[uncommon] Leadership – Where Does the Journey Begin?

It’s been a privilege, over the past 12 years, to have worked with many of the finest churches and leadership teams in the country. Joining arms with men and women who are top-tier in every respect – [uncommon] leaders – is nothing short of thrilling. As a consultant, I am often asked, “what is it that makes a person, a leadership team, a church or an organization great; [uncommon]?”

As the [uncommon] Leadership train leaves the station, we’ve purposed to meet people, identify principles, and document practices that result in extraordinary, [uncommon] performance in life. The topic is broad and could lead us in a hundred different directions. It’s going to be cool to see not only where we travel together, but also how we grow together in the process.

One thing is certain. The starting point for all [uncommon] Leadership is the same; and as amazing as it sounds, isn’t linked to Al Gore’s invention of the Internet, Facebook, Twitter, or HDTV. One of the finest leaders to ever have lived, stated it this way, around 400 BC; “I had in it my heart...to build a house of rest...” [cf 1 Chronicles 28:2]

There it is, nearly hidden in the words of King David. The first principle in the journey is this – [uncommon] Leadership is a matter of the heart.

When describing the heart in a message in 2008, Dr. Shelton Sanford, sr. pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church, Rock Hill, SC, painted beautifully on the canvas of [uncommon] Leadership. He states it this way:

1. The heart is the seat of our affection. Interesting description, isn’t it?

• “Seat” - the part of the body in which the emotion is centered.
• “Affection” - the emotion, feeling, or disposition of mind.

2. The heart is the spring of our conscience.

• “Spring” - the source or fountainhead of something.
• “Conscience” - that inner sense of what is right or wrong in one’s conduct.

3. The heart is the center of our thought process.

• “Center” – a point around which anything rotates.
• “Thought Process” – the process of using your mind to consider something carefully.

4. The heart is the source of our motives.

• “Source” – the place from which something comes; the beginning place; the origin.
• “Motives” – something that causes a person to act in a certain way.

5. The heart is the origin of the action of our will.

• “Origin” - The first stage of existence.

• “Action of Our Will” – the act of choosing one’s own, deliberate actions.

David had it in his heart. How about you?

• Is that place you call home to your emotions in good shape? Is your disposition an encouragement to those around you?

• Does your conscience make you feel uncomfortable or “guilty?” Or, is your conduct, both public and private, consistent, authentic, and filled with integrity?

• Do your thoughts and the point around which they revolve demonstrate a strong character? If you want to change your behavior, it begins by changing your thoughts.

• Do you find your motives to be self-serving or “others-oriented?”

• Do your deliberate actions indicate a willingness to lay aside personal preferences in order to build up others?

If you’re like me, you may feel good about answering those questions some days, and not so good on others. That’s okay. We can grow and improve. Even the guy who had it in his heart, King David, had his off days too. Does the name Bathsheba ring a bell? Yet, the Bible describes David as a man after God’s own heart – an [uncommon] leader.

It’s understood across the board that a home, business, company, organization, non-profit, church, or society for that matter, will go no farther than its leaders. People in all arenas of life, are hungry to follow [uncommon] Leadership. I believe you can help fill the leadership void that is so obvious today. You may do that while seated behind a desk; while serving others; while leading a fortune 500 company; while trying to determine what your next “assignment” will be; while raising teenagers; while leading a growing church; or flying a jet across the country.

But be confident of this; if you have it in your heart, those around you will follow your [uncommon] Leadership!

This journey is gonna be great!

In Search Of...[uncommon] Leadership!

The longer I live [my kids would re-state that to say, "the older dad becomes"], the more I long for all things [uncommon].  What comes to mind when you hear that word?  For me, the mental radar begins pulling up pictures of people, places, and events that stand head and shoulders above the crowd:

•  A wife with unbelievable patience, unwavering support, and a belief that I am a pretty cool guy, even when I don't feel that way about myself.
• Five amazing kids, two daughter's-in-law, and one son-in-law that are the greatest source of joy a parent could ever imagine.
• Eight grandchildren that are future world-changers [what do you expect from offspring of the aforementioned five kids and spouses?].
• Unforgettable scenes from Alaska [like the picture in this header].
•  A Thomas Kinkade painting.
  
• Nordstrom customer service - I buy a pair of shoes in Seattle, discover the fit is tight, try to exchange in Atlanta only to discover they are out of that style.  When the salesperson learns that I have a meeting in Charlotte later that day, he calls ahead to have the replacement pair ready for me there.  The shoes are wrapped, bagged, and ready upon my arrival.  Not only that, but the salesperson calls me by name as I approach the desk.  Have I mentioned...I love this place?
• The Lincoln Memorial - a vivid reminder of the untold sacrifice, struggle and commitment that helped to shape this great country.
• Renaissance Hotel; Charlotte Suites - where every time I check in, Andrew, Falecia, Amber and crew greet me by name, have my room ready, keys prepared, and ask about my family.
•  Red Sox/Yankees game at Fenway - the best venue in the world to watch the best rivalry in sports.
• Marty - a friend who demonstrated such unimaginable grace in the face of unspeakable loss that it was apparent he walks closely with God.
• Flying on a silky-smooth morning and watching the sun rise.
• The Barons - my son's baseball team that has captured the high school homeschool world series the past two years.
• Albert - my friend who makes it fun to shop [and spend money] at Costco.
• Aaron - an amazing, young worship leader filled with wisdom beyond his years.
• Jamie - the former cop, CIA agent, pastor, and missionary with unbelievable stories of impact.  
• Ray Johnston - pastor of one of America's fastest growing churches who sincerely considers the interests of others as more important than his own. 
• Capt. "Sulley" - US Air pilot of Miracle on the Hudson.

Wherever we turn, we find the common.  No one questions the fact that the ordinary, the mundane, and the run of the mill stare us in the face every day.  What once passed for "customer service," could today best be described "customer tolerance" or "customer indifference."   So, when we do experience the extraordinary; people, places, events, or occurrences that are [uncommon]; we long for more.

The good news is this - we can make a difference.  We were created for greatness, not "commonness." [uncommon] Leadership shares the belief that each person:

• Is created for a specific purpose in this life.
• Has been equipped with the exact personality, skill-set, and gift mix needed to accomplish that purpose.
• Is designed for a thrilling walk of faith that will take them beyond themselves, allowing them to be a difference-maker in ways they never dreamed possible.
• Can expand his or her capacity to the point of becoming an [uncommon] leader!

In the days ahead, we will look together at the stories of ordinary people who are doing extraordinary things...leaving an imprint that will last a lifetime.  We will discover and document many of the people, principles and practices that have been woven together to weave a beautiful tapestry.  A tapestry of...[uncommon] Leadership!

Welcome aboard; I hope you'll enjoy the journey.