As we face the beginning of 2022, we are staring at irrelevance in all 8 streams of Influence in every society and nation on the planet. That is a huge statement to be making. However, if we simply focus on the current trends over the last 20 months, it is not hard to see irrelevance in all major streams of influence within every society. Allow me to mention these 8 streams of influence:  Government, Business, Education, Faith, Healthcare, Media, Arts, &amp; Sports.  It seems that every stream of influence is pushing a moral/cultural agenda that no one is buying. We have lost common-sense because or wokeness and political correctness. Left is right and down is up! That said, this is not the worst thing to be focusing our attention. What could be worse you ask? I do not see a concern that is sufficient for transformation and rehabilitation to occur. Currently, we are not even concerned at all about selling what the public is not buying. We are not concerned about being relevant! So, allow me to personalize this Podcast by asking a piercing question – Are you relevant in your community &amp; industry? Are you hanging with people that have a bigger vision? Is the room that you are in stretching you or suppressing you? I want to give you 4 questions that will challenge your thinking about the people that you are currently allowing to influence your life. The People Influencing Your Life Today………… Are They Grounded? – As you consider who these influencers are in your life are they solid? Do they have their feet on the ground? Are they flighty? Are they leading with integrity? Just remember that you can only grow based upon the foundation that has been dug and poured. Small-minded thinking, dreaming, acting, and influencing will not build lasting significance. Are They Growing? –  Growth is not automatic! Intentionality is required. Aging is automatic – Growth is optional! Do your current influencers have a dream of being an Infinite-Minded Leader? In other words they are more interested in developing people who will take the dream far beyond your life-span. Trophies do not matter – Legacy is what matters! If these influencers do not have this type of mindset, you may be allowing and idol instead of a mentor to influence you. Are They Grateful? – If the individuals that are influencing your life act without gratefulness – find somebody new to influence your life. You cannot go through life with an ungrateful attitude! Gratefulness celebrates “WE” and not “me.” Grateful leaders will hold you accountable for an attitude of gratefulness.  Are They Generous? – Generous Leaders are not worried about if your success goes beyond theirs. They embrace this types of wins in other people. If those who are your influencers teach raw competitiveness and winning at all cost, remember this; A competitive spirit will always cause you to shortchange someone. In such turbulent times we need Transformational Influencers that will impact others so they can impact their sphere of influence. We need these types of leaders to influence our speech, thought patterns, and actions in such a way that we become a positive transformational person for others. The 8 streams of influence in every society is in desperate need of transformational leadership. WHY? Relevance is at stake! Without Relevance the 8 streams of influence are at great risk in holding our community together. LINKS Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on iTunes – SUBSCRIBE Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on Stitcher – SUBSCRIBE FREE GIFT – “Servant Leadership Questions” – Click on the icon at the bottom of the page Executive Coaching Service– Private message me for details on this customizable service Birkman Assessment Leadershift by John Maxwell Q&amp;A – Contact me at ShepherdsAdvantage@gmail.com Music: “Gratitude Mood” by David Arivett. You can learn more about his music by clicking on his name. THANKS DAVID!

As we face the beginning of 2022, we are staring at irrelevance in all 8 streams of Influence in every society and nation on the planet. That is a huge statement to be making. However, if we simply focus on the current trends over the last 20 months, it is not hard to see irrelevance in all major streams of influence within every society. Allow me to mention these 8 streams of influence:  Government, Business, Education, Faith, Healthcare, Media, Arts, &amp; Sports.  It seems that every stream of influence is pushing a moral/cultural agenda that no one is buying. We have lost common-sense because or wokeness and political correctness. Left is right and down is up! That said, this is not the worst thing to be focusing our attention. What could be worse you ask? I do not see a concern that is sufficient for transformation and rehabilitation to occur. Currently, we are not even concerned at all about selling what the public is not buying. We are not concerned about being relevant! So, allow me to personalize this Podcast by asking a piercing question – Are you relevant in your community &amp; industry? Are you hanging with people that have a bigger vision? Is the room that you are in stretching you or suppressing you? I want to give you 4 questions that will challenge your thinking about the people that you are currently allowing to influence your life. The People Influencing Your Life Today………… Are They Grounded? – As you consider who these influencers are in your life are they solid? Do they have their feet on the ground? Are they flighty? Are they leading with integrity? Just remember that you can only grow based upon the foundation that has been dug and poured. Small-minded thinking, dreaming, acting, and influencing will not build lasting significance. Are They Growing? –  Growth is not automatic! Intentionality is required. Aging is automatic – Growth is optional! Do your current influencers have a dream of being an Infinite-Minded Leader? In other words they are more interested in developing people who will take the dream far beyond your life-span. Trophies do not matter – Legacy is what matters! If these influencers do not have this type of mindset, you may be allowing and idol instead of a mentor to influence you. Are They Grateful? – If the individuals that are influencing your life act without gratefulness – find somebody new to influence your life. You cannot go through life with an ungrateful attitude! Gratefulness celebrates “WE” and not “me.” Grateful leaders will hold you accountable for an attitude of gratefulness.  Are They Generous? – Generous Leaders are not worried about if your success goes beyond theirs. They embrace this types of wins in other people. If those who are your influencers teach raw competitiveness and winning at all cost, remember this; A competitive spirit will always cause you to shortchange someone. In such turbulent times we need Transformational Influencers that will impact others so they can impact their sphere of influence. We need these types of leaders to influence our speech, thought patterns, and actions in such a way that we become a positive transformational person for others. The 8 streams of influence in every society is in desperate need of transformational leadership. WHY? Relevance is at stake! Without Relevance the 8 streams of influence are at great risk in holding our community together. LINKS Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on iTunes –<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/shepherds-advantage-leadership/id966183507?mt=2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> SUBSCRIBE</a> Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on Stitcher –<a href="http://stitcher.com/s?fid=84131&amp;refid=stpr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> SUBSCRIBE</a> FREE GIFT – “<a href="https://shepherdsadvantageinc.com/?page_id=2945(opens%20in%20a%20new%20tab)" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Servant Leadership Questions</a>” – Click on the icon at the bottom of the page <a href="http://shepherdsadvantageinc.com/?gnt_landingpage=executive-coaching-2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Executive Coaching Service</a>– Private message me for details on this customizable service <a href="https://shepherdsadvantageinc.com/?page_id=2834(opens%20in%20a%20new%20tab)" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Birkman Assessment</a> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Leadershift-Essential-Changes-Leader-Embrace/dp/0718098501/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&amp;qid=1580569326&amp;sr=8-1-spell" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Leadershift</a> by John Maxwell Q&amp;A – Contact me at ShepherdsAdvantage@gmail.com Music: “Gratitude Mood” by<a href="http://songsofdavid.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> David Arivett</a>. You can learn more about his music by clicking on his name. THANKS DAVID!

Who Is Influencing You?

A Crisis on The Horizon YES we have moved from 3-n-10 to 2-n-5 pastors are giving serious consideration of leaving the ministry completely. This is a vocational exodus! When you consider there are approximately 350,000 protestant churches in America  with 38% considering leaving, this will become a crisis of spiritual leadership within our nation. This is 133,000 Pastors considering their departure today. To give a perspective on this number consider there are approximately 35,000 McDonalds in America. The possibility of spiritual leadership loss in American is greater than the iconic McDonalds fast food chain.  Let’s examine some of the underlying points of data and discussion. •We must reach back to 9/11 to see demographics at this level where people are considering leaving their current career. •Understand, this is not a FAITH EXIT. It is however a career exit•Bi-vocational ministry has real potential for the future. There are huge pressures being exerted on pastor’s families and futures. This could be a beginning of significant changes in shaping what church looks like and how it will be conducted in the future. •Currently, Pastoral Ministry is VERY HARD work with only ½ or less return for such incredible effort being exerted. Hard work with ½ return creates frustration. •Pastors that are under the age of 45 have a 46% likelihood of quitting. Pastors over the age of 45 are 36% more likely to quit the ministry. •When it comes to “Well-Being” there are six categories: Relational, Spiritual, Physical, Emotional, Vocational, and Financial well-being. One-third of all ministers stated they were below average to poor in these six essentials of Well-Being. •Only one-n-three pastors say they are healthy in terms of Well-Being matrix. •Healthy Pastors are defined as those who selected “Excellent” or “Good” as their response to the Well-Being matrix. •Overall, the Pastors that are contemplating quitting are less healthy in all the well-being categories compared to Pastors who not contemplating quitting. •We need to be careful about allowing correlation to be a means to causation.  •The warning bells started sounding in the 2017 State of the Pastors study. •After 18 months of the pandemic, along with congregational divisions, financial strain an alarming number of pastors are seriously leaving the vocational ministry for other pursuits in life. David Kinnaman, President of Barna Research states that now more than ever, the church needs resilient leaders who are humble, agile, rooted in prayer and those who are committed to being healthy as an essential aspect of effective leadership. LINKS Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on iTunes – SUBSCRIBE Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on Stitcher – SUBSCRIBE FREE GIFT – “Servant Leadership Questions” – Click on the icon at the bottom of the page Executive Coaching Service– Private message me for details on this customizable service Birkman Assessment Leadershift by John Maxwell Q&amp;A – Contact me at ShepherdsAdvantage@gmail.com Music: “Gratitude Mood” by David Arivett. You can learn more about his music by clicking on his name. THANKS DAVID!

<h2>A Crisis on The Horizon</h2> YES we have moved from 3-n-10 to 2-n-5 pastors are giving serious consideration of leaving the ministry completely. This is a vocational exodus! When you consider there are approximately 350,000 protestant churches in America  with 38% considering leaving, this will become a crisis of spiritual leadership within our nation. This is 133,000 Pastors considering their departure today. To give a perspective on this number consider there are approximately 35,000 McDonalds in America. The possibility of spiritual leadership loss in American is greater than the iconic McDonalds fast food chain.  Let’s examine some of the underlying points of data and discussion. •We must reach back to 9/11 to see demographics at this level where people are considering leaving their current career. •Understand, this is not a FAITH EXIT. It is however a career exit•Bi-vocational ministry has real potential for the future. There are huge pressures being exerted on pastor’s families and futures. This could be a beginning of significant changes in shaping what church looks like and how it will be conducted in the future. •Currently, Pastoral Ministry is VERY HARD work with only ½ or less return for such incredible effort being exerted. Hard work with ½ return creates frustration. •Pastors that are under the age of 45 have a 46% likelihood of quitting. Pastors over the age of 45 are 36% more likely to quit the ministry. •When it comes to “Well-Being” there are six categories: Relational, Spiritual, Physical, Emotional, Vocational, and Financial well-being. One-third of all ministers stated they were below average to poor in these six essentials of Well-Being. •Only one-n-three pastors say they are healthy in terms of Well-Being matrix. •Healthy Pastors are defined as those who selected “Excellent” or “Good” as their response to the Well-Being matrix. •Overall, the Pastors that are contemplating quitting are less healthy in all the well-being categories compared to Pastors who not contemplating quitting. •We need to be careful about allowing correlation to be a means to causation.  •The warning bells started sounding in the 2017 State of the Pastors study. •After 18 months of the pandemic, along with congregational divisions, financial strain an alarming number of pastors are seriously leaving the vocational ministry for other pursuits in life. David Kinnaman, President of Barna Research states that now more than ever, the church needs resilient leaders who are humble, agile, rooted in prayer and those who are committed to being healthy as an essential aspect of effective leadership. LINKS Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on iTunes –<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/shepherds-advantage-leadership/id966183507?mt=2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> SUBSCRIBE</a> Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on Stitcher –<a href="http://stitcher.com/s?fid=84131&amp;refid=stpr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> SUBSCRIBE</a> FREE GIFT – “<a href="https://shepherdsadvantageinc.com/?page_id=2945(opens%20in%20a%20new%20tab)" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Servant Leadership Questions</a>” – Click on the icon at the bottom of the page <a href="http://shepherdsadvantageinc.com/?gnt_landingpage=executive-coaching-2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Executive Coaching Service</a>– Private message me for details on this customizable service <a href="https://shepherdsadvantageinc.com/?page_id=2834(opens%20in%20a%20new%20tab)" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Birkman Assessment</a> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Leadershift-Essential-Changes-Leader-Embrace/dp/0718098501/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&amp;qid=1580569326&amp;sr=8-1-spell" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Leadershift</a> by John Maxwell Q&amp;A – Contact me at ShepherdsAdvantage@gmail.com Music: “Gratitude Mood” by<a href="http://songsofdavid.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> David Arivett</a>. You can learn more about his music by clicking on his name. THANKS DAVID!

The State of Pastors 2021

Napoleon Bonaparte stated that Leaders are dealers in hope. So how do we inspire those who need to inspire? Inspiration is more than words on a wall. We begin by reconnecting people around the purpose of the organization. PURPOSE is timeless! VISION is time balanced/seasonal!  2022 must be a year that we as leader embrace the true definition of leadership: Leadership is not being in charge, it is caring for those in your charge, While it is true that leaders spend exorbitant amounts of time to enact the latest and greatest strategy. The downside to always chasing the trends is the very people we need to become our torch bearers for this new vision are being ignored. The primary thought to keep from ignoring people is to make sure we are developing people around our purpose first! Visionary strategies have a limited shelf life. Significance is where the real excitement is at. Let’s focus upon the 4 Needs of Followers if we are to become the Inspirational Leaders for 2022. Trust – Trust is an outgrowth of honesty, integrity and being a believable leader! Nobody desires to follow dishonesty and fabrications of reality. People desire honesty now more than ever. It feels at times that we have become a nation of lies and manipulated news. As a nation we have become tired and frustrated. We are searching for honest leaders that lead with integrity. Followers are looking for a person that inspires and that we can aspire to become. Compassion – Coming out of the pandemic  we all are asking 3 very important questions: (1) Do you know me? (2) Can you help me? (3) Can I trust you? If the answer is yes then our need for emotional connection will be satisfied. Pre-pandemic there was a crisis of loneliness. We are more disconnected socially now than ever. Stability – As a leader in this pandemic world with its multiple agendas, we need to demonstrate Calm, Clarity, and Purpose in the face of chaos! As a leader, when you are stable, you are in position to inspire others, Communicate clearly, and to effect change in your orbit. Hope – Hope in this sense is not pie in the sky statements about I think – I feel. Rather it is more about declaring I see a way forward and I can see good times just ahead. LINKS Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on iTunes – SUBSCRIBE Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on Stitcher – SUBSCRIBE FREE GIFT – “Servant Leadership Questions” – Click on the icon at the bottom of the page Executive Coaching Service– Private message me for details on this customizable service Birkman Assessment Leadershift by John Maxwell Q&amp;A – Contact me at ShepherdsAdvantage@gmail.com Music: “Gratitude Mood” by David Arivett. You can learn more about his music by clicking on his name. THANKS DAVID!

Napoleon Bonaparte stated that Leaders are dealers in hope. So how do we inspire those who need to inspire? Inspiration is more than words on a wall. We begin by reconnecting people around the purpose of the organization. PURPOSE is timeless! VISION is time balanced/seasonal!  2022 must be a year that we as leader embrace the true definition of leadership: Leadership is not being in charge, it is caring for those in your charge, While it is true that leaders spend exorbitant amounts of time to enact the latest and greatest strategy. The downside to always chasing the trends is the very people we need to become our torch bearers for this new vision are being ignored. The primary thought to keep from ignoring people is to make sure we are developing people around our purpose first! Visionary strategies have a limited shelf life. Significance is where the real excitement is at. Let’s focus upon the 4 Needs of Followers if we are to become the Inspirational Leaders for 2022. Trust – Trust is an outgrowth of honesty, integrity and being a believable leader! Nobody desires to follow dishonesty and fabrications of reality. People desire honesty now more than ever. It feels at times that we have become a nation of lies and manipulated news. As a nation we have become tired and frustrated. We are searching for honest leaders that lead with integrity. Followers are looking for a person that inspires and that we can aspire to become. Compassion – Coming out of the pandemic  we all are asking 3 very important questions: (1) Do you know me? (2) Can you help me? (3) Can I trust you? If the answer is yes then our need for emotional connection will be satisfied. Pre-pandemic there was a crisis of loneliness. We are more disconnected socially now than ever. Stability – As a leader in this pandemic world with its multiple agendas, we need to demonstrate Calm, Clarity, and Purpose in the face of chaos! As a leader, when you are stable, you are in position to inspire others, Communicate clearly, and to effect change in your orbit. Hope – Hope in this sense is not pie in the sky statements about I think – I feel. Rather it is more about declaring I see a way forward and I can see good times just ahead. LINKS Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on iTunes –<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/shepherds-advantage-leadership/id966183507?mt=2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> SUBSCRIBE</a> Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on Stitcher –<a href="http://stitcher.com/s?fid=84131&amp;refid=stpr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> SUBSCRIBE</a> FREE GIFT – “<a href="https://shepherdsadvantageinc.com/?page_id=2945(opens%20in%20a%20new%20tab)" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Servant Leadership Questions</a>” – Click on the icon at the bottom of the page <a href="http://shepherdsadvantageinc.com/?gnt_landingpage=executive-coaching-2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Executive Coaching Service</a>– Private message me for details on this customizable service <a href="https://shepherdsadvantageinc.com/?page_id=2834(opens%20in%20a%20new%20tab)" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Birkman Assessment</a> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Leadershift-Essential-Changes-Leader-Embrace/dp/0718098501/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&amp;qid=1580569326&amp;sr=8-1-spell" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Leadershift</a> by John Maxwell Q&amp;A – Contact me at ShepherdsAdvantage@gmail.com Music: “Gratitude Mood” by<a href="http://songsofdavid.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> David Arivett</a>. You can learn more about his music by clicking on his name. THANKS DAVID!

Inspirational Leadership 2022

The Law of Legacy is about your Life Sentence.” When you figure this out, this will become you’re the north star for your life. You now have direction that determines the legacy that you will leave behind. All of the success that you have obtained up to this point will mean absolutely nothing if you do not leave something behind. A Leaders lasting value is measured by succession. Every person will leave a legacy. For some it will be positive for others it will be negative. The choice is yours right now! Intentionality is required to make a lasting legacy. Let’s exam 4 facets of establishing a lasting legacy. Declare It – Most people accept their lives instead of leading their lives and calling it fate! So many leaders are swept along by the currents of life and trends without ever checking to see if they are in the correct channel. By taking some time to reflect upon the legacy you desire to leave behind will give you the best possible chance to leave a legacy worth remembering. It will greatly improve your chance to make it a reality. Live It Out – In order for your legacy to actually happen in the future, it must begin right now today and it begins with you. You have to become the leader of yourself. Wisdom comes from experience. You cannot pass on knowledge and wisdom you do not have have. You must create now what you want others to sustain. Prepare Your Successor – Effective Leaders work to develop other leaders. The only time that you have to do that is now. Let’s face the truth – when you are no longer the leader, someone will take your spot. Why not groom someone to succeed you. The more a potential leader stays within your orbit the more they will learn and the more likely they will continue the legacy that has begun in you. Don’t Forget To Pass The Baton – The most important aspect of a relay race is the hand-off. This is the point that a runner hands the baton to the next runner. In a relay race you have the fastest runners – record setters in their own right. But if you do not pass off the baton effectively you will loose the race. If you pass the baton to early or hold on to it too long – a bad exchange will weaken or irrevocably damage your legacy Where are you in the process of Legacy building?•Developing your own skills and credibility as a leader•Attracting and influencing leaders•Selecting a successor•Developing and grooming a successor•Empowering and releasing a successor LINKS Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on iTunes – SUBSCRIBE Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on Stitcher – SUBSCRIBE FREE GIFT – “Servant Leadership Questions” – Click on the icon at the bottom of the page Executive Coaching Service– Private message me for details on this customizable service Birkman Assessment Leadershift by John Maxwell Q&amp;A – Contact me at ShepherdsAdvantage@gmail.com Music: “Gratitude Mood” by David Arivett. You can learn more about his music by clicking on his name. THANKS DAVID!

The Law of Legacy is about your Life Sentence.” When you figure this out, this will become you’re the north star for your life. You now have direction that determines the legacy that you will leave behind. All of the success that you have obtained up to this point will mean absolutely nothing if you do not leave something behind. A Leaders lasting value is measured by succession. Every person will leave a legacy. For some it will be positive for others it will be negative. The choice is yours right now! Intentionality is required to make a lasting legacy. Let’s exam 4 facets of establishing a lasting legacy. Declare It – Most people accept their lives instead of leading their lives and calling it fate! So many leaders are swept along by the currents of life and trends without ever checking to see if they are in the correct channel. By taking some time to reflect upon the legacy you desire to leave behind will give you the best possible chance to leave a legacy worth remembering. It will greatly improve your chance to make it a reality. Live It Out – In order for your legacy to actually happen in the future, it must begin right now today and it begins with you. You have to become the leader of yourself. Wisdom comes from experience. You cannot pass on knowledge and wisdom you do not have have. You must create now what you want others to sustain. Prepare Your Successor – Effective Leaders work to develop other leaders. The only time that you have to do that is now. Let’s face the truth – when you are no longer the leader, someone will take your spot. Why not groom someone to succeed you. The more a potential leader stays within your orbit the more they will learn and the more likely they will continue the legacy that has begun in you. Don’t Forget To Pass The Baton – The most important aspect of a relay race is the hand-off. This is the point that a runner hands the baton to the next runner. In a relay race you have the fastest runners – record setters in their own right. But if you do not pass off the baton effectively you will loose the race. If you pass the baton to early or hold on to it too long – a bad exchange will weaken or irrevocably damage your legacy Where are you in the process of Legacy building?•Developing your own skills and credibility as a leader•Attracting and influencing leaders•Selecting a successor•Developing and grooming a successor•Empowering and releasing a successor LINKS Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on iTunes –<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/shepherds-advantage-leadership/id966183507?mt=2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> SUBSCRIBE</a> Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on Stitcher –<a href="http://stitcher.com/s?fid=84131&amp;refid=stpr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> SUBSCRIBE</a> FREE GIFT – “<a href="https://shepherdsadvantageinc.com/?page_id=2945(opens%20in%20a%20new%20tab)" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Servant Leadership Questions</a>” – Click on the icon at the bottom of the page <a href="http://shepherdsadvantageinc.com/?gnt_landingpage=executive-coaching-2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Executive Coaching Service</a>– Private message me for details on this customizable service <a href="https://shepherdsadvantageinc.com/?page_id=2834(opens%20in%20a%20new%20tab)" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Birkman Assessment</a> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Leadershift-Essential-Changes-Leader-Embrace/dp/0718098501/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&amp;qid=1580569326&amp;sr=8-1-spell" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Leadershift</a> by John Maxwell Q&amp;A – Contact me at ShepherdsAdvantage@gmail.com Music: “Gratitude Mood” by<a href="http://songsofdavid.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> David Arivett</a>. You can learn more about his music by clicking on his name. THANKS DAVID!

The Law of Legacy

The Enron scandal of the early 2000’s awakened a great need for business ethics. What came out of that awakening was a realization there is no such thing as business ethics. There is only ethics!. So what is the foundation of ethics? Could it be that the Golden Rule is the foundation of all ethics? After all in all major religions of the world there is a narration that discusses treating others as you desired to be treated. The verbiage may be different, but the essence is the same. John Maxwell coined the statement that “Everything rises and falls on leadership.” However, do you know what two things are responsible for making leadership rise? The first is competence. No one wants to follow and incompetent leader. The second is values. Values defined is simply principles that guide our decisions and behaviors. When the value system is good, it only brings benefits and never harm to yourself or others. I want to give you 4 more Qualifiers that comprise Good Values Good Values Establish Trust – To thrive in this upside-down world, trust must be the foundation. A movement can only move at the speed of trust because of the inherent trust in the collaboration process. Consider these three facets of positive relationships. (1) Generosity – giving up resources for the whole, (2) Humility – giving up your won importance, position and power, &amp; (3) Integrity – Truthfulness so that others can depend on your character. Think about these facets this way…… Generosity is the fuel for transformation. It is the opposite of selfishness. Proverbs declares; a generous person will prosper, whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. Humility is the spirit of transformation. It is the opposite of Pride. Proverbs states when pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. Integrity is the strength of transformation. It is the opposite of deceit. Again Proverbs states the integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity. Good Values Are Better Lived Than Spoken – Consider the following values statement of a famous corporation. Respect – we treat others like we want to be treated. Integrity – we work with our customers with openness, honesty, and sincerity. Communication – we have an obligation to communicate, talk and above all to listen. Excellence – we are satisfied with nothing less than our best. Who is this famous corporation – ENRON! Here is the truth of the matter; For leadership to be good and lasting, it must be preceded by good living. Good living comes from good values! If there is a disconnect between what you say is important and what you do, then teaching values is worthless. So is rhetoric. The actions you and I take is what gives us real credibility. Good Values Change Your World – The largest bank of Guatemala, Bantrab in 2014 began to take seriously the idea of good values can change your world. They used Transformation Tables (Discussion groups) to teach and advance good values to 2,792 employees. The impact was a 3% growth initially and they would go on to become one of the nations top 3% performers. This company model would expand to their clients and customers, impacting over 1500 clients/companies that is changing a nation. Good Values Make You More Valuable – Here is the truth of the matter; Organizations don’t transform, people do! Good values will help you gage your emotions, vision, attitude, speech, desires, and life direction. LINKS Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on iTunes – SUBSCRIBE Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on Stitcher – SUBSCRIBE FREE GIFT – “Servant Leadership Questions” – Click on the icon at the bottom of the page Executive Coaching Service– Private message me for details on this customizable service Birkman Assessment Leadershift by John Maxwell Q&amp;A – Contact me at ShepherdsAdvantage@gmail.com Music: “Gratitude Mood” by David Arivett. You can learn more about his music by clicking on his name. THANKS DAVID!

The Enron scandal of the early 2000’s awakened a great need for business ethics. What came out of that awakening was a realization there is no such thing as business ethics. There is only ethics!. So what is the foundation of ethics? Could it be that the Golden Rule is the foundation of all ethics? After all in all major religions of the world there is a narration that discusses treating others as you desired to be treated. The verbiage may be different, but the essence is the same. John Maxwell coined the statement that “Everything rises and falls on leadership.” However, do you know what two things are responsible for making leadership rise? The first is competence. No one wants to follow and incompetent leader. The second is values. Values defined is simply principles that guide our decisions and behaviors. When the value system is good, it only brings benefits and never harm to yourself or others. I want to give you 4 more Qualifiers that comprise Good Values Good Values Establish Trust – To thrive in this upside-down world, trust must be the foundation. A movement can only move at the speed of trust because of the inherent trust in the collaboration process. Consider these three facets of positive relationships. (1) Generosity – giving up resources for the whole, (2) Humility – giving up your won importance, position and power, &amp; (3) Integrity – Truthfulness so that others can depend on your character. Think about these facets this way…… Generosity is the fuel for transformation. It is the opposite of selfishness. Proverbs declares; a generous person will prosper, whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. Humility is the spirit of transformation. It is the opposite of Pride. Proverbs states when pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. Integrity is the strength of transformation. It is the opposite of deceit. Again Proverbs states the integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity. Good Values Are Better Lived Than Spoken – Consider the following values statement of a famous corporation. Respect – we treat others like we want to be treated. Integrity – we work with our customers with openness, honesty, and sincerity. Communication – we have an obligation to communicate, talk and above all to listen. Excellence – we are satisfied with nothing less than our best. Who is this famous corporation – ENRON! Here is the truth of the matter; For leadership to be good and lasting, it must be preceded by good living. Good living comes from good values! If there is a disconnect between what you say is important and what you do, then teaching values is worthless. So is rhetoric. The actions you and I take is what gives us real credibility. Good Values Change Your World – The largest bank of Guatemala, Bantrab in 2014 began to take seriously the idea of good values can change your world. They used Transformation Tables (Discussion groups) to teach and advance good values to 2,792 employees. The impact was a 3% growth initially and they would go on to become one of the nations top 3% performers. This company model would expand to their clients and customers, impacting over 1500 clients/companies that is changing a nation. Good Values Make You More Valuable – Here is the truth of the matter; Organizations don’t transform, people do! Good values will help you gage your emotions, vision, attitude, speech, desires, and life direction. LINKS Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on iTunes –<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/shepherds-advantage-leadership/id966183507?mt=2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> SUBSCRIBE</a> Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on Stitcher –<a href="http://stitcher.com/s?fid=84131&amp;refid=stpr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> SUBSCRIBE</a> FREE GIFT – “<a href="https://shepherdsadvantageinc.com/?page_id=2945(opens%20in%20a%20new%20tab)" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Servant Leadership Questions</a>” – Click on the icon at the bottom of the page <a href="http://shepherdsadvantageinc.com/?gnt_landingpage=executive-coaching-2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Executive Coaching Service</a>– Private message me for details on this customizable service <a href="https://shepherdsadvantageinc.com/?page_id=2834(opens%20in%20a%20new%20tab)" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Birkman Assessment</a> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Leadershift-Essential-Changes-Leader-Embrace/dp/0718098501/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&amp;qid=1580569326&amp;sr=8-1-spell" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Leadershift</a> by John Maxwell Q&amp;A – Contact me at ShepherdsAdvantage@gmail.com Music: “Gratitude Mood” by<a href="http://songsofdavid.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> David Arivett</a>. You can learn more about his music by clicking on his name. THANKS DAVID!

The Value of Values

The Enron scandal of the early 2000’s awakened a great need for business ethics. What came out of that awakening was a realization there is no such thing as business ethics. There is only ethics!. So what is the foundation of ethics? Could it be that the Golden Rule is the foundation of all ethics? After all in all major religions of the world there is a narration that discusses treating others as you desired to be treated. The verbiage may be different, but the essence is the same. John Maxwell coined the statement that “Everything rises and falls on leadership.” However, do you know what two things are responsible for making leadership rise? The first is competence. No one wants to follow and incompetent leader. The second is values. Values defined is simply principles that guide our decisions and behaviors. When the value system is good, it only brings benefits and never harm to yourself or others. I want to give you 8 Qualifiers that comprise Good Values. This is 2-part Podcast Series Good Values Make Positive Change Possible – Take notice of the list of values in the table below. Ask yourself, which of these values would you like to apply to your life right now? Choice is the difference maker when it comes to values. Choosing makes change possible! AttitudeGratitudeListeningResponsibilityCommitmentHopeLoveSelf-RegulationCommunicationHumilityPerseveranceSelf-WorthCourageInitiativePersonal GrowthServanthoodFairnessIntegrityPrioritiesTeachabilityForgivenessKindnessRelationshipsTeamworkGenerosityLeadershipRespectWork Ethic Good Values Always Value People – You might ask, how will I know if a value is good or not? There is one and only one standard that must be met. Values must value people all of the time in all situations. There are no shortcuts, no rationalizations, no exceptions. If a value values people, then it is positive and worth embracing. If it devalues people in any way, it is not a good value.  Millard Fuller, Founder of Habitat For Humanity stated; “For a community to be whole and healthy, it must be based upon people’s love and concern for each other.” Valuing people must be the cornerstone of your company enterprise. Become a Leader, Company, and non-profit that values people who values others and adds value to them. Good Values Must Be Personal – In his book, Awaken The Leader Within, Bill Perkins describes the difference between practices, principles, and values (pp. 35-36). He states “a practice is an activity or action that may work in one situation but not necessarily in another. Unlike a practice, a value applies to every situation. Values are different from principles. A principle is an external truth that is as reliable as a physical law such as the Law of Gravity…..While we may acknowledge the reliability of many principles, we only internalize those we deem important. When this happens, the principle has become a value that serves as an internal map we use to direct our lives. A value, then, is an internalized principle that guides our decisions.” If you desire to change your world, community, or family, you must internalize good values yourself before you will be able to change anything outside of yourself. Good Values Create Stability – The old adage is true; an empty bag will not stand up straight. Without good values a person is empty and weak. Americans tend to believe that a good job, financial stability, education, and technology will create the strength to hold up culture. Let’s consider the story of Palo Alto, California. This is the seat of Silicon Valley with higher-than-average income, lower than average unemployment, and 4x higher than the national average of teen suicide. What we know to be true is that Good Values provide structure and meaning so that people live more healthy and stable lives. Transformed people transform communities. Positive transformation comes from living out what never changes in a time when everything around you seems to be changing. Stephen Covey wrote once there are no shortcuts, but there is a pathway. That path is based upon principles revered throughout history. Meaningful living is not based upon speed or efficiency. Meaningful living is more of a matter good values. If your values are good, your life will be stable. LINKS Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on iTunes – SUBSCRIBE Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on Stitcher – SUBSCRIBE FREE GIFT – “Servant Leadership Questions” – Click on the icon at the bottom of the page Executive Coaching Service– Private message me for details on this customizable service Birkman Assessment Leadershift by John Maxwell Q&amp;A – Contact me at ShepherdsAdvantage@gmail.com Music: “Gratitude Mood” by David Arivett. You can learn more about his music by clicking on his name. THANKS DAVID!

The Enron scandal of the early 2000’s awakened a great need for business ethics. What came out of that awakening was a realization there is no such thing as business ethics. There is only ethics!. So what is the foundation of ethics? Could it be that the Golden Rule is the foundation of all ethics? After all in all major religions of the world there is a narration that discusses treating others as you desired to be treated. The verbiage may be different, but the essence is the same. John Maxwell coined the statement that “Everything rises and falls on leadership.” However, do you know what two things are responsible for making leadership rise? The first is competence. No one wants to follow and incompetent leader. The second is values. Values defined is simply principles that guide our decisions and behaviors. When the value system is good, it only brings benefits and never harm to yourself or others. I want to give you 8 Qualifiers that comprise Good Values. This is 2-part Podcast Series Good Values Make Positive Change Possible – Take notice of the list of values in the table below. Ask yourself, which of these values would you like to apply to your life right now? Choice is the difference maker when it comes to values. Choosing makes change possible! AttitudeGratitudeListeningResponsibilityCommitmentHopeLoveSelf-RegulationCommunicationHumilityPerseveranceSelf-WorthCourageInitiativePersonal GrowthServanthoodFairnessIntegrityPrioritiesTeachabilityForgivenessKindnessRelationshipsTeamworkGenerosityLeadershipRespectWork Ethic Good Values Always Value People – You might ask, how will I know if a value is good or not? There is one and only one standard that must be met. Values must value people all of the time in all situations. There are no shortcuts, no rationalizations, no exceptions. If a value values people, then it is positive and worth embracing. If it devalues people in any way, it is not a good value.  Millard Fuller, Founder of Habitat For Humanity stated; “For a community to be whole and healthy, it must be based upon people’s love and concern for each other.” Valuing people must be the cornerstone of your company enterprise. Become a Leader, Company, and non-profit that values people who values others and adds value to them. Good Values Must Be Personal – In his book, Awaken The Leader Within, Bill Perkins describes the difference between practices, principles, and values (pp. 35-36). He states “a practice is an activity or action that may work in one situation but not necessarily in another. Unlike a practice, a value applies to every situation. Values are different from principles. A principle is an external truth that is as reliable as a physical law such as the Law of Gravity…..While we may acknowledge the reliability of many principles, we only internalize those we deem important. When this happens, the principle has become a value that serves as an internal map we use to direct our lives. A value, then, is an internalized principle that guides our decisions.” If you desire to change your world, community, or family, you must internalize good values yourself before you will be able to change anything outside of yourself. Good Values Create Stability – The old adage is true; an empty bag will not stand up straight. Without good values a person is empty and weak. Americans tend to believe that a good job, financial stability, education, and technology will create the strength to hold up culture. Let’s consider the story of Palo Alto, California. This is the seat of Silicon Valley with higher-than-average income, lower than average unemployment, and 4x higher than the national average of teen suicide. What we know to be true is that Good Values provide structure and meaning so that people live more healthy and stable lives. Transformed people transform communities. Positive transformation comes from living out what never changes in a time when everything around you seems to be changing. Stephen Covey wrote once there are no shortcuts, but there is a pathway. That path is based upon principles revered throughout history. Meaningful living is not based upon speed or efficiency. Meaningful living is more of a matter good values. If your values are good, your life will be stable. LINKS Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on iTunes –<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/shepherds-advantage-leadership/id966183507?mt=2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> SUBSCRIBE</a> Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on Stitcher –<a href="http://stitcher.com/s?fid=84131&amp;refid=stpr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> SUBSCRIBE</a> FREE GIFT – “<a href="https://shepherdsadvantageinc.com/?page_id=2945(opens%20in%20a%20new%20tab)" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Servant Leadership Questions</a>” – Click on the icon at the bottom of the page <a href="http://shepherdsadvantageinc.com/?gnt_landingpage=executive-coaching-2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Executive Coaching Service</a>– Private message me for details on this customizable service <a href="https://shepherdsadvantageinc.com/?page_id=2834(opens%20in%20a%20new%20tab)" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Birkman Assessment</a> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Leadershift-Essential-Changes-Leader-Embrace/dp/0718098501/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&amp;qid=1580569326&amp;sr=8-1-spell" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Leadershift</a> by John Maxwell Q&amp;A – Contact me at ShepherdsAdvantage@gmail.com Music: “Gratitude Mood” by<a href="http://songsofdavid.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> David Arivett</a>. You can learn more about his music by clicking on his name. THANKS DAVID!

To start this discussion, there is a fundamental desire in each person to be part of something that is bigger than themselves. People desire to leave a positive legacy for others to learn and follow. Even our English word, Religion comes from the Latin word “ligare” means to link our lives with something that is bigger than ourselves. Yes, even in the basic concepts of faith we learn there is a desire to connect with larger causes, reaching beyond ourselves. To answer the question why people rally around various causes, let’s consider three key thoughts. People seek connections with other people – Generally speaking people desire a sense of community which simply starts with people getting together. Connecting centers around d shared purposes. Accomplishment of tasks and goals is the bond that keeps people together. Having a sense of purpose creates an extra level of connection that can lead us to make a movement. From late 2019 to the present the world is being awakened to a consciousness of being connected of the lack of connection. Global citizens are asking quietly 3 key questions: (1) Do you know me? (2) Can you help me (3) Can I trust you? I would suggest now more than ever, people are awakening to a desire to make a difference and realigning their life and resources in order to accomplish this sense of connected purpose. People are seeking participation of something bigger than themselves – Busyness is not satisfying! Now more than ever we are searching for that which is meaningful. A life of purpose is satisfying! It is immensely more gratifying to connect to larger causes. Ultimately, we ae looking to connect to a cause that allows us to express our deepest desires and highest aspirations. Said another way, people want to create memories by participating in something that is memorable. If you question if this statement is true, then ask yourself why people would be willing to wear different color bracelets identifying a cause, or wear something pink to identify with Breast Cancer Awareness, or to participate in the Ice-Bucket Challenge? When enough people sharing the same values follow their desires to make a difference and do it together, a movement is born. People want to receive value from giving – Many times we focus on the the “cause” itself and feel that is the sufficient reason why so many people are joining. However, we cannot discount the fact that many times people desire to feel their effort was meaningful and worth their investment. It is a “feel-good” emotional driver. That said, the ultimate return for people is this: Give enough to others long enough and we receive more than we gave. Love people deeply enough and love return many times over. Lift people high enough and we get lifted even higher. Consider the following progression of adding value that was birthed by John Maxwell. Desire – “I want to add value to others.” Question – “How can I add value to others?” Community – “I know people who add value to others.” Observation – “I see how they add value to others.” Joining – “Can I help you add value to others?” Equipping – “I know how to add value to others.” Action – “I am adding value to others!” Feedback – They tell me I am adding value to them.” Fulfillment – “I am content when I am adding value to others.” Motivation – “I want to keep adding value to others.” Sharing – “Let’s add value to each other.” Growing – “Let’s find others to add value to.” Changing – “Adding value to others is changing me.” Receiving – “Those who I added value to have multiplied value back to me!” Life Mantra – I want to make a difference, with people who make a difference, while doing something that makes a difference, for such a time as this! LINKS Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on iTunes – SUBSCRIBE Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on Stitcher – SUBSCRIBE FREE GIFT – “Servant Leadership Questions” – Click on the icon at the bottom of the page Executive Coaching Service– Private message me for details on this customizable service Birkman Assessment Leadershift by John Maxwell Q&amp;A – Contact me at ShepherdsAdvantage@gmail.com Music: “Gratitude Mood” by David Arivett. You can learn more about his music by clicking on his name. THANKS DAVID!

To start this discussion, there is a fundamental desire in each person to be part of something that is bigger than themselves. People desire to leave a positive legacy for others to learn and follow. Even our English word, Religion comes from the Latin word “ligare” means to link our lives with something that is bigger than ourselves. Yes, even in the basic concepts of faith we learn there is a desire to connect with larger causes, reaching beyond ourselves. To answer the question why people rally around various causes, let’s consider three key thoughts. People seek connections with other people – Generally speaking people desire a sense of community which simply starts with people getting together. Connecting centers around d shared purposes. Accomplishment of tasks and goals is the bond that keeps people together. Having a sense of purpose creates an extra level of connection that can lead us to make a movement. From late 2019 to the present the world is being awakened to a consciousness of being connected of the lack of connection. Global citizens are asking quietly 3 key questions: (1) Do you know me? (2) Can you help me (3) Can I trust you? I would suggest now more than ever, people are awakening to a desire to make a difference and realigning their life and resources in order to accomplish this sense of connected purpose. People are seeking participation of something bigger than themselves – Busyness is not satisfying! Now more than ever we are searching for that which is meaningful. A life of purpose is satisfying! It is immensely more gratifying to connect to larger causes. Ultimately, we ae looking to connect to a cause that allows us to express our deepest desires and highest aspirations. Said another way, people want to create memories by participating in something that is memorable. If you question if this statement is true, then ask yourself why people would be willing to wear different color bracelets identifying a cause, or wear something pink to identify with Breast Cancer Awareness, or to participate in the Ice-Bucket Challenge? When enough people sharing the same values follow their desires to make a difference and do it together, a movement is born. People want to receive value from giving – Many times we focus on the the “cause” itself and feel that is the sufficient reason why so many people are joining. However, we cannot discount the fact that many times people desire to feel their effort was meaningful and worth their investment. It is a “feel-good” emotional driver. That said, the ultimate return for people is this: Give enough to others long enough and we receive more than we gave. Love people deeply enough and love return many times over. Lift people high enough and we get lifted even higher. Consider the following progression of adding value that was birthed by John Maxwell. Desire – “I want to add value to others.” Question – “How can I add value to others?” Community – “I know people who add value to others.” Observation – “I see how they add value to others.” Joining – “Can I help you add value to others?” Equipping – “I know how to add value to others.” Action – “I am adding value to others!” Feedback – They tell me I am adding value to them.” Fulfillment – “I am content when I am adding value to others.” Motivation – “I want to keep adding value to others.” Sharing – “Let’s add value to each other.” Growing – “Let’s find others to add value to.” Changing – “Adding value to others is changing me.” Receiving – “Those who I added value to have multiplied value back to me!” Life Mantra – I want to make a difference, with people who make a difference, while doing something that makes a difference, for such a time as this! LINKS Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on iTunes –<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/shepherds-advantage-leadership/id966183507?mt=2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> SUBSCRIBE</a> Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on Stitcher –<a href="http://stitcher.com/s?fid=84131&amp;refid=stpr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> SUBSCRIBE</a> FREE GIFT – “<a href="https://shepherdsadvantageinc.com/?page_id=2945(opens%20in%20a%20new%20tab)" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Servant Leadership Questions</a>” – Click on the icon at the bottom of the page <a href="http://shepherdsadvantageinc.com/?gnt_landingpage=executive-coaching-2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Executive Coaching Service</a>– Private message me for details on this customizable service <a href="https://shepherdsadvantageinc.com/?page_id=2834(opens%20in%20a%20new%20tab)" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Birkman Assessment</a> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Leadershift-Essential-Changes-Leader-Embrace/dp/0718098501/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&amp;qid=1580569326&amp;sr=8-1-spell" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Leadershift</a> by John Maxwell Q&amp;A – Contact me at ShepherdsAdvantage@gmail.com Music: “Gratitude Mood” by<a href="http://songsofdavid.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> David Arivett</a>. You can learn more about his music by clicking on his name. THANKS DAVID!

A Cause Bigger Than You

In tough times all great leaders stretch in the direction of a challenge. On the other hand, followers shrink from or in the opposite direction of a challenge. Realize this truth, you are not made in a crisis, you are revealed by it. When squeezed oranges and lemons reveal their nature. Human beings when squeezed by the pressures of our day reveal what is on the inside – negative or positive. This is going to be a 2-part Podcast with this one being the second. We will look at principles that I have learned from a variety of authors, speakers and teachers. In full disclosure, I must admit my profound privilege to be a founding member of the John Maxwell Company. My learning has been accelerated by a factor of 10x. Let’s dive into Part 2. Learn From Bad Experiences – Peter Drucker is credited with saying a crisis must never be experienced for the second time. Famous Chef Wolfgang Puck stated that he learned more from the one restaurant that failed than from all the ones that did. It has been said that experience is the best teacher. I would modify that by saying that evaluated experience is the best teacher. Value Teamwork – It is true in any endeavor that as the challenge escalates, the need for Teamwork elevates in relation to the challenge. The true measure of a successful; leader is getting people to work hard together. Team leaders believe they do not have all the answers, they believe they do not need to make all the decisions. They do believe they cannot succeed without the combined contributions of all other team members. Give Hope – It has been said the first and last task of a leader is to keep hope alive – the hope that we will be able to find our way through difficult days. Hope is the foundation of change! Understand the difference between Optimism and Hope. Optimism is a passive belief that things will get better. Hope is an active belief that together we can make things better. Make It Happen – Modern leaders are measured by the size of the problem they are willing to tackle. Get out of the comfort zone of familiarity and dare to step into the challenge zone of doing something you have never attempted. Risk is required! Charles Parnell stated that far too many people are having what is called “near-life experiences.” They always hedge the bet and never dare anything of worth. Watch Their Attitude – It is amazing to me after 40+ years in leadership how people still do not realize that attitude is a choice. You cannot always stop what happens to you, but you can make a choice of what happens in you. Attitude isn’t everything, it’s just the main thing that determines how we are going to handle problems. Your attitude is what will separate you as a successful leader from being an unsuccessful leader. As a final word, TRUST GOD! All I have seen teaches me to trust the Creator for all I have not seen! LINKS Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on iTunes – SUBSCRIBE Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on Stitcher – SUBSCRIBE FREE GIFT – “Servant Leadership Questions” – Click on the icon at the bottom of the page Executive Coaching Service– Private message me for details on this customizable service Birkman Assessment Leadershift by John Maxwell Q&amp;A – Contact me at ShepherdsAdvantage@gmail.com Music: “Gratitude Mood” by David Arivett. You can learn more about his music by clicking on his name. THANKS DAVID!

In tough times all great leaders stretch in the direction of a challenge. On the other hand, followers shrink from or in the opposite direction of a challenge. Realize this truth, you are not made in a crisis, you are revealed by it. When squeezed oranges and lemons reveal their nature. Human beings when squeezed by the pressures of our day reveal what is on the inside – negative or positive. This is going to be a 2-part Podcast with this one being the second. We will look at principles that I have learned from a variety of authors, speakers and teachers. In full disclosure, I must admit my profound privilege to be a founding member of the John Maxwell Company. My learning has been accelerated by a factor of 10x. Let’s dive into Part 2. Learn From Bad Experiences – Peter Drucker is credited with saying a crisis must never be experienced for the second time. Famous Chef Wolfgang Puck stated that he learned more from the one restaurant that failed than from all the ones that did. It has been said that experience is the best teacher. I would modify that by saying that evaluated experience is the best teacher. Value Teamwork – It is true in any endeavor that as the challenge escalates, the need for Teamwork elevates in relation to the challenge. The true measure of a successful; leader is getting people to work hard together. Team leaders believe they do not have all the answers, they believe they do not need to make all the decisions. They do believe they cannot succeed without the combined contributions of all other team members. Give Hope – It has been said the first and last task of a leader is to keep hope alive – the hope that we will be able to find our way through difficult days. Hope is the foundation of change! Understand the difference between Optimism and Hope. Optimism is a passive belief that things will get better. Hope is an active belief that together we can make things better. Make It Happen – Modern leaders are measured by the size of the problem they are willing to tackle. Get out of the comfort zone of familiarity and dare to step into the challenge zone of doing something you have never attempted. Risk is required! Charles Parnell stated that far too many people are having what is called “near-life experiences.” They always hedge the bet and never dare anything of worth. Watch Their Attitude – It is amazing to me after 40+ years in leadership how people still do not realize that attitude is a choice. You cannot always stop what happens to you, but you can make a choice of what happens in you. Attitude isn’t everything, it’s just the main thing that determines how we are going to handle problems. Your attitude is what will separate you as a successful leader from being an unsuccessful leader. As a final word, TRUST GOD! All I have seen teaches me to trust the Creator for all I have not seen! LINKS Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on iTunes –<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/shepherds-advantage-leadership/id966183507?mt=2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> SUBSCRIBE</a> Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on Stitcher –<a href="http://stitcher.com/s?fid=84131&amp;refid=stpr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> SUBSCRIBE</a> FREE GIFT – “<a href="https://shepherdsadvantageinc.com/?page_id=2945(opens%20in%20a%20new%20tab)" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Servant Leadership Questions</a>” – Click on the icon at the bottom of the page <a href="http://shepherdsadvantageinc.com/?gnt_landingpage=executive-coaching-2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Executive Coaching Service</a>– Private message me for details on this customizable service <a href="https://shepherdsadvantageinc.com/?page_id=2834(opens%20in%20a%20new%20tab)" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Birkman Assessment</a> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Leadershift-Essential-Changes-Leader-Embrace/dp/0718098501/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&amp;qid=1580569326&amp;sr=8-1-spell" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Leadershift</a> by John Maxwell Q&amp;A – Contact me at ShepherdsAdvantage@gmail.com Music: “Gratitude Mood” by<a href="http://songsofdavid.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> David Arivett</a>. You can learn more about his music by clicking on his name. THANKS DAVID!

Tough Times

In tough times all great leaders stretch in the direction of a challenge. On the other hand, followers shrink from or in the opposite direction of a challenge. Realize this truth, you are not made in a crisis, you are revealed by it. When squeezed oranges and lemons reveal their nature. Human beings when squeezed by the pressures of our day reveal what is on the inside – negative or positive. This is going to be a 2-part Podcast with this one being the first. We will look at principles that I have learned from a variety of authors, speakers and teachers. In full disclosure, I must admit my profound privilege to be a founding member of the John Maxwell Company. My learning has been accelerated by a factor of 10x. Let’s dive into part 1. During Tough Times, Leaders …… Face Reality The first responsibility of a leader during a crisis is define reality. Peter Drucker stated that times of turbulence are dangerous times, but the greatest danger is a temptation to deny reality as a leader. Why is it hard to face reality? Here are some possible reasons. (1) Leaders tend to surround themselves with people who are like them (2) Leaders have selective hearing 0 hearing only what you want to hear (3) Leaders engage in wishful thinking (4) Fear of contrary viewpoints. Simply stated, facing reality is to see things as they are, not as they were, or we wished they were.  See The Big Picture It has been stated that vision is the world’s most desperate need. There are no hopeless situations, only people who think hopelessly.  Andy Stanley suggests that uncertainity is not an indication of poor leadership. It is the opposite – it indicates a need for leadership because there is always an element of uncertainity. A leader’s temptation is to think that if I were truly a good leader, I would know exactly what to do. Realize this truth, Leaders can afford to be uncertain, but we cannot afford to be unclear. People will not follow fuzzy leadership! Make Good Choices   Consider the choices you should have made prior to tough times. (1) Settle your values – Who I am (2) Mission – What I do (3) Responsibilities – What must I do (4) Potential Problems – What should I do. Consider choices that you make during tough times. Peter Drucker offers some excellent wisdom here. (1) Courageous Decisions – What must be done? (2) Priority Decisions – What must be done first? Drucker suggests first things first and last things not at all (3) Change Decisions – What must be done differently? (4) Creative Decisions – What are my options? (5) Support Decisions – Who can help me? In any decision-making process there is a finite number of options, usually not more than five. They include (1) Keeping things the way they are; and (5) Changing everything in a dramatic way. Which only leaves you three options – Pick one! LINKS Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on iTunes – SUBSCRIBE Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on Stitcher – SUBSCRIBE FREE GIFT – “Servant Leadership Questions” – Click on the icon at the bottom of the page Executive Coaching Service– Private message me for details on this customizable service Birkman Assessment Leadershift by John Maxwell Q&amp;A – Contact me at ShepherdsAdvantage@gmail.com Music: “Gratitude Mood” by David Arivett. You can learn more about his music by clicking on his name. THANKS DAVID!

In tough times all great leaders stretch in the direction of a challenge. On the other hand, followers shrink from or in the opposite direction of a challenge. Realize this truth, you are not made in a crisis, you are revealed by it. When squeezed oranges and lemons reveal their nature. Human beings when squeezed by the pressures of our day reveal what is on the inside – negative or positive. This is going to be a 2-part Podcast with this one being the first. We will look at principles that I have learned from a variety of authors, speakers and teachers. In full disclosure, I must admit my profound privilege to be a founding member of the John Maxwell Company. My learning has been accelerated by a factor of 10x. Let’s dive into part 1. During Tough Times, Leaders …… Face Reality The first responsibility of a leader during a crisis is define reality. Peter Drucker stated that times of turbulence are dangerous times, but the greatest danger is a temptation to deny reality as a leader. Why is it hard to face reality? Here are some possible reasons. (1) Leaders tend to surround themselves with people who are like them (2) Leaders have selective hearing 0 hearing only what you want to hear (3) Leaders engage in wishful thinking (4) Fear of contrary viewpoints. Simply stated, facing reality is to see things as they are, not as they were, or we wished they were.  See The Big Picture It has been stated that vision is the world’s most desperate need. There are no hopeless situations, only people who think hopelessly. Andy Stanley suggests that uncertainity is not an indication of poor leadership. It is the opposite – it indicates a need for leadership because there is always an element of uncertainity. A leader’s temptation is to think that if I were truly a good leader, I would know exactly what to do. Realize this truth, Leaders can afford to be uncertain, but we cannot afford to be unclear. People will not follow fuzzy leadership! Make Good Choices   Consider the choices you should have made prior to tough times. (1) Settle your values – Who I am (2) Mission – What I do (3) Responsibilities – What must I do (4) Potential Problems – What should I do. Consider choices that you make during tough times. Peter Drucker offers some excellent wisdom here. (1) Courageous Decisions – What must be done? (2) Priority Decisions – What must be done first? Drucker suggests first things first and last things not at all (3) Change Decisions – What must be done differently? (4) Creative Decisions – What are my options? (5) Support Decisions – Who can help me? In any decision-making process there is a finite number of options, usually not more than five. They include (1) Keeping things the way they are; and (5) Changing everything in a dramatic way. Which only leaves you three options – Pick one! LINKS Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on iTunes –<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/shepherds-advantage-leadership/id966183507?mt=2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> SUBSCRIBE</a> Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on Stitcher –<a href="http://stitcher.com/s?fid=84131&amp;refid=stpr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> SUBSCRIBE</a> FREE GIFT – “<a href="https://shepherdsadvantageinc.com/?page_id=2945(opens%20in%20a%20new%20tab)" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Servant Leadership Questions</a>” – Click on the icon at the bottom of the page <a href="http://shepherdsadvantageinc.com/?gnt_landingpage=executive-coaching-2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Executive Coaching Service</a>– Private message me for details on this customizable service <a href="https://shepherdsadvantageinc.com/?page_id=2834(opens%20in%20a%20new%20tab)" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Birkman Assessment</a> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Leadershift-Essential-Changes-Leader-Embrace/dp/0718098501/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&amp;qid=1580569326&amp;sr=8-1-spell" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Leadershift</a> by John Maxwell Q&amp;A – Contact me at ShepherdsAdvantage@gmail.com Music: “Gratitude Mood” by<a href="http://songsofdavid.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> David Arivett</a>. You can learn more about his music by clicking on his name. THANKS DAVID!

In 2019, Signa Health conducted a global survey with over 20,000 participants. Here is a quick snapshot of what they learned. Half of all surveyed reported that either always or sometimes they felt alone. Only one-half of those surveyed have meaningful social interaction daily The Gen-Z’s (18 somethings) are the loneliest generation. They are claiming poorer mental/emotional health than Seniors/Elders. Loneliness was already and epidemic before the pandemic. Consider what has changed in our world…… 13yrs ago smartphones were scarce in terms of today’s abundance 80% of world’s population has a smart phone. Positive aspects of this truth – accessibility and availability Negative aspects of this truth – accessibility and availability Because we can be all-consumed in the digital world, we are hindered from being fully present in key moments of life. Technology Free Zones are now a thing. Social platforms allow us to present a “faux” image without ever being authentic. We are missing the joy of being fully loved, fully excepted, and fully known for who we are. Our attention span has shrunk – 12-week groups are now 3–4-week groups We are witnessing the death of conversation. Social interaction is nothing more than an FB post, Memes, and Snap-chats moments. Consider the following resource: www.groupleaders.org It is obvious there are a lot of changes in our world. But do we simply shrug our shoulders as if that is all there is to be said? What are we missing? What if I told you that what is missing is as old as civilization itself. Since the Garden with Adam and Eve there has been a struggle between forces of Good and Forces of Evil. This is a major starting presupposition that we seemingly are uneasy to talk about. “We are so enlightened these day” we say to ourselves. Yet the belly of civilization has true pure unadulterated evil at its core. We are attempting to rewrite the Law of Noncontradiction which says that something cannot be true and false at the same time in the same way. This is a way to think about reality. However, this does not suggest that people cannot have differing emotions about an experience. Differing emotions does not settle a matter, this is part of subjective reality. What is true for you may not be true for me. Subjective Reality cannot stand under its own weight because of the constant changing emotional state of people over time. Leading in difficult times will be emotional. Your decisions as a leader must remain objective. Simply because of the outcry of the many does not give authority that something subjective is now objective. Instead, it affirms more that which is subjective shifts with time because of inconsistency. Great leaders STRETCH toward a challenge. Followers SHRINK from a challenge. LINKS Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on iTunes – SUBSCRIBE Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on Stitcher – SUBSCRIBE FREE GIFT – “Servant Leadership Questions” – Click on the icon at the bottom of the page Executive Coaching Service– Private message me for details on this customizable service Birkman Assessment Leadershift by John Maxwell Q&amp;A – Contact me at ShepherdsAdvantage@gmail.com Music: “Gratitude Mood” by David Arivett. You can learn more about his music by clicking on his name. THANKS DAVID!

In 2019, Signa Health conducted a global survey with over 20,000 participants. Here is a quick snapshot of what they learned. Half of all surveyed reported that either always or sometimes they felt alone. Only one-half of those surveyed have meaningful social interaction daily The Gen-Z’s (18 somethings) are the loneliest generation. They are claiming poorer mental/emotional health than Seniors/Elders. Loneliness was already and epidemic before the pandemic. Consider what has changed in our world…… 13yrs ago smartphones were scarce in terms of today’s abundance 80% of world’s population has a smart phone. Positive aspects of this truth – accessibility and availability Negative aspects of this truth – accessibility and availability Because we can be all-consumed in the digital world, we are hindered from being fully present in key moments of life. Technology Free Zones are now a thing. Social platforms allow us to present a “faux” image without ever being authentic. We are missing the joy of being fully loved, fully excepted, and fully known for who we are. Our attention span has shrunk – 12-week groups are now 3–4-week groups We are witnessing the death of conversation. Social interaction is nothing more than an FB post, Memes, and Snap-chats moments. Consider the following resource: <a href="http://www.groupleaders.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.groupleaders.org</a> It is obvious there are a lot of changes in our world. But do we simply shrug our shoulders as if that is all there is to be said? What are we missing? What if I told you that what is missing is as old as civilization itself. Since the Garden with Adam and Eve there has been a struggle between forces of Good and Forces of Evil. This is a major starting presupposition that we seemingly are uneasy to talk about. “We are so enlightened these day” we say to ourselves. Yet the belly of civilization has true pure unadulterated evil at its core. We are attempting to rewrite the Law of Noncontradiction which says that something cannot be true and false at the same time in the same way. This is a way to think about reality. However, this does not suggest that people cannot have differing emotions about an experience. Differing emotions does not settle a matter, this is part of subjective reality. What is true for you may not be true for me. Subjective Reality cannot stand under its own weight because of the constant changing emotional state of people over time. Leading in difficult times will be emotional. Your decisions as a leader must remain objective. Simply because of the outcry of the many does not give authority that something subjective is now objective. Instead, it affirms more that which is subjective shifts with time because of inconsistency. Great leaders STRETCH toward a challenge. Followers SHRINK from a challenge. LINKS Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on iTunes –<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/shepherds-advantage-leadership/id966183507?mt=2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> SUBSCRIBE</a> Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on Stitcher –<a href="http://stitcher.com/s?fid=84131&amp;refid=stpr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> SUBSCRIBE</a> FREE GIFT – “<a href="https://shepherdsadvantageinc.com/?page_id=2945(opens%20in%20a%20new%20tab)" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Servant Leadership Questions</a>” – Click on the icon at the bottom of the page <a href="http://shepherdsadvantageinc.com/?gnt_landingpage=executive-coaching-2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Executive Coaching Service</a>– Private message me for details on this customizable service <a href="https://shepherdsadvantageinc.com/?page_id=2834(opens%20in%20a%20new%20tab)" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Birkman Assessment</a> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Leadershift-Essential-Changes-Leader-Embrace/dp/0718098501/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&amp;qid=1580569326&amp;sr=8-1-spell" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Leadershift</a> by John Maxwell Q&amp;A – Contact me at ShepherdsAdvantage@gmail.com Music: “Gratitude Mood” by<a href="http://songsofdavid.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> David Arivett</a>. You can learn more about his music by clicking on his name. THANKS DAVID!

Leading In Difficult Times

Making A Difference With People Who Make A Difference

It goes without saying, but saying it is important – One is too small a number to achieve greatness. Individually, we can make a change in our world. But if that work increases, you will need others to keep the momentum moving. That is when transformation begins. Entrepreneur and LinkedIn cofounder Reid Hoffman states, No matter how brilliant your mind or strategy, if you are playing a solo game, you will always lose out to a team. If you are ready to play on a transformational team, then follow these simple truths. We Is More Important Me Pastor Chuck Swindoll wrote a number of years ago that no one person is a chain. Each one is a link. Take away one link and the chain is broken. No one person is a team. Each are players. In short, we need each other. It has been said that TEAM stands for Together-Everyone-Accomplishes-More. As soon as you decide that you want to make a difference, you now must conclude to make a difference with people. Who Is More Important Than How   We must take our passion to make a difference with people to another level. Not just any person, but people who also want to make a difference. Who is far more important than how when it comes to transformation. If in fact making a difference is the goal, then logically everyone must work in the same direction for the same goal. Who should you team up with to transform your world? Start by locating people that are already in process with what you envision. Also it may be helpful for you to start gathering people from your own network of people then expand it beyond as needed. Stanley Milgram in the 1960’s developed the “six-degrees” of separation between any two people that desire to connect for a cause. With social media that has been refined to 3.2 degrees of separation. Think about that fact. You are closer to key people than you realize! What Unites Us Is Greater Than What Divides Us One of the key questions when aligning yourself with others is “Do we have a values match?” When your values match each other, you will experience alignment, unity, and effectiveness. Otherwise, you  will end in frustration and conflict. Benjamin Franklin, at the signing of the Constitution stated, “We must all hang together, or we will hang separately.” They shared a common bond for Liberty – that is what held them together. John F. Kennedy stated, “Let both sides explore what problems unite us instead of belaboring the problems which divide us.” What I Have Is More Important Than What I Lack Leverage the strengths you already have, to benefit others. Poet Markham states; There is a destiny that makes us brothers; None goes his way alone: All that we send into the lives of others comes back into our own. All individuals have a place in which their contribution is maximized. You have a unique role to take and unique contributions to make if you can discover them. Collaboration Is More Important Than Cooperation As a nation we are currently in a season of hostility, division, and partisanship. People would rather draw lines and throw stones than engage in conversation and try to find solutions. Simple cooperation is nothing more than unity for the sake of unity. Collaboration is unity for the sake of a shared vision. Cooperation says “Let’s get along or else nothing will get done!” Collaboration says “Let’s work together because this has to be done!” This is far more than a political wish list agenda or social re-engineering or Corporate take-over. LINKS Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on iTunes – SUBSCRIBE Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on Stitcher – SUBSCRIBE FREE GIFT – “Servant Leadership Questions” – Click on the icon at the bottom of the page Executive Coaching Service– Private message me for details on this customizable service Birkman Assessment Leadershift by John Maxwell Q&amp;A – Contact me at ShepherdsAdvantage@gmail.com Music: “Gratitude Mood” by David Arivett. You can learn more about his music by clicking on his name. THANKS DAVID!

It goes without saying, but saying it is important – One is too small a number to achieve greatness. Individually, we can make a change in our world. But if that work increases, you will need others to keep the momentum moving. That is when transformation begins. Entrepreneur and LinkedIn cofounder Reid Hoffman states, No matter how brilliant your mind or strategy, if you are playing a solo game, you will always lose out to a team. If you are ready to play on a transformational team, then follow these simple truths. We Is More Important Me Pastor Chuck Swindoll wrote a number of years ago that no one person is a chain. Each one is a link. Take away one link and the chain is broken. No one person is a team. Each are players. In short, we need each other. It has been said that TEAM stands for Together-Everyone-Accomplishes-More. As soon as you decide that you want to make a difference, you now must conclude to make a difference with people. Who Is More Important Than How   We must take our passion to make a difference with people to another level. Not just any person, but people who also want to make a difference. Who is far more important than how when it comes to transformation. If in fact making a difference is the goal, then logically everyone must work in the same direction for the same goal. Who should you team up with to transform your world? Start by locating people that are already in process with what you envision. Also it may be helpful for you to start gathering people from your own network of people then expand it beyond as needed. Stanley Milgram in the 1960’s developed the “six-degrees” of separation between any two people that desire to connect for a cause. With social media that has been refined to 3.2 degrees of separation. Think about that fact. You are closer to key people than you realize! What Unites Us Is Greater Than What Divides Us One of the key questions when aligning yourself with others is “Do we have a values match?” When your values match each other, you will experience alignment, unity, and effectiveness. Otherwise, you  will end in frustration and conflict. Benjamin Franklin, at the signing of the Constitution stated, “We must all hang together, or we will hang separately.” They shared a common bond for Liberty – that is what held them together. John F. Kennedy stated, “Let both sides explore what problems unite us instead of belaboring the problems which divide us.” What I Have Is More Important Than What I Lack Leverage the strengths you already have, to benefit others. Poet Markham states; There is a destiny that makes us brothers; None goes his way alone: All that we send into the lives of others comes back into our own. All individuals have a place in which their contribution is maximized. You have a unique role to take and unique contributions to make if you can discover them. Collaboration Is More Important Than Cooperation As a nation we are currently in a season of hostility, division, and partisanship. People would rather draw lines and throw stones than engage in conversation and try to find solutions. Simple cooperation is nothing more than unity for the sake of unity. Collaboration is unity for the sake of a shared vision. Cooperation says “Let’s get along or else nothing will get done!” Collaboration says “Let’s work together because this has to be done!” This is far more than a political wish list agenda or social re-engineering or Corporate take-over. LINKS Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on iTunes –<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/shepherds-advantage-leadership/id966183507?mt=2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> SUBSCRIBE</a> Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on Stitcher –<a href="http://stitcher.com/s?fid=84131&amp;refid=stpr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> SUBSCRIBE</a> FREE GIFT – “<a href="https://shepherdsadvantageinc.com/?page_id=2945(opens%20in%20a%20new%20tab)" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Servant Leadership Questions</a>” – Click on the icon at the bottom of the page <a href="http://shepherdsadvantageinc.com/?gnt_landingpage=executive-coaching-2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Executive Coaching Service</a>– Private message me for details on this customizable service <a href="https://shepherdsadvantageinc.com/?page_id=2834(opens%20in%20a%20new%20tab)" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Birkman Assessment</a> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Leadershift-Essential-Changes-Leader-Embrace/dp/0718098501/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&amp;qid=1580569326&amp;sr=8-1-spell" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Leadershift</a> by John Maxwell Q&amp;A – Contact me at ShepherdsAdvantage@gmail.com Music: “Gratitude Mood” by<a href="http://songsofdavid.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> David Arivett</a>. You can learn more about his music by clicking on his name. THANKS DAVID!

Transformational Truths

When it comes to changing our world, the first person transformed is the change agent and then it expands. This does not happen unless it starts within an individual. Let’s examine 4 key truths on becoming a change agent for such a time as this! Change Begins with Caring: I Want To Make A Difference JFK stated that everyone has a change-the-world speech inside them. When you tell someone they can become a change agent, that sounds in intimidating. Truthfully, it is as simple as a desire to make a difference – it is humble at the outset. The question for each of is, Do I want to make a difference in my world? The statement attributed to JFK was in his launch of the Peace Corps. He went on to personally state that I believe you have a change-the-world speech inside of you You just need to nurture it. Change Stands Up for A Cause: Doing Something That Makes A Difference As that seed grows in you, it becomes more defined. What you need to do becomes clearer. You begin to connect with a cause that is from the heart. You begin to take action that makes a difference. Many of these early step will be small steps. Do not shun the ancient writing that says, “Do not despise these small beginnings.” Small actions made consistently, leads to BIG things. What are some small things you can do that will make a big impact? Change Spreads From Me To We: With People Who Want To Make A Difference As you work to make a difference and witness the change occurring this leads to a new beginning. This in turn cause you to become attractional to others who want to make a difference. You become the example for others to do the same thing in their life. Your efforts grow from ME to WE. Change Stands Up for A Cause: Doing Something That Makes A Difference As that seed grows in you, it becomes more defined. What you need to do becomes clearer. You begin to connect with a cause that is from the heart. You begin to take action that makes a difference. Many of these early step will be small steps. Do not shun the ancient writing that says, “Do not despise these small beginnings.” Small actions made consistently, leads to BIG things. What are some small things you can do that will make a big impact? Change Spreads From Me To We: With People Who Want To Make A Difference As you work to make a difference and witness the change occurring this leads to a new beginning. This in turn cause you to become attractional to others who want to make a difference. You become the example for others to do the same thing in their life. Your efforts grow from ME to WE. LINKS Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on iTunes – SUBSCRIBE Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on Stitcher – SUBSCRIBE FREE GIFT – “Servant Leadership Questions” – Click on the icon at the bottom of the page Executive Coaching Service– Private message me for details on this customizable service Birkman Assessment Leadershift by John Maxwell Q&amp;A – Contact me at ShepherdsAdvantage@gmail.com Music: “Gratitude Mood” by David Arivett. You can learn more about his music by clicking on his name. THANKS DAVID!

When it comes to changing our world, the first person transformed is the change agent and then it expands. This does not happen unless it starts within an individual. Let’s examine 4 key truths on becoming a change agent for such a time as this! Change Begins with Caring: I Want To Make A Difference JFK stated that everyone has a change-the-world speech inside them. When you tell someone they can become a change agent, that sounds in intimidating. Truthfully, it is as simple as a desire to make a difference – it is humble at the outset. The question for each of is, Do I want to make a difference in my world? The statement attributed to JFK was in his launch of the Peace Corps. He went on to personally state that I believe you have a change-the-world speech inside of you You just need to nurture it. Change Stands Up for A Cause: Doing Something That Makes A Difference As that seed grows in you, it becomes more defined. What you need to do becomes clearer. You begin to connect with a cause that is from the heart. You begin to take action that makes a difference. Many of these early step will be small steps. Do not shun the ancient writing that says, “Do not despise these small beginnings.” Small actions made consistently, leads to BIG things. What are some small things you can do that will make a big impact? Change Spreads From Me To We: With People Who Want To Make A Difference As you work to make a difference and witness the change occurring this leads to a new beginning. This in turn cause you to become attractional to others who want to make a difference. You become the example for others to do the same thing in their life. Your efforts grow from ME to WE. Change Stands Up for A Cause: Doing Something That Makes A Difference As that seed grows in you, it becomes more defined. What you need to do becomes clearer. You begin to connect with a cause that is from the heart. You begin to take action that makes a difference. Many of these early step will be small steps. Do not shun the ancient writing that says, “Do not despise these small beginnings.” Small actions made consistently, leads to BIG things. What are some small things you can do that will make a big impact? Change Spreads From Me To We: With People Who Want To Make A Difference As you work to make a difference and witness the change occurring this leads to a new beginning. This in turn cause you to become attractional to others who want to make a difference. You become the example for others to do the same thing in their life. Your efforts grow from ME to WE. LINKS Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on iTunes –<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/shepherds-advantage-leadership/id966183507?mt=2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> SUBSCRIBE</a> Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on Stitcher –<a href="http://stitcher.com/s?fid=84131&amp;refid=stpr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> SUBSCRIBE</a> FREE GIFT – “<a href="https://shepherdsadvantageinc.com/?page_id=2945(opens%20in%20a%20new%20tab)" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Servant Leadership Questions</a>” – Click on the icon at the bottom of the page <a href="http://shepherdsadvantageinc.com/?gnt_landingpage=executive-coaching-2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Executive Coaching Service</a>– Private message me for details on this customizable service <a href="https://shepherdsadvantageinc.com/?page_id=2834(opens%20in%20a%20new%20tab)" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Birkman Assessment</a> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Leadershift-Essential-Changes-Leader-Embrace/dp/0718098501/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&amp;qid=1580569326&amp;sr=8-1-spell" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Leadershift</a> by John Maxwell Q&amp;A – Contact me at ShepherdsAdvantage@gmail.com Music: “Gratitude Mood” by<a href="http://songsofdavid.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> David Arivett</a>. You can learn more about his music by clicking on his name. THANKS DAVID!

Becoming A Change Agent

In a crisis, there are 4 things that Leaders must do. Do The Right Thing – When faced with a crisis just do the right thing. Crisis never leaves us the same – a crisis always moves us in one direction or the other. The real question is, Is this crisis moving me forward or backward? At the outset of any crisis, we experience momentary set-backs. This is a result of the negative pressure and emotions that we initially feel. The danger is that if we stay in our negative emotional state, we invariably will do the wrong things. Be careful about making major decisions in the deep valleys of life. You have the best perspective when you are on the mountain top. Substitute negative EMOTION with positive MOTION. How do we get on track? You will always do right when you do right by the people. If you put yourself ahead of others to capitalize on them – you do not serve people well and you will jeopardize your org. Stay Focused – What does a crisis do? It causes distractions. A distraction id the opposite of Traction. A crisis will cause you to focus get off the correct path and get on the wrong path. Traction is nothing more than moving toward something. That said Tony Robins stated once that what you focus upon EXPANDS. If your focus is upon HOPE, you will most likely move versus not moving if your focus is on fear. The only way for tomorrow to become clear is to keep moving in the direction of what you already know is true. I had a wise professor once that stated often, “Do not doubt in the dark what God has shown you in the light!” Help Others – In a crisis the first response is usually to help ourselves. Break out of that mold and be the FIRST to offer help to others. This will set you apart from all others. Be the best by going above and beyond expectations. Ask yourself this question; “Am I the type of leader that I would follow?” Do I care for people, am I helping others, am I trust-worthy? Learn to be the voice of security, kindness, and responsiveness. In a crisis your team members need to hear the following; I value you I believe in you I need you I want more for you Make Lemonade – Albert Einstein once stated, In the middle of the difficulty lies the opportunity. Understand that opportunities are always surrounded by problems. You must get through the difficulties in order to get to the opportunities. We often argue the point that a crisis is demanding, and we are short on time. Truthfully, we have more time now than ever because technology. The question is what am I doing with my time? Since time is something that you do not create and therefore cannot manage it, understand this truth TODAY MATTERS! You do not succeed in a day, but daily you succeed. This is more the manage of life instead of time. You are the most difficult person your will ever lead. When a crisis subsides, there is usually a crisis after the crisis. Many times, it is a personal crisis. Difficult seasons are revealers of character. Robert Schuller wrote a book entitled, Tough Times Never Last But Tough People Do.  LINKS Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on iTunes – SUBSCRIBE Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on Stitcher – SUBSCRIBE FREE GIFT – “Servant Leadership Questions” – Click on the icon at the bottom of the page Executive Coaching Service– Private message me for details on this customizable service Birkman Assessment Leadershift by John Maxwell Q&amp;A – Contact me at ShepherdsAdvantage@gmail.com Music: “Gratitude Mood” by David Arivett. You can learn more about his music by clicking on his name. THANKS DAVID!

In a crisis, there are 4 things that Leaders must do. Do The Right Thing – When faced with a crisis just do the right thing. Crisis never leaves us the same – a crisis always moves us in one direction or the other. The real question is, Is this crisis moving me forward or backward? At the outset of any crisis, we experience momentary set-backs. This is a result of the negative pressure and emotions that we initially feel. The danger is that if we stay in our negative emotional state, we invariably will do the wrong things. Be careful about making major decisions in the deep valleys of life. You have the best perspective when you are on the mountain top. Substitute negative EMOTION with positive MOTION. How do we get on track? You will always do right when you do right by the people. If you put yourself ahead of others to capitalize on them – you do not serve people well and you will jeopardize your org. Stay Focused – What does a crisis do? It causes distractions. A distraction id the opposite of Traction. A crisis will cause you to focus get off the correct path and get on the wrong path. Traction is nothing more than moving toward something. That said Tony Robins stated once that what you focus upon EXPANDS. If your focus is upon HOPE, you will most likely move versus not moving if your focus is on fear. The only way for tomorrow to become clear is to keep moving in the direction of what you already know is true. I had a wise professor once that stated often, “Do not doubt in the dark what God has shown you in the light!” Help Others – In a crisis the first response is usually to help ourselves. Break out of that mold and be the FIRST to offer help to others. This will set you apart from all others. Be the best by going above and beyond expectations. Ask yourself this question; “Am I the type of leader that I would follow?” Do I care for people, am I helping others, am I trust-worthy? Learn to be the voice of security, kindness, and responsiveness. In a crisis your team members need to hear the following; I value you I believe in you I need you I want more for you Make Lemonade – Albert Einstein once stated, In the middle of the difficulty lies the opportunity. Understand that opportunities are always surrounded by problems. You must get through the difficulties in order to get to the opportunities. We often argue the point that a crisis is demanding, and we are short on time. Truthfully, we have more time now than ever because technology. The question is what am I doing with my time? Since time is something that you do not create and therefore cannot manage it, understand this truth TODAY MATTERS! You do not succeed in a day, but daily you succeed. This is more the manage of life instead of time. You are the most difficult person your will ever lead. When a crisis subsides, there is usually a crisis after the crisis. Many times, it is a personal crisis. Difficult seasons are revealers of character. Robert Schuller wrote a book entitled, Tough Times Never Last But Tough People Do.  LINKS Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on iTunes –<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/shepherds-advantage-leadership/id966183507?mt=2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> SUBSCRIBE</a> Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on Stitcher –<a href="http://stitcher.com/s?fid=84131&amp;refid=stpr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> SUBSCRIBE</a> FREE GIFT – “<a href="https://shepherdsadvantageinc.com/?page_id=2945(opens%20in%20a%20new%20tab)" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Servant Leadership Questions</a>” – Click on the icon at the bottom of the page <a href="http://shepherdsadvantageinc.com/?gnt_landingpage=executive-coaching-2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Executive Coaching Service</a>– Private message me for details on this customizable service <a href="https://shepherdsadvantageinc.com/?page_id=2834(opens%20in%20a%20new%20tab)" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Birkman Assessment</a> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Leadershift-Essential-Changes-Leader-Embrace/dp/0718098501/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&amp;qid=1580569326&amp;sr=8-1-spell" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Leadershift</a> by John Maxwell Q&amp;A – Contact me at ShepherdsAdvantage@gmail.com Music: “Gratitude Mood” by<a href="http://songsofdavid.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> David Arivett</a>. You can learn more about his music by clicking on his name. THANKS DAVID!

Leading In Uncertain Times

I want to begin by stating that as spiritual leaders in America, the message of the cross has been entrusted to you for such a time as this. With all of our human failures and mistakes, God has chosen you to play the long game. Rest, vacation, sabbatical or whatever you need to do – stay in the long game. This is our most important hour. Regarding the digital space, I want to offer the following observations.•2-in-5 practicing Christians now believe that it is inappropriate to share their faith with the idea of persuading someone to forsake their faith to join yours.•50% of believing Millennials state that you should not share your faith. That same 50% also believes that accepting Jesus Christ is the greatest thing that could happen to anyone.•There is a real tension and yet there is cognitive dissonance. These stats from Barna Research point to an abject failure of discipleship in the church. We are not helping people to discern this modern era. Currently, there is a real tension in the digital space. There is also a real cognitive dissonance in this space. Think about the stats that I just referenced. To me this represents an abject failure in our discipleship training and equipping. We are not preparing people to operate in this new digital era. Truthfully, everyone is being evangelized or evangelizing around a set of beliefs and habits. Our world is not neutral!  Consider that Google has hired Child Psychologists to figure out the attention span of young children and what grabs the young minds of our children to keep them engaged in an online platform. We are living in a world where cohesion and contested spaces exist together. The million-dollar question: What is the Church supposed to do? Perhaps it is time to start asking a different question sequence that provokes deep thought and reflection Vs. winning a debate to prove our correctness. It is time to move in the direction of “FORMATION!” In this arena we ask the following… Who are you becoming as a result of what you are doing? This question provokes thought in the area of life rhythms, my actions, and am I becoming a better disciple that impacts my world? This one question gets at the heart of an Apologetic shift that needs to occur. We have understood traditional apologetics exists to make Christianity reasonable and logical. The shift should now move to Cultural Apologetics in which we make Jesus beautiful. In making Christ beautiful we are creating a tension for people – We help them see what they are missing out on.  Let’s face the facts, Christianity has become a consumption based religious system and not so much an activist approach to reaching our world. Activism is needed because this is not the first time our nation has been involved in crazy making. Consider the Jesus Cultural Movement of the 1960’s. This was a Revival movement born out of the Hippie Culture that went global. To appreciate this fact, consider the following timeline of historical events that were taking place. 1960’s Historical Timeline of the Hippie Counter Culture Jesus Movement Consider the following assassinations of this time-period: MIK, Malcolm X, Black Panther Leaders in Chicago, JFK, Robert Kennedy. Consider the corruption of our government with Watergate and the Nixon Presidency Consider that Race relations were broken, Politics was broken, our Nation was broken – We were in search of something good. Consider the birth of the Jesus Movement that started a rebirth of the Kingdom of God among us as a nation. This movement was noted by the “Coffee House Movement” throughout the country. I am old enough to remember going to some of those coffee houses. Believe it or not much of the modern church as it has been understood by the Boomers and Elders was a by-product of the Jesus Movement. Under the surface, the real key was going to where the lost were – It started by going to the Hippie camps of California. Out of this the Calvary Chapel movement emerged in the 70’s. Therefore, we need to engage the narrative – telling a 1,000 ways that Jesus makes us better. Our modern counterculture is telling their side of the narrative by telling a 1000 ways why their far-fetched narratives are normal. This is done by algorithms. This allows a few to appear as the majority in our nation. This is how the redefinition of family has been altered and certain credit cards will allow for sexual-self-identification to put on a person’s card. Engaging the narrative of our time is vital because of several societal theories that all begin with an incorrect beginning premise. “In the beginning, God…..” is the key missing premise that must be acknowledged. This why formation has become far more significant than winning debates over correctness. Communicate a 1000 ways that Jesus makes us better.  In closing, consider the Overton Window to better understand why this shift is vital now.  LINKS Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on iTunes – SUBSCRIBE Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on Stitcher – SUBSCRIBE FREE GIFT – “Servant Leadership Questions” – Click on the icon at the bottom of the page Executive Coaching Service– Private message me for details on this customizable service Birkman Assessment Leadershift by John Maxwell Q&amp;A – Contact me at ShepherdsAdvantage@gmail.com Music: “Gratitude Mood” by David Arivett. You can learn more about his music by clicking on his name. THANKS DAVID!

I want to begin by stating that as spiritual leaders in America, the message of the cross has been entrusted to you for such a time as this. With all of our human failures and mistakes, God has chosen you to play the long game. Rest, vacation, sabbatical or whatever you need to do – stay in the long game. This is our most important hour. Regarding the digital space, I want to offer the following observations.•2-in-5 practicing Christians now believe that it is inappropriate to share their faith with the idea of persuading someone to forsake their faith to join yours.•50% of believing Millennials state that you should not share your faith. That same 50% also believes that accepting Jesus Christ is the greatest thing that could happen to anyone.•There is a real tension and yet there is cognitive dissonance. These stats from Barna Research point to an abject failure of discipleship in the church. We are not helping people to discern this modern era. Currently, there is a real tension in the digital space. There is also a real cognitive dissonance in this space. Think about the stats that I just referenced. To me this represents an abject failure in our discipleship training and equipping. We are not preparing people to operate in this new digital era. Truthfully, everyone is being evangelized or evangelizing around a set of beliefs and habits. Our world is not neutral!  Consider that Google has hired Child Psychologists to figure out the attention span of young children and what grabs the young minds of our children to keep them engaged in an online platform. We are living in a world where cohesion and contested spaces exist together. The million-dollar question: What is the Church supposed to do? Perhaps it is time to start asking a different question sequence that provokes deep thought and reflection Vs. winning a debate to prove our correctness. It is time to move in the direction of “FORMATION!” In this arena we ask the following… Who are you becoming as a result of what you are doing? This question provokes thought in the area of life rhythms, my actions, and am I becoming a better disciple that impacts my world? This one question gets at the heart of an Apologetic shift that needs to occur. We have understood traditional apologetics exists to make Christianity reasonable and logical. The shift should now move to Cultural Apologetics in which we make Jesus beautiful. In making Christ beautiful we are creating a tension for people – We help them see what they are missing out on.  Let’s face the facts, Christianity has become a consumption based religious system and not so much an activist approach to reaching our world. Activism is needed because this is not the first time our nation has been involved in crazy making. Consider the Jesus Cultural Movement of the 1960’s. This was a Revival movement born out of the Hippie Culture that went global. To appreciate this fact, consider the following timeline of historical events that were taking place. 1960’s Historical Timeline of the Hippie Counter Culture Jesus Movement Consider the following assassinations of this time-period: MIK, Malcolm X, Black Panther Leaders in Chicago, JFK, Robert Kennedy. Consider the corruption of our government with Watergate and the Nixon Presidency Consider that Race relations were broken, Politics was broken, our Nation was broken – We were in search of something good. Consider the birth of the Jesus Movement that started a rebirth of the Kingdom of God among us as a nation. This movement was noted by the “Coffee House Movement” throughout the country. I am old enough to remember going to some of those coffee houses. Believe it or not much of the modern church as it has been understood by the Boomers and Elders was a by-product of the Jesus Movement. Under the surface, the real key was going to where the lost were – It started by going to the Hippie camps of California. Out of this the Calvary Chapel movement emerged in the 70’s. Therefore, we need to engage the narrative – telling a 1,000 ways that Jesus makes us better. Our modern counterculture is telling their side of the narrative by telling a 1000 ways why their far-fetched narratives are normal. This is done by algorithms. This allows a few to appear as the majority in our nation. This is how the redefinition of family has been altered and certain credit cards will allow for sexual-self-identification to put on a person’s card. Engaging the narrative of our time is vital because of several societal theories that all begin with an incorrect beginning premise. “In the beginning, God…..” is the key missing premise that must be acknowledged. This why formation has become far more significant than winning debates over correctness. Communicate a 1000 ways that Jesus makes us better.  In closing, consider the Overton Window to better understand why this shift is vital now. <a href="https://shepherdsadvantageinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Overton_Window_diagram.svg_.png" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> LINKS Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on iTunes –<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/shepherds-advantage-leadership/id966183507?mt=2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> SUBSCRIBE</a> Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on Stitcher –<a href="http://stitcher.com/s?fid=84131&amp;refid=stpr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> SUBSCRIBE</a> FREE GIFT – “<a href="https://shepherdsadvantageinc.com/?page_id=2945(opens%20in%20a%20new%20tab)" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Servant Leadership Questions</a>” – Click on the icon at the bottom of the page <a href="http://shepherdsadvantageinc.com/?gnt_landingpage=executive-coaching-2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Executive Coaching Service</a>– Private message me for details on this customizable service <a href="https://shepherdsadvantageinc.com/?page_id=2834(opens%20in%20a%20new%20tab)" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Birkman Assessment</a> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Leadershift-Essential-Changes-Leader-Embrace/dp/0718098501/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&amp;qid=1580569326&amp;sr=8-1-spell" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Leadershift</a> by John Maxwell Q&amp;A – Contact me at ShepherdsAdvantage@gmail.com Music: “Gratitude Mood” by<a href="http://songsofdavid.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> David Arivett</a>. You can learn more about his music by clicking on his name. THANKS DAVID!

Post COVID Church

There are 4 basic needs that your team needs to hear you express I Value You These three words are words that enlarge us. Show and Tell people that you value them – make people feel BIGGER! Kevin Myers has stated that we should desire more FOR our people than what we expect FROM them. When we value people with enlarging words, people move toward us. They become attracted to our vision versus moving away from us. Believe in people, value people, and love people unconditionally. It is a wonderful thing when people love the leader, but it is more wonderful when the leader loves and values other above themselves. I Believe In You These four words are words of encouragement. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe stated; If you treat an individual as he is, he will remain how he is. But if you treat him as if he were what he ought to be and could be, he will become what he ought to be. As Leaders it is our responsibility to believe in our people and let them feel and know that fact. As Leaders we are dispensable and yet our team to us is indispensable. I Need You These three words are empowering words. Let your team know that youhave to have them on your team. Be intentional at this point. Stop hedging the bet as if you are waiting on them to make a mistake – youopportunity to pounce on them. Your team needs to hear you state that without them you cannot accomplish what we are accomplishing together – Demonstrate their worth to you. I Want More For You These five words are enriching words. We should in fact want more for our team than what they presently are experiencing. It is said by secular historians that John Wesley in the late 1700’s was the last transformational leader of his time. He wanted more for his country. How does your current leadership demonstrate that attitude to others? In closing Do I connect with people? Do I energize people? Do I provide clarity? Am I Authentic? How do I make others feel? LINKS Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on iTunes – SUBSCRIBE Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on Stitcher – SUBSCRIBE FREE GIFT – “Servant Leadership Questions” – Click on the icon at the bottom of the page Executive Coaching Service– Private message me for details on this customizable service Birkman Assessment Leadershift by John Maxwell Q&amp;A – Contact me at ShepherdsAdvantage@gmail.com Music: “Gratitude Mood” by David Arivett. You can learn more about his music by clicking on his name. THANKS DAVID!

There are 4 basic needs that your team needs to hear you express I Value You These three words are words that enlarge us. Show and Tell people that you value them – make people feel BIGGER! Kevin Myers has stated that we should desire more FOR our people than what we expect FROM them. When we value people with enlarging words, people move toward us. They become attracted to our vision versus moving away from us. Believe in people, value people, and love people unconditionally. It is a wonderful thing when people love the leader, but it is more wonderful when the leader loves and values other above themselves. I Believe In You These four words are words of encouragement. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe stated; If you treat an individual as he is, he will remain how he is. But if you treat him as if he were what he ought to be and could be, he will become what he ought to be. As Leaders it is our responsibility to believe in our people and let them feel and know that fact. As Leaders we are dispensable and yet our team to us is indispensable. I Need You These three words are empowering words. Let your team know that youhave to have them on your team. Be intentional at this point. Stop hedging the bet as if you are waiting on them to make a mistake – youopportunity to pounce on them. Your team needs to hear you state that without them you cannot accomplish what we are accomplishing together – Demonstrate their worth to you. I Want More For You These five words are enriching words. We should in fact want more for our team than what they presently are experiencing. It is said by secular historians that John Wesley in the late 1700’s was the last transformational leader of his time. He wanted more for his country. How does your current leadership demonstrate that attitude to others? In closing Do I connect with people? Do I energize people? Do I provide clarity? Am I Authentic? How do I make others feel? LINKS Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on iTunes –<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/shepherds-advantage-leadership/id966183507?mt=2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> SUBSCRIBE</a> Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on Stitcher –<a href="http://stitcher.com/s?fid=84131&amp;refid=stpr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> SUBSCRIBE</a> FREE GIFT – “<a href="https://shepherdsadvantageinc.com/?page_id=2945(opens%20in%20a%20new%20tab)" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Servant Leadership Questions</a>” – Click on the icon at the bottom of the page <a href="http://shepherdsadvantageinc.com/?gnt_landingpage=executive-coaching-2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Executive Coaching Service</a>– Private message me for details on this customizable service <a href="https://shepherdsadvantageinc.com/?page_id=2834(opens%20in%20a%20new%20tab)" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Birkman Assessment</a> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Leadershift-Essential-Changes-Leader-Embrace/dp/0718098501/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&amp;qid=1580569326&amp;sr=8-1-spell" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Leadershift</a> by John Maxwell Q&amp;A – Contact me at ShepherdsAdvantage@gmail.com Music: “Gratitude Mood” by<a href="http://songsofdavid.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> David Arivett</a>. You can learn more about his music by clicking on his name. THANKS DAVID!

What your Team Should Hear

Do you remember as a child that has a sense of “I can’t wait for…?” That sense of anticipation, excitement, and urgency is off the charts for a child. What about we adults – what are we anticipating? What is urgent in our lives? Let’s examine some aspects of urgency  and how it works in us. Urgency Starts Within If reluctant people had an anthem song it would be, “I shall not be, I shall not be moved!” What if that was turned around to say, “I shall not be stopped!” Have you ever noticed that people who accomplish things are driven by a sense of urgency? Change begins on the inside. We need to tap our desires from within and allow them to become urgent.  Urgency requires both urgency and patience. Urgency drives us into action and yet patience causes us to wait to see the results. Urgency Feeds Desire When you harness your hope and tap into a sense of urgency for change, it only increases your desire to see change come about. Unless you have a sense of urgency, desire will fade quickly. The people who change the world are those who want to and don’t wait to! Ralph Waldo Emerson stated one stated that which we persist in doing becomes easier for us to do; not because the nature of the thing itself has changed, but our power to do is increased. Urgency Inspires Courage Yesterday is not ours to recover. Tomorrow is ours to win or lose. It takes courage to belief the best is yet to come. Courageous faith is what will help us to win our tomorrow’s. In Berne’ Brown’s book Dare To Lead; a question was asked of senior leaders; What, if anything, about the way people are leading today needs to change in order for leaders to be successful…..” The one repeating response was; We need braver leaders and more courageous cultures.” Urgency Calls For Action Malcolm Gladwell stated the most successful entrepreneurs not only have courage and imagination, but they also have a sense of urgency. These type of leaders have a burning sense to get something done and are not willing to wait. In short, these leaders create transformation – action now is the battle cry. It does not matter how old you are. It does not matter what you have or have not accomplished. It is never too late to change your world! We can make excuses, or we can make changes, but we cannot do both! LINKS Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on iTunes – SUBSCRIBE Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on Stitcher – SUBSCRIBE FREE GIFT – “Servant Leadership Questions” – Click on the icon at the bottom of the page Executive Coaching Service– Private message me for details on this customizable service Birkman Assessment Leadershift by John Maxwell Q&amp;A – Contact me at ShepherdsAdvantage@gmail.com Music: “Gratitude Mood” by David Arivett. You can learn more about his music by clicking on his name. THANKS DAVID!

Do you remember as a child that has a sense of “I can’t wait for…?” That sense of anticipation, excitement, and urgency is off the charts for a child. What about we adults – what are we anticipating? What is urgent in our lives? Let’s examine some aspects of urgency  and how it works in us. Urgency Starts Within If reluctant people had an anthem song it would be, “I shall not be, I shall not be moved!” What if that was turned around to say, “I shall not be stopped!” Have you ever noticed that people who accomplish things are driven by a sense of urgency? Change begins on the inside. We need to tap our desires from within and allow them to become urgent.  Urgency requires both urgency and patience. Urgency drives us into action and yet patience causes us to wait to see the results. Urgency Feeds Desire When you harness your hope and tap into a sense of urgency for change, it only increases your desire to see change come about. Unless you have a sense of urgency, desire will fade quickly. The people who change the world are those who want to and don’t wait to! Ralph Waldo Emerson stated one stated that which we persist in doing becomes easier for us to do; not because the nature of the thing itself has changed, but our power to do is increased. Urgency Inspires Courage Yesterday is not ours to recover. Tomorrow is ours to win or lose. It takes courage to belief the best is yet to come. Courageous faith is what will help us to win our tomorrow’s. In Berne’ Brown’s book Dare To Lead; a question was asked of senior leaders; What, if anything, about the way people are leading today needs to change in order for leaders to be successful…..” The one repeating response was; We need braver leaders and more courageous cultures.” Urgency Calls For Action Malcolm Gladwell stated the most successful entrepreneurs not only have courage and imagination, but they also have a sense of urgency. These type of leaders have a burning sense to get something done and are not willing to wait. In short, these leaders create transformation – action now is the battle cry. It does not matter how old you are. It does not matter what you have or have not accomplished. It is never too late to change your world! We can make excuses, or we can make changes, but we cannot do both! LINKS Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on iTunes –<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/shepherds-advantage-leadership/id966183507?mt=2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> SUBSCRIBE</a> Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on Stitcher –<a href="http://stitcher.com/s?fid=84131&amp;refid=stpr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> SUBSCRIBE</a> FREE GIFT – “<a href="https://shepherdsadvantageinc.com/?page_id=2945(opens%20in%20a%20new%20tab)" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Servant Leadership Questions</a>” – Click on the icon at the bottom of the page <a href="http://shepherdsadvantageinc.com/?gnt_landingpage=executive-coaching-2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Executive Coaching Service</a>– Private message me for details on this customizable service <a href="https://shepherdsadvantageinc.com/?page_id=2834(opens%20in%20a%20new%20tab)" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Birkman Assessment</a> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Leadershift-Essential-Changes-Leader-Embrace/dp/0718098501/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&amp;qid=1580569326&amp;sr=8-1-spell" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Leadershift</a> by John Maxwell Q&amp;A – Contact me at ShepherdsAdvantage@gmail.com Music: “Gratitude Mood” by<a href="http://songsofdavid.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> David Arivett</a>. You can learn more about his music by clicking on his name. THANKS DAVID!

We Can’t Wait For Change

Question: Why is it so difficult to reproduce quality leaders? Could it be there are insecurities in current leaders. If they raise up quality leaders, they might take our place, They will become better than me.  Leaders reproduce who they are, not what they want. Are we inadvertently reproducing leaders that have a fortress mentality? Learn to be a river and not a reservoir.  Perhaps our vision is too small to see the value of reproducing quality leaders. In the condition we find our world currently we need a larger vision of preproducing leaders. There truly is a leadership vacuum. The leadership models that are currently on display do not inspire people to be like them. We are a mad group of people looking for someone to inject quality leadership for the greater good of humanity. Let’s dive into the 5 qualities of  reproducing leaders. Take good notes, develop an intentional action plan to change. If you aim at nothing you are destined to hit it every single time. Reproducing Leaders have a heart for the culture A reproducing leader is the culture carrier! The culture is first owned by the leader and then associates. What is Culture? The culture of any organization is the shared values, actions, and missional purpose for existence of an org. It stands to reason the culture is visible and actionable. What are the values you espouse? As a Leader are you a super-server of others? Ultimately the culture is a set of shared ideas that is being placed on display for all to see and connect with. Reproducing Leaders have a “Potential Radar” If you possess a preferred vision for the future, then you must believe your team has the potential to get you there. Set people’s skills FREE! Reward progress. Be on the alert for progress in the lives of your team – polish and refine that progress and motivate them for greatness. Reproducing Leaders have a heart for Legacy Have a heart for the infinite and not the finite! This is not about being first, biggest, or exclusive. This is about positioning your org to outlast your life span. Others will accomplish greater feats than you. With this mindset you are released to assist others in the journey of Legacy by removing yourself out of the picture. Pause and ask yourself this question; If I am truly to become an infinite minded leader, what do I need to change in my leadership style? Reproducing Leaders have a confident competency Do not try to live with confidence unless it is undergirded by competency! Right or Wrong social media gives us access to world class leaders and their content, do not become a copy-cat as though you have paid that price to achieve that level of thinking and acting. Leaders are REQUIRED to continually grow, live out excellence, keep improving, keep inspiring others. Know that you have so much in you that life will not be long enough to get it out. Reproducing Leaders have a generous voice Your words is what backs up your true actions and intentions. Here are 4 voices of great leadership…. •Gifted Voice – Generosity with your words of adoration for your team •Character Voice – Demonstrate an alignment in your life – congruence speaks louder than words only •Experience Voice – Share what you have learned on your journey of Leading •Heart Voice – Dare to express a loving affection for your Team LINKS Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on iTunes – SUBSCRIBE Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on Stitcher – SUBSCRIBE FREE GIFT – “Servant Leadership Questions” – Click on the icon at the bottom of the page Executive Coaching Service– Private message me for details on this customizable service Birkman Assessment Leadershift by John Maxwell Q&amp;A – Contact me at ShepherdsAdvantage@gmail.com Music: “Gratitude Mood” by David Arivett. You can learn more about his music by clicking on his name. THANKS DAVID!

Question: Why is it so difficult to reproduce quality leaders? Could it be there are insecurities in current leaders. If they raise up quality leaders, they might take our place, They will become better than me.  Leaders reproduce who they are, not what they want. Are we inadvertently reproducing leaders that have a fortress mentality? Learn to be a river and not a reservoir.  Perhaps our vision is too small to see the value of reproducing quality leaders. In the condition we find our world currently we need a larger vision of preproducing leaders. There truly is a leadership vacuum. The leadership models that are currently on display do not inspire people to be like them. We are a mad group of people looking for someone to inject quality leadership for the greater good of humanity. Let’s dive into the 5 qualities of  reproducing leaders. Take good notes, develop an intentional action plan to change. If you aim at nothing you are destined to hit it every single time. Reproducing Leaders have a heart for the culture A reproducing leader is the culture carrier! The culture is first owned by the leader and then associates. What is Culture? The culture of any organization is the shared values, actions, and missional purpose for existence of an org. It stands to reason the culture is visible and actionable. What are the values you espouse? As a Leader are you a super-server of others? Ultimately the culture is a set of shared ideas that is being placed on display for all to see and connect with. Reproducing Leaders have a “Potential Radar” If you possess a preferred vision for the future, then you must believe your team has the potential to get you there. Set people’s skills FREE! Reward progress. Be on the alert for progress in the lives of your team – polish and refine that progress and motivate them for greatness. Reproducing Leaders have a heart for Legacy Have a heart for the infinite and not the finite! This is not about being first, biggest, or exclusive. This is about positioning your org to outlast your life span. Others will accomplish greater feats than you. With this mindset you are released to assist others in the journey of Legacy by removing yourself out of the picture. Pause and ask yourself this question; If I am truly to become an infinite minded leader, what do I need to change in my leadership style? Reproducing Leaders have a confident competency Do not try to live with confidence unless it is undergirded by competency! Right or Wrong social media gives us access to world class leaders and their content, do not become a copy-cat as though you have paid that price to achieve that level of thinking and acting. Leaders are REQUIRED to continually grow, live out excellence, keep improving, keep inspiring others. Know that you have so much in you that life will not be long enough to get it out. Reproducing Leaders have a generous voice Your words is what backs up your true actions and intentions. Here are 4 voices of great leadership…. •Gifted Voice – Generosity with your words of adoration for your team •Character Voice – Demonstrate an alignment in your life – congruence speaks louder than words only •Experience Voice – Share what you have learned on your journey of Leading •Heart Voice – Dare to express a loving affection for your Team LINKS Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on iTunes –<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/shepherds-advantage-leadership/id966183507?mt=2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> SUBSCRIBE</a> Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on Stitcher –<a href="http://stitcher.com/s?fid=84131&amp;refid=stpr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> SUBSCRIBE</a> FREE GIFT – “<a href="https://shepherdsadvantageinc.com/?page_id=2945(opens%20in%20a%20new%20tab)" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Servant Leadership Questions</a>” – Click on the icon at the bottom of the page <a href="http://shepherdsadvantageinc.com/?gnt_landingpage=executive-coaching-2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Executive Coaching Service</a>– Private message me for details on this customizable service <a href="https://shepherdsadvantageinc.com/?page_id=2834(opens%20in%20a%20new%20tab)" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Birkman Assessment</a> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Leadershift-Essential-Changes-Leader-Embrace/dp/0718098501/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&amp;qid=1580569326&amp;sr=8-1-spell" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Leadershift</a> by John Maxwell Q&amp;A – Contact me at ShepherdsAdvantage@gmail.com Music: “Gratitude Mood” by<a href="http://songsofdavid.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> David Arivett</a>. You can learn more about his music by clicking on his name. THANKS DAVID!

Qualities of Reproducing Leaders

Before we get into these 7 actions, we need to consider what a sustained successful leader looks like. Here is a quick hit list of thoughts. •Sustained Successful Leaders are attractional – you are drawn in •The more that I see, the more I want to see •Other people think more of them than they think of themselves •They desire to learn more than they can teach •They see possibilities instead of problems •They lift more than they let down In short these are the types of leaders that we desire to be with and to become. These leaders make me better and in turn I can make my part of the world better. 7 Action Steps They put relationships FIRST Relationships are nurtured and highly valued. These leaders realize that ONE is too small of a number to achieve success. It remains a leadership law – Help others succeed and they will in turn help you succeed. These leaders know they are dispensable while their team is indispensable.  Add value to others and they will add multiplied value to their world. That is multiplied leadership! They know that significance matters What happens around you is success. What happens in you is significance! This is a journey of transforming your perspective from finite to infinite. Significance is when you realize your calling and life mission is bigger than your ability to achieve in your lifetime. Success is allowing others to grow larger than you. They use HUMOR Do not take yourself so seriously – learn to laugh at yourself. Others have been laughing already. Learn to laugh again, it is healthier! They lead from their strengths Question: What sets you apart from being average? Stay in your strength Zone. Stop working on your weaknesses. Invest in your strengths, establish a growth plan that intentionally moves you forward to your hope and dreams. They manage negative thinking Learn to focus on what you can control! There is so much you cannot control currently in your life – Covid-19, economy, employee shortage, retirement, etc.. Understand this too shall pass. Compartmentalize your life – stay present and grounded in what matters the most in life. They make their own luck A solid work ethic is necessary, show up first and be the last to leave in important assignments and projects. Understand that anything worthwhile is uphill. Effort must be exerted, and time must be invested. I know that we say , we do not believe in luck, but I would suggest a different type of luck – WHO-LUCK! Who do you know that is doing leadership at a higher level than yourself? Who can take you to the next level of leading? Who are the leaders you are being influenced by – get to know those people and read their content. They manage their energy Optimize your energy not your time! Know when to take a break and change the setting.  LINKS Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on iTunes – SUBSCRIBE Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on Stitcher – SUBSCRIBE FREE GIFT – “Servant Leadership Questions” – Click on the icon at the bottom of the page Executive Coaching Service– Private message me for details on this customizable service Birkman Assessment Leadershift by John Maxwell Q&amp;A – Contact me at ShepherdsAdvantage@gmail.com Music: “Gratitude Mood” by David Arivett. You can learn more about his music by clicking on his name. THANKS DAVID!

Before we get into these 7 actions, we need to consider what a sustained successful leader looks like. Here is a quick hit list of thoughts. •Sustained Successful Leaders are attractional – you are drawn in •The more that I see, the more I want to see •Other people think more of them than they think of themselves •They desire to learn more than they can teach •They see possibilities instead of problems •They lift more than they let down In short these are the types of leaders that we desire to be with and to become. These leaders make me better and in turn I can make my part of the world better. <h2>7 Action Steps</h2> They put relationships FIRST Relationships are nurtured and highly valued. These leaders realize that ONE is too small of a number to achieve success. It remains a leadership law – Help others succeed and they will in turn help you succeed. These leaders know they are dispensable while their team is indispensable.  Add value to others and they will add multiplied value to their world. That is multiplied leadership! They know that significance matters What happens around you is success. What happens in you is significance! This is a journey of transforming your perspective from finite to infinite. Significance is when you realize your calling and life mission is bigger than your ability to achieve in your lifetime. Success is allowing others to grow larger than you. They use HUMOR Do not take yourself so seriously – learn to laugh at yourself. Others have been laughing already. Learn to laugh again, it is healthier! They lead from their strengths Question: What sets you apart from being average? Stay in your strength Zone. Stop working on your weaknesses. Invest in your strengths, establish a growth plan that intentionally moves you forward to your hope and dreams. They manage negative thinking Learn to focus on what you can control! There is so much you cannot control currently in your life – Covid-19, economy, employee shortage, retirement, etc.. Understand this too shall pass. Compartmentalize your life – stay present and grounded in what matters the most in life. They make their own luck A solid work ethic is necessary, show up first and be the last to leave in important assignments and projects. Understand that anything worthwhile is uphill. Effort must be exerted, and time must be invested. I know that we say , we do not believe in luck, but I would suggest a different type of luck – WHO-LUCK! Who do you know that is doing leadership at a higher level than yourself? Who can take you to the next level of leading? Who are the leaders you are being influenced by – get to know those people and read their content. They manage their energy Optimize your energy not your time! Know when to take a break and change the setting.  LINKS Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on iTunes –<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/shepherds-advantage-leadership/id966183507?mt=2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> SUBSCRIBE</a> Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on Stitcher –<a href="http://stitcher.com/s?fid=84131&amp;refid=stpr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> SUBSCRIBE</a> FREE GIFT – “<a href="https://shepherdsadvantageinc.com/?page_id=2945(opens%20in%20a%20new%20tab)" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Servant Leadership Questions</a>” – Click on the icon at the bottom of the page <a href="http://shepherdsadvantageinc.com/?gnt_landingpage=executive-coaching-2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Executive Coaching Service</a>– Private message me for details on this customizable service <a href="https://shepherdsadvantageinc.com/?page_id=2834(opens%20in%20a%20new%20tab)" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Birkman Assessment</a> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Leadershift-Essential-Changes-Leader-Embrace/dp/0718098501/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&amp;qid=1580569326&amp;sr=8-1-spell" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Leadershift</a> by John Maxwell Q&amp;A – Contact me at ShepherdsAdvantage@gmail.com Music: “Gratitude Mood” by<a href="http://songsofdavid.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> David Arivett</a>. You can learn more about his music by clicking on his name. THANKS DAVID!

7 Actions of Sustained Success

It has been said that we must travel on the inside first before we travel on the outside. Why? The journey of growth and success is first an internal one.  The person you lead is yourself! Can we really lead effectively without self-discipline. This podcast will examine national Israel’s inability to possess a promised land according to the Biblical narrative Numbers 33:1-49. In this narration we see that Israel became a nation of drifters for 40 years in the desert wilderness. No land to call home and they traveled on rocky land called the Negev – ”Rocky land.” They could have made this trip within 2 weeks, yet it turned into 40 years. The real reason boils down to  preparation. The nation was simply not ready to step into their future blessing. How about yourself today? How is your self-discipline? “Plato once stated the first and best victory is to conquer the self.” Here are 5 actionable steps that anyone can take to become a person that is disciplined and ready. Develop &amp; Follow Your Priorities – Let’s face it – all leaders are pressed for time. However, successful leaders have a plan. If you can determine what is really a priority and then release everything else – It will be easier to follow through on what is important. Make A Disciplined Lifestyle Your Goal – To be successful self-discipline cannot become a one-time event. It must become a life-style. Develop systems &amp; routines for crucial areas of long-term growth and success goals. Challenge Your Excuses – Can you name several excuses why you cannot be a self-disciplined person? If you can, then realize these have become barriers to your success. All excuses need to be challenged if your desire is to go to the next level. Remove Rewards – Take away the rewards until the goals has been met. Mike Delany stated once that businesses need to differentiate between shirkers and workers. You do not reward both groups of people equally. Stay Focused on Results – Anytime that you focus on the difficulty of work you are likely to become discouraged. Dan Cathy of Chik-fil-A stated that if you get better, your customers will demand that you get bigger. The old adage is true – Get Good First! If your actions challenge people to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, then you are a transformational leader that is capable of changing a nation – for such a time as this!  LINKS Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on iTunes – SUBSCRIBE Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on Stitcher – SUBSCRIBE FREE GIFT – “Servant Leadership Questions” – Click on the icon at the bottom of the page Executive Coaching Service– Private message me for details on this customizable service Birkman Assessment Leadershift by John Maxwell Q&amp;A – Contact me at ShepherdsAdvantage@gmail.com Music: “Gratitude Mood” by David Arivett. You can learn more about his music by clicking on his name. THANKS DAVID!

It has been said that we must travel on the inside first before we travel on the outside. Why? The journey of growth and success is first an internal one.  The person you lead is yourself! Can we really lead effectively without self-discipline. This podcast will examine national Israel’s inability to possess a promised land according to the Biblical narrative Numbers 33:1-49. In this narration we see that Israel became a nation of drifters for 40 years in the desert wilderness. No land to call home and they traveled on rocky land called the Negev – ”Rocky land.” They could have made this trip within 2 weeks, yet it turned into 40 years. The real reason boils down to  preparation. The nation was simply not ready to step into their future blessing. How about yourself today? How is your self-discipline? “Plato once stated the first and best victory is to conquer the self.” Here are 5 actionable steps that anyone can take to become a person that is disciplined and ready. Develop &amp; Follow Your Priorities – Let’s face it – all leaders are pressed for time. However, successful leaders have a plan. If you can determine what is really a priority and then release everything else – It will be easier to follow through on what is important. Make A Disciplined Lifestyle Your Goal – To be successful self-discipline cannot become a one-time event. It must become a life-style. Develop systems &amp; routines for crucial areas of long-term growth and success goals. Challenge Your Excuses – Can you name several excuses why you cannot be a self-disciplined person? If you can, then realize these have become barriers to your success. All excuses need to be challenged if your desire is to go to the next level. Remove Rewards – Take away the rewards until the goals has been met. Mike Delany stated once that businesses need to differentiate between shirkers and workers. You do not reward both groups of people equally. Stay Focused on Results – Anytime that you focus on the difficulty of work you are likely to become discouraged. Dan Cathy of Chik-fil-A stated that if you get better, your customers will demand that you get bigger. The old adage is true – Get Good First! If your actions challenge people to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, then you are a transformational leader that is capable of changing a nation – for such a time as this! LINKS Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on iTunes –<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/shepherds-advantage-leadership/id966183507?mt=2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> SUBSCRIBE</a> Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on Stitcher –<a href="http://stitcher.com/s?fid=84131&amp;refid=stpr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> SUBSCRIBE</a> FREE GIFT – “<a href="https://shepherdsadvantageinc.com/?page_id=2945(opens%20in%20a%20new%20tab)" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Servant Leadership Questions</a>” – Click on the icon at the bottom of the page <a href="http://shepherdsadvantageinc.com/?gnt_landingpage=executive-coaching-2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Executive Coaching Service</a>– Private message me for details on this customizable service <a href="https://shepherdsadvantageinc.com/?page_id=2834(opens%20in%20a%20new%20tab)" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Birkman Assessment</a> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Leadershift-Essential-Changes-Leader-Embrace/dp/0718098501/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&amp;qid=1580569326&amp;sr=8-1-spell" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Leadershift</a> by John Maxwell Q&amp;A – Contact me at ShepherdsAdvantage@gmail.com Music: “Gratitude Mood” by<a href="http://songsofdavid.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> David Arivett</a>. You can learn more about his music by clicking on his name. THANKS DAVID!

Conquer The Inside First

When your value system is clear, it is not hard to make life decisions. A clear and concise value system brings an alignment to your living. The hypocrisy currently on display is why there is an agreement that good leadership is absent. When you live out good values, you elevate the value of others. Genuine care and concern demonstrated through collaboration groups is where Millennials and Gen-Z’s excel. These generations are going to redefine power and authority. If you currently hold a leadership position or are a contributing Team Member here is a 4-fold challenge for you. (1) Know the values of your life (2) Consistently live out those values (3) Communicate your values (4) Get buy-in from those in your circle. You cannot have a Team without the same values! Teamwork is what makes the Dream work! Let’s explore a winning value system that makes you valuable. Here are 10 winning values. We Value People – We are valuable people that values other people. Are we “People Drive or Money Driven?”  Live Intentionally – It has been said that  that most people simply accept their lives, they do not lead their life! John Maxwell’s book, Intentional Living is a great place to start in terms of taking charge of your life. Make a difference in your world. Exceed Expectations – Go above and beyond what people anticipate. Have a servant’s heart. It is not possible to give your best tomorrow if you have not given your best today. Personal Growth – Leadership is not grown in a day, but it is grown daily! Tomorrow’s beginning is today’s learning. Develop a personal growth plan. If you cannot articulate this plan in writing, you are only day-dreaming. Positive Attitude – Here are 3 truths about attitude. (1) Attitude is the difference maker for any team or project (2) Attitude is a choice – stop blaming others and your circumstances (3) Attitudes need constant work Consistency – Mediocre/average people are inconsistent. Consistency is what will compound your return on your time investment. Equip People – Use your talents to help others. Before this can happen answer the question; What am I doing to grow myself? This naturally flows out to the question; What am I doing to intentionally help others?  Lead By Example – People do what people see. Do not become a tour guide to destinations you have never visited. Be A Catalyst For Transformation – Transformational leadership influences how other s think, act and speak. As a leader and influencer, you must change first. FAITH – BELIEVE THE IMPOSSIBLE! Only God! Ultimately this hit list of values is about flourishing not just existing. Human Flourishing has 5 facets that all add to you becoming a valuable person. Faith – What is it that you believe to be true? Relationships – Who are the influencers in your life and how are you influencing? Vocation – Do you see your vocation as an extension of ministry or is it just a paycheck. How meaningful is your work? Finances – Budgets, Benevolence, Future Health – Take inventory of your health habits. There is a cost for your choices. LINKS Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on iTunes – SUBSCRIBE Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on Stitcher – SUBSCRIBE FREE GIFT – “Servant Leadership Questions” – Click on the icon at the bottom of the page Executive Coaching Service– Private message me for details on this customizable service Birkman Assessment Leadershift by John Maxwell Q&amp;A – Contact me at ShepherdsAdvantage@gmail.com Music: “Gratitude Mood” by David Arivett. You can learn more about his music by clicking on his name. THANKS DAVID!

When your value system is clear, it is not hard to make life decisions. A clear and concise value system brings an alignment to your living. The hypocrisy currently on display is why there is an agreement that good leadership is absent. When you live out good values, you elevate the value of others. Genuine care and concern demonstrated through collaboration groups is where Millennials and Gen-Z’s excel. These generations are going to redefine power and authority. If you currently hold a leadership position or are a contributing Team Member here is a 4-fold challenge for you. (1) Know the values of your life (2) Consistently live out those values (3) Communicate your values (4) Get buy-in from those in your circle. You cannot have a Team without the same values! Teamwork is what makes the Dream work! Let’s explore a winning value system that makes you valuable. Here are 10 winning values. We Value People – We are valuable people that values other people. Are we “People Drive or Money Driven?”  Live Intentionally – It has been said that  that most people simply accept their lives, they do not lead their life! John Maxwell’s book, Intentional Living is a great place to start in terms of taking charge of your life. Make a difference in your world. Exceed Expectations – Go above and beyond what people anticipate. Have a servant’s heart. It is not possible to give your best tomorrow if you have not given your best today. Personal Growth – Leadership is not grown in a day, but it is grown daily! Tomorrow’s beginning is today’s learning. Develop a personal growth plan. If you cannot articulate this plan in writing, you are only day-dreaming. Positive Attitude – Here are 3 truths about attitude. (1) Attitude is the difference maker for any team or project (2) Attitude is a choice – stop blaming others and your circumstances (3) Attitudes need constant work Consistency – Mediocre/average people are inconsistent. Consistency is what will compound your return on your time investment. Equip People – Use your talents to help others. Before this can happen answer the question; What am I doing to grow myself? This naturally flows out to the question; What am I doing to intentionally help others?  Lead By Example – People do what people see. Do not become a tour guide to destinations you have never visited. Be A Catalyst For Transformation – Transformational leadership influences how other s think, act and speak. As a leader and influencer, you must change first. FAITH – BELIEVE THE IMPOSSIBLE! Only God! Ultimately this hit list of values is about flourishing not just existing. Human Flourishing has 5 facets that all add to you becoming a valuable person. Faith – What is it that you believe to be true? Relationships – Who are the influencers in your life and how are you influencing? Vocation – Do you see your vocation as an extension of ministry or is it just a paycheck. How meaningful is your work? Finances – Budgets, Benevolence, Future Health – Take inventory of your health habits. There is a cost for your choices. LINKS Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on iTunes –<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/shepherds-advantage-leadership/id966183507?mt=2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> SUBSCRIBE</a> Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on Stitcher –<a href="http://stitcher.com/s?fid=84131&amp;refid=stpr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> SUBSCRIBE</a> FREE GIFT – “<a href="https://shepherdsadvantageinc.com/?page_id=2945(opens%20in%20a%20new%20tab)" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Servant Leadership Questions</a>” – Click on the icon at the bottom of the page <a href="http://shepherdsadvantageinc.com/?gnt_landingpage=executive-coaching-2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Executive Coaching Service</a>– Private message me for details on this customizable service <a href="https://shepherdsadvantageinc.com/?page_id=2834(opens%20in%20a%20new%20tab)" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Birkman Assessment</a> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Leadershift-Essential-Changes-Leader-Embrace/dp/0718098501/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&amp;qid=1580569326&amp;sr=8-1-spell" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Leadershift</a> by John Maxwell Q&amp;A – Contact me at ShepherdsAdvantage@gmail.com Music: “Gratitude Mood” by<a href="http://songsofdavid.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> David Arivett</a>. You can learn more about his music by clicking on his name. THANKS DAVID!

I Am Valuable

Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast

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