October 9, 2009
Chuck Swindoll's 10 Lifetime Leadership Lessons
The popular Bible teacher and chancellor of Dallas Theological Seminary lists what he's learned about leadership.
Chuck Swindoll was given a Lifetime Achievement Award at Catalyst 09, and spoke on "10 Things I Have Learned During Nearly 50 Years in Leadership":
1) It’s lonely to lead. Leadership involves tough decisions. The tougher the decision, the lonelier it is.
2) It’s dangerous to succeed. I’m most concerned for those who aren’t even 30 and are very gifted and successful. Sometimes God uses someone right out of youth, but usually he uses leaders who have been crushed
3) It’s hardest at home. No one ever told me this in Seminary.
4) It’s essential to be real. If there’s one realm where phoniness is common, it’s among leaders. Stay real.
5) It’s painful to obey. The Lord will direct you to do some things that won’t be your choice. Invariably you will give up what you want to do for the cross.
6) Brokenness and failure are necessary.
7) Attititude is more important than actions. Your family may not have told you: some of you are hard to be around. A bad attitude overshadows good actions.
8) Integrity eclipse image. Today we highlight image. But it’s what you’re doing behind the scenes.
9) God's way is better than my way.
10) Christlikeness begins and ends with humility.
Which of these lessons strikes you most? Why?
If you were to add an 11th lesson, what would it be?
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Posted by Kevin Miller on October 9, 2009
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Comments
Thanks for this. These are very practical and godly statements.
This one strikes me most:
6) Brokenness and failure are necessary.
This seems to be the pattern of scripture from beginning to end.
Posted by: Paul C at October 9, 2009
I am struck also by #6 especially. Chris Heuertz of Word Made Flesh talks about "failing forward" as his MO in leadership--the mission organization is constantly falling into the arms of Christ's mercy, and only so serves its friends who are poor. Check out my profile of Heuertz when it drops next Tuesday at www.faithandleadership.com.
Posted by: Jason Byassee at October 9, 2009
The one that strikes me the most is that leadership is lonely. Recently I discovered why I dislike leading - because it's an unselfish position. It's not a place for me to voice my opinions and share my thoughts the way I would otherwise, it is a place to facilitate, to pour into others what I would like to receive. Ugh. So hard. I'm willing to learn though .. just will need time :)
I guess if I had to add an 11th lesson it would be that leadership is selfless service.
Posted by: Kim at October 13, 2009
They're all good... and not so new or groundbreaking. We know it all,we just have to live it all.
Posted by: Steve Grove at October 16, 2009
11th Lesson is Leadership is what you act and not what you speak
Posted by: Saleem Mathew at October 16, 2009
6,7, and 10 thump me pretty good and regularly. This was a good list... Kinda reminds me of Hanz Finzel list... thanks for this...
Posted by: Derek Iannelli-Smith at October 17, 2009
I might add - relax and enjoy the journey. Glorify God. It's all about Him, not about us. Too many pastors are Church hopping, trying to get a bigger congregation. Relax, and let God work through the preaching of His Word.
Posted by: David Buffaloe at October 17, 2009
This is the kind of stuff you would expect to come from Charles Swindall. I believe, Swindall will go down in history as one of the finest preachers of the Word of God.
Posted by: Thrainn Kristjansson at October 24, 2009