Norman Vincent Peale was walking the streets of Kowloon, Hong Kong when he approached a tattoo parlor. As he stood looking at tattoo pictures, he noticed several different types people had requested; a dragon, a butterfly, a flower, and one in particular that really stood out that read “Born to lose.” He couldn’t believe what he’d seen! He entered the parlor and began to question the tattoo artist that approached him. “How could anyone in their right mind ever get a tattoo that said ‘Born to lose’, he exclaimed! In Broken English, the Chinese tattoo artist stated, “Before tattoo on body, tattoo on mind.”
What in the world does this have to do with leadership? One word; attitude. Our attitudes are imperative to the amount and type of influence we have on others as leaders. We can have all the skills, abilities, and positions of leadership in the world; but without a proper attitude, we will not be effective leaders. Our attitudes affect the attitudes of others, and our attitudes are the direct result of our thought life. The Bible deals with our thought lives in several passages: Proverbs 23:7 “As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he…” Romans 12:2 “…be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind…” Philippians 2:5-10 “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:” Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
It is imperative that we as leaders guard our minds, and in turn our attitudes. We must make a conscience decision to maintain the right attitude toward ourselves, our families, our co-workers, our followers, and concerning our circumstances. We cannot allow circumstances to dictate to us how we respond. It has been said that life is 10% of what happens to us, and 90% of how we respond. In order to successfully lead people, we must take captive our thoughts and attitudes.
As a leader, expect to deal with people. You will deal with people at different levels, strengths, weaknesses, and personalities. Finding what works best in training and developing others will determine how effective you become as a leader. After all, its been said, “If you call yourself a leader, look behind you and see who is following you. If no one is following you, then you’re just taking a walk.” We all have the capacity to lead. We all can grow and mature in the area of leadership. In order to have the greatest impact as a leader; learn to love people, and see them for what they can become.
Stephen Underwood
Acts 20:24
www.stephenunderwood.net
Loving God
Others First
Vision for the World
Enjoying Life
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