Learn to lead…

By way of reminder…

Leaders are believers.

This is the thought that came to me on the river some seven years ago and was cemented in the playbooks when my brother, Larry responded upon hearing it with, “way to go brother!” His confidence cemented mine. Leaders are believers is the CCD version and the big, central thought of BTL. The immediate thoughts that follow are magical too and came to me when listening to Rich Nathan preach it up some Sunday’s ago.

Leaders are believers who model the way, embrace pain and suffering, and embody truth in LOVE.

Leaders don’t say do this or that, more over here, less there, what don’t you get about my instructions, what’s your problem, come on, or even the alltime classic, come on this is do or die time. They just don’t.

Leaders say follow me.

Leaders don’t watch the team struggle from the comfort of the mountain top, the boardroom, or their vacation home. Leaders take on the toughest tasks and understand that “acute” pain and suffering is simply weakness leaving the system.

Leaders don’t spin their words, measure them, soften them, or overthink ’em. Leaders don’t talk up to ONE and down to another. Leaders tell the truth whether it is good news or NOT.

Leaders understand that this is the language of the heart and that this is the only place we really connect. Leaders understand that they cannot repair their own broken heart, much less the broken hearts of those around them. Leaders must believe in something bigger than themselves, really believe.

This is “why” there is such an extreme shortage of real leaders. Positions of power, places of prestige, and span of control do not make the person a leader. Depth of belief does.

Leaders are believers. They say follow me, live out their OPUS even if it kills them, and embody truth in LOVE. And, they understand that they need help.

God, help me.

God, help me learn to really lead…