It is a humbling thing to become like men (or transparent to those you lead and rule over.)
Leaders must be selfless examples of Christ; willing to show their subordinates at all times that they can still do the same job functions they manage.
A "champion" builds influence on any team by serving the gifts, dreams and interests of those around them. They know how to increase value, sell ideas and show others how to do the same; they are willing to show employees how to get their ideas out of infancy (off paper and into the lives of people.)
In 2001, Hewlett-Packard (HP) filed 5,000 patent applications worldwide -- an average of 20 inventions each business day. HP's "Invent" campaign began in December 1999. To improve innovation across the company, HP increased its emphasis on the importance of patents and boosted financial incentives both for invention disclosures, the first step toward getting a patent, and for application filings.
HP paid $175 to employees for submitting inventions and another $1,750 if it filed for a patent on the idea. In 2002 alone, HP shelled out about $1.75 million for ideas to keep the innovation pipeline full.
It was a great campaign, but danger lies when you reinvent yourself so much you forget who you were and what (core competencies and hard work) got you there in the first place.
When was the last time you gave someone else credit for the success you are?
Do you honor the people that have helped bring you where you are?
When you get down into the trenches and become like men, God freely bestows greatness, honor, integrity and authority on your name.
We must become like them.
In other words, we must put ourselves in the shoes of our employees, peers and co-workers and ask ourselves:
- What are their challenges or obstacles?
- What are their dreams or goals?
- What are their strengths and weaknesses?
- What ideas and gifts have been unrecognized or employed by upper management?
You must look upon and have concern for the interests of others; not just yourself.
RIGHT NOW, if you had to write your top 5 goals on a piece of paper alongside those of someone you love or lead, would their top 5 be as important as yours?
Being a man or woman of influence, favor, character, integrity and authority (the best in your field) is always far better than having the largest paycheck; because these traits will always demand or attract men or compensation unto your bosom.
Today, what guise (outward appearance or aspect; mode or style of dress, garb) of servanthood have you assumed in your workplace or industry?
To what extreme will you carry your leadership to?
Because Christ stooped so low, stripping Himself of all rights and privileges, God exalted him (far above thrones, dominions, rulers, and authorities.)
RIGHT NOW, you may have a right to be angry, vindictive, upset, or distrusting, but you can strip yourself of it.
Paul wrote, "Rather, let our lives lovingly *express truth [in all things, speaking truly, dealing truly, living truly]. Enfolded in love, let us grow up in every way and in all things into Him Who is the Head, [even] Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One)" (Eph 4)
At any point in your life you can strip something off and put something else on.
It's a matter of choice.
What do you need to reject and be done with in your leadership?
People invent error.
Leaders express truth.
It's time to grow up, come down to where our people live and struggle and take them to a new level.
