Effective Christian Leadership (10) A Leader’s Sixth Sense: Intuitive Leadership Chapter 8

Opening Question How do you get to the stage in your leadership development that you just “know” the right thing to do?

Intuitive Leadership “I believe that spiritually gifted leaders construct, over time, a value system and experience base that wisely informs each subsequent decision they make. As they diligently add to this personal data base year after year, they automatically increase their leadership batting averages.” -- Hybels, p. 163

Data Sources for Intuitive Leadership Core convictions What other good leaders would do The experience of painful decisions The Holy Spirit’s guidance

1. The Holy Spirit’s Guidance Retreat setting Careful listening with an open Bible Journaling Extensive and intensive praying “Wrestling with God” (Gen. 32:22ff)

The Holy Spirit’s Guidance If the Holy Spirit is God, and the promise of Jesus is that He will lead us into “all truth” (John 16:13), why do we need any more “data inputs” for our intuitive leadership?!!

The Holy Spirit’s Guidance Reasons why we need other “data inputs”— Not dependent enough! God wants us to use our minds and experiences in decision making and leading (cf. Heb. 5:11-14; 2 Tim. 3:14-17; 2 Peter 3:18) Difficulty in discerning Spirit’s voice from our own inner desires/conscience

2. Core Convictions Core convictions build right values Core convictions build our concept of God Core convictions inform our perceptions of reality

Core Convictions Sampling Bill Hybels If I honor God in everything, He will honor me People matter to God and therefore deserve sensitivity and deference The local church is the hope of the world

Core Convictions Sampling Rick Warren Where God guides, God provides God’s timing is perfect You cannot outgive God God’s plan for you is unique God is in control (Willow Creek Leadership Summit, 1997)

Developing Your Core Convictions What beliefs and values can you not live without? What beliefs and values would you die for? What beliefs and values do you get passionate about?

3. What Other Good Leaders Would Do Consulting a “risk-assessment” mentor Extravagant Risk-taker Cautious and Risk-averse Who is it? Do you know? Are you aware? Do you need new advisors?

What Other Good Leaders Would Do Consulting a “staff-assessment” mentor Do you know how to “hire and fire”? Who informs your decision making? Are they the right informers? Have you obtained the proper credentials and assessments for the person(s)?

What Kind Of Assessments? Spiritual gifts test or worksheet Personality evaluation Team work evaluation Character assessments

What Other Good Leaders Would Do Consulting an “excellence-assessment” mentor Excellence honors God and inspires people (Hybels, p. 174) How do I define “excellence?” Who does this for me and my ministry?

What Other Good Leaders Would Do Consulting my “morale-assessment” mentor Who is the “Clyde” of your church or team? What do you do on a regular basis to keep morale from sagging? Regular cards, calls, in-person contacts Remembering important dates Giving quality time off

What Other Good Leaders Would Do Consulting a “theological-assessment” mentor A person who has taught you the Bible A person who has the wisdom of years and congregations A person who may be in books, tapes, CDs, DVDs for you

4. Our “Pain-Files” Leaders learn from their mistakes Develop a “Top Ten Pain List” Proverbs 13:20a– “He who walks with the wise grows wise . . .”

Your Turn Q&A

Next Time: Developing An Enduring Spirit “Staying The Course” (Chapter 12) FINAL