GODLY LEADER MOMENT (Do not Worry)

DO NOT WORRY Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?... O ye of little faith?... Your Heavenly Father knows what you need. Seek first His kingdom & righteousness and all these things will be given to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow MATTHEW 6:25-34

NOT WORRYING is a tough concept for all of us, no matter who you are! Leaders have to (and must) deal with this personally as well as for those they lead! In these challenging times with so much hopelessness, bad economy, people/friends losing jobs, organization struggling, oil spilling, disasters here and there, people being laid off, who or what is next? Will it be you, a loved one or some of those you lead? It is nearly a daily occurrence to hear from someone close in our lives who has been impacted; I heard from a good friend and executive just this morning that is now out of a job. Its everywhere, and were not supposed to worry?!? Indeed, this is one of the tougher biblical principles we are supposed to follow YIKES, no that is a DOUBLE YIKES.

As leaders we are really needed by those we lead. As much as we may want to focus & dwell on our own worries, stresses, etc .your folks need you & your leadership! A few points to share as I have been pondering this much lately:

Let them know you also have concerns personally as well as your concern for them. Be human and dont be afraid of letting them see it. When we let others IN, we build trust & strong relationships. Some believe this shows weakness as a leader .that is just wrong. The relationships in our lives makes these times much more palatable “ especially when one of those relationships is YOU, their boss! When we all get through these times (and we will unless we do not and things turn around - this trusting relationship you built WITH THEM will pay huge dividends.

Working relationships between co-workers can become very strained as individuals withdrawal, lack concentration, and/or lash out at others. Do not avoid it or try to pretend its not there. It is real and everyone feels it. Why not get it out for all to know and realize we are all dealing with it and we (the leader and the rest of the team) are there for each other. It needs to be be dealt with, exposed and curtailed before it gets out of hand. Although we can never be sure of our security (of our jobs) and those that we lead, we need to reassure our people as much as possible; & with the truth as we know it!

You may be thinking that you are not there to be a counselor, therapist or psychologist! I for one, totally disagree. REAL leaders are absolutely conscious and realize that their job is indeed all of these and more. It may not be in your job description, but trust me, the ones you lead know what they need from you; and again its all of those and more .

Gods best, BOOKER