed to practicing forgiveness, building (or repairing) bridges, providing training and providing encouragement?  Often, the toughest job is not dealing with the conflict, it is pulling the pieces together in an effort to move onward and upward.
When the Apostle Paul gave some inspired parental advice he wrote, “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”. (Ephesians 6:4)  This direction is necessary for parents, but all leaders can stand to develop and display this mindset.  Sure, there are times when we need to say “no” and when we might have to be pretty forceful in making our point, but when it is over, we need to be committed to building up the other person. 
Let’s be willing to balance our authority with our support.   We need rules and the acceptance of those rules, but maturing people is found in shaping their behavior not merely stopping their misbehavior.
Think About It!

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