Leaders lead. This is a true statement about leadership that transcends time, place, and position. Leaders will lead in every situation, whether they know it or not. Through their actions, their words, their facial expressions, and even their body language, they are consciously and unconsciously showing everyone around them how they should follow.

How do I know this is true? How do I know if I’m even a leader?

One of my mentors once gave me a simple answer to this question: “If people are following you, then you are a leader.” Time and experience will show that when people follow you, they are constantly watching what you do. How you respond to your surroundings from day to day is exponentially more defining about who you are as a leader than what you weekly teach. Therefore, if you are going to lead successfully, you must prepare yourself to embrace each day. This allows you to welcome every moment, taking on the responsibility of leadership as a blessing and not a burden.

If people are following you, then you are a leader.

Leadership is a choice! Certain choices that you make will set you up to win the morning and win the day. Here are four simple choices that will help you win your mornings and lead with strength throughout your day!

1. Prepare

The operative syllable in this word is “pre”. A powerful passage in the book of Job says, “Prepare your heart to serve only God. Lift your arms and pray to him.” (Job 11:13)
Notice how the passage does not say “post-pare”. Yet, you may have experienced many “post-pare” moments in your life when you wished you had prepared for an event beforehand.

Since the heart is the center of life and the source from where life flows, you should prepare your heart for life before you live it! If you do not prepare your heart before the day begins, you will often find yourself serving something or someone other than God. You might find yourself serving yourself, your spouse, your kids, your friends, and coworkers throughout the day instead of God. It is good to serve all of these people, but it is important to understand they are not God.

On the days you don’t prepare your heart, you’ll find yourself doing a lot, but getting nothing done. This is because you’re going through the day using your own power rather than God’s. At the end of the day, “post-living” will always lead to regret and cause you to wish you’d taken the time to prepare. But, when you wake up and prepare your heart to serve God only, by His power, you will serve all those people out of your service to Him. Not only is this more powerful and impacting for you, it is more powerful and impacting for others. Instead of ending your day in regret, you’ll end your day rejoicing in what God did! You’ll “lift your arms and pray to Him” just as the passage from Job says, with your heart full of thanksgiving!

2. Get Low

Start your day on your knees in prayer. Before you stand up to step into the day, surrender it all in submission to God. For a believer in Jesus Christ, submission is the key to success. The Psalmist says, “Exalt the Lord our God! Bow low before His feet, for He is holy!” (Psalm 99:5)

When you get low, you assume a posture that acknowledges God’s honor of power.

When you take time to bow before the Lord, you confess that He has the power of life and death over you and acknowledge that while He has the power to snuff out your life at any moment, He doesn’t. Therefore, your life is His. He has spared you, saved you, and set you up as an heir to His kingdom, not just as a mere servant! When you get low, you assume a posture that acknowledges God’s honor of power.

When I think of kneeling in prayer, I am reminded of the words, “I touch the sky, when my knees hit the ground.” When you begin each day getting low in complete surrender, remembering that your life is in God’s hands and offering it to Him, He will give your life back with greater meaning, purpose, and influence!

3. Power Up

Everyone is energized by something! I like to think of everyone as a rechargeable battery with only a finite amount of energy.

The truth is, you need to be charged up as you spend your energy each day. Luckily, God has given you several sources to power up, so that you can plug in to His will every day! I personally find that after I spend time in prayer, it helps me to read my Bible and take a walk, meditating on a sermon podcast or worship music. We can even see this example set forth in scripture by Moses who would daily, “take the Tent of Meeting and set it up some distance from the camp. Inside the Tent of Meeting, the LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend.” (Exodus 33:7, 11)

Moses knew the best way to power up so the people he led could plug in to his leadership was simply to be in the presence of the Lord. This always changed the condition of Moses’ heart, and it radiated in his disposition (literally, his face shone with the presence of God). Just like Moses, we know that if we’re going to power up, we must position ourselves in God’s presence. Only then can we be ready to plug in and supercharge every situation we are called to lead throughout our day!

4. Give It Away

We are now ready to receive the day that God has given us, looking to see how we can give it away to others. We do this by personally celebrating all that God has done. “This is the day the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24)

When we rejoice over what God is doing in and through us, it encourages our spouse, children, friends, and co-workers who will begin to rejoice with us! So, as we celebrate the day, others will join in and the rest of the verse becomes possible: “We rejoice!” Energy, enthusiasm, and power are contagious; they are spread through smiles, encouraging words, hard work, and faith-filled prayer. Those are four things that you will have in abundance as you give it away to those you’re called to lead, who will in turn give it away to others!

Leadership Is A Choice

This is a simple formula for living successfully. Remember, leadership is a choice! Certain choices that you make will set you up to win the morning and win the day, the week, the month, and the year, establishing a lifetime of victory and reliance on God. To sum it all up, prepare your heart to serve only God and He will multiply your leadership and influence!

“Passion isn’t something that lives way up in the sky, in abstract dreams and hopes. It lives at ground level, in the specific details of what you’re actually doing every day.”  –Marcus Buckingham

Steve Jobs once debated for thirty minutes on the shade of grey that Apple would use on their restroom signs in their stores. Some would define this as obsessive, some unnecessary, but the fact is that his genuine passion for the details is what made Jobs into the man that built the Apple brand. Jobs continually pushed the envelope of quality in his work – knowing that the details were not only important, they were everything.

Why the Details Are Everything

It was Job’s father who had an enormous impact on how he viewed what is most important for his business. He understood what great leaders understand – the “big picture” without the little details is a blurry picture.

Jobs often thought of his first project he worked on with his father – building a fence behind the family home. Fifty years after the fence was constructed, Jobs showed it to Walter Isaacson (who was writing a Biography on Jobs at the time), still standing and recalled a lesson about making things of quality that he learned from his father.

The “big picture” without the little details is a blurry picture.

Touching the boards of the inside of the fence, he said that his father “loved doing things right. He even cared about the look of the parts you couldn’t see. For you to sleep well at night, the aesthetic, the quality, has to be carried all the way through.”

This philosophy, ingrained in Jobs by his father, caused him to approach everything he did with that same care. Jobs would often speak of lessons learned from his father on paying attention to the “little things,” and as a result, Apple would stand as a pillar of quality.

Your Best Work will be Your Greatest Work

Attention to detail is not necessarily fun; it’s hard work. Details often go unnoticed by most; however, when we are devoted to quality in our work, it leaves a legacy that, like Jobs, will influence and inspire the people around us long after we are gone.

To put things in perspective:

• There are 7 billion people on Earth
• 3 billion people use the internet
• Apple currently has 1 billion device users
• That’s 1/3 of the internet population

Jobs could never have foreseen that the small company he started in his garage would grow into the empire Apple is today, but that is what paying attention to the details does.

BIG wins come through small practices

Success is not an accident. Big results don’t just happen but come to people and to companies who practice learning how the small impacts the big.

Take the iPhone for instance. What makes the iPhone such a big success is not just the fact that it’s a phone with a screen – the iPhone is successful because of hundreds if not thousands of small decisions and components that make a big difference to the millions of iPhone owners. From screen size/capabilities to features, functions, and capabilities, many small aspects make the iPhone the iPhone.

Big results don’t just happen but come to people and to companies who practice learning how the small impacts the big.

John Wooden put it this way, “It’s the little details that are vital. Little things make big things happen.”

Whether you are a lawyer, a teacher, a waitress, a janitor, or a CEO, your ability to pay attention to details will determine your success or failure. People are constantly looking for ways to get ahead in business. They look for the “next big thing” that will propel them into whatever position they desire, but the people who truly get ahead are the people who take the extra step to do what others neglect to do. They learn to love the details.

How People Feel About a Product Matters More Than What They Know About It

Apple is known for making quality products, but their quality doesn’t stop with just the iPhone, iPad, etc. Steve Jobs understood that the success of the Apple brand would have more to do with how people felt about the product and less about what they knew. Brand loyalty is not so much the result of computer memory, processing speed, and screen size. Do those features matter? Absolutely! But they aren’t what drive people to purchase their products.

Apple takes seriously the packaging of their products. If you’ve ever unwrapped a new iPhone or MacBook, you know it’s an experience. It’s fun and creates a feeling of anticipation.

There are videos all over YouTube of people unwrapping their new iPhone as people watch with anticipation and excitement! Apple is touching people emotionally with just their packaging – and that’s the result of well-thought-through details.

Details Are Noticed

When we are running low on time, energy, or creativity, our tendency can be to rush the job and let the details slide, but people see and know the value of the tiniest detail put into a product. They want to purchase something because they know when a product’s finer details are given attention, the bigger and more general details have also been given the same—or even more. That’s quality.

We don’t always think of being detail minded when we create our list of leadership qualities, but that is exactly what a great leader should be. Love and emotion are in the details. When people fall in love with what you are doing, when they get excited about what you are creating, it provides an opportunity to reach more and more people and leave a mark on history that even Steve Jobs couldn’t have imagined years ago.

Dan Allender puts it perfectly, “If you’re a leader, you’re in the battle of your life.”

Leadership is not easy. You are often making tough decisions, weathering criticism, and taking risks. However, leading well is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have. When you see someone you are leading succeed, when you see their confidence built as they achieve what they never thought possible and as they become better leaders themselves, you can see how you have influenced their lives. Their success is your success! Leadership is something that we all should strive to grow in. But the question is, how do we?

Here are a few lessons from the great leaders that have come before us:

1. Leaders Take Responsibility

“Any man worth his salt will stick up for what he believes right, but it takes a slightly better man to acknowledge instantly and without reservation that he is in error.”  –Andrew Jackson

2. Leaders are Learners

“It’s what you learn after you know it all that counts.” –John Wooden

3. Leaders Share the Victory

“It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit.” –Harry S. Truman

4. Leaders Set the Example

“Example is not the main thing in influencing other. It is the only thing.” –Albert Schweitzer

5. Leaders Aren’t Afraid to Make Mistakes

“The only man who never makes a mistake is the man who never does anything.” –Theodore Roosevelt

6. Leaders Push People Upward

“There are two ways of exerting one’s strength; one is pushing down, the other is pulling up.” –Booker T. Washington

7. Leaders are Peacemakers

“Peace is not the absence of conflict, it is the ability to handle conflict by peaceful means.” –Ronald Reagan

8. Leaders Adapt Their Thinking

“We can’t solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.” –Albert Einstein

9. Leaders Have a Sense of Humor

“A sense of humor is part of the art of leadership, of getting along with people, of getting things done.” –Dwight Eisenhower

10. Leaders Work Hard

“The only place success comes before work is in the dictionary.” –Vince Lombardi

11. Leaders are Confident

“Confidence is contagious. So is the lack of confidence.” –Vince Lombardi

12. Leaders Promote Unity

“A house divided against itself cannot stand.” –Abraham Lincoln

13. Leaders are Action Oriented

“The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.” –Walt Disney

14. Leaders Do the Right Thing

“The time is always right to do what is right.” –Martin Luther King, Jr.

15. Leaders Have Integrity

“Few men have virtue to withstand the highest bidder.” –George Washington

16. Leaders are Encouragers

“Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.” –Mother Teresa

17. Leaders Persevere

“When you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot in it and hang on.” –Thomas Jefferson

18. Leaders are Courageous

“Courage is the finest of human qualities because it guarantees all others.” –Winston Churchill

19. Leaders Speak Up

“As we must account for every idle word, so must we account for every idle silence.” –Benjamin Franklin

20. Leaders Serve

“…whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.” –Jesus, Matthew 20:26

“The truest measure of leadership is influence.” –John C. Maxwell 

It might be one of the most shocking stories in the biblical account of the Numbers. Moses sends twelve tribal leaders from Israel to spy out the land of Canaan and to bring back a report. Upon their return, all twelve leaders agree that the land is very good. But ten of the leaders concluded there was no way Israel would be able to defeat the nations which presently occupied Canaan. The story provides incredible insight regarding the value of faith but also highlights the importance of leadership and influence. Understanding influence is essential for effective leadership.

5 Realities of Influence

1. Positional influence is limited

Understanding influence is essential for effective leadership.

The reality was, Joshua and Caleb were leaders in the tribes of Ephraim and Judah. The problem was that their influence didn’t reach beyond their tribes.

In fact, it appears they couldn’t even influence their own tribe! Positional leadership has limited influence.

2. Influence can be positive or negative

We don’t know what the people were thinking as they were waiting for the spies, but it’s safe to assume that they must have been excited. If the spies came back and gave a good report, the people would have gone in and taken the land, but the leaders who returned were negative. Out of the 12 leaders that went, 10 used their influence in a negative way, and the results were disastrous for them and the people who believed them. Good leaders embrace the responsibility of lifting every meeting and establishing a mindset of faith, vision, and enthusiasm.

3. Influence can add value

Every leader has a choice when it comes to using his or her influence. A leader can either manipulate people or motivate people. Manipulation is when a leader uses their influence to achieve selfish means.

Every leader has a choice when it comes to using his or her influence.

Almost always the manipulation comes as truth is shaded and perspective is spun. Motivation, on the other hand, is when a leader uses their influence for the glory of God and the good of others. Ten of the leaders used their influence to manipulate the people and cultivate fear because they were afraid themselves. They even lied to the people and said, “The land we explored devours those living in it.” Joshua and Caleb sought to motivate the people to do what was right, to do what would honor God, and to do what would benefit the nation of Israel.

4. Great influence comes with great responsibility

As leaders, we are not only responsible for the actions of those who follow us; but in a very real sense, we have a responsibility for their spiritual vitality.

How we walk with God, the strength of our faith, and the words we speak have a significant impact on the lives of those around us.

How we walk with God, the strength of our faith and the words we speak have a significant impact on the lives of those around us.

The ten unfaithful tribal leaders probably didn’t intend to start a rebellion or create division, but that is what they did. Following their negative report, the people were ready to kill Moses and Aaron and return to Egypt. As a result of their misused influence, over two million people died in the desert instead of entering the Promised Land.

5. Influence is a choice

At times, people go through an experience where they are ineffective in their leadership and, as a result, they are fearful of leading again. Joshua made a choice not to give up. He desired to become a better leader. He made the choice to continue being an influencer and because of that, he would later get a second chance.

Questions to consider:

* What kind of influence do I have?

* How am I using my influence?

* What can I do to increase my influence?

* Have I made the choice to be an influencer?

Personally when I think of the word “building” I am often overwhelmed with feelings of pain, failure, regret, and more pain. Why you ask? Well, let me explain.

Whenever I have a moment of excitement and decide to head into the garage, buy a new tool, or watch a tutorial online it usually ends with unforeseen consequences. I want to save money so I do projects that I am not qualified to do or that could physically harm those around me and myself. Honestly, when we get down to it, I am a “do it yourself guy” that should “not do it myself.”

It’s so reassuring to know that we don’t have to be a proficient handyman to be a builder of the Church.

How we view the church will determine how we lead and love those in the Church

Being a builder of the Church starts with our own personal vision of the church. How we view the church will determine how we lead and love those in the Church. We must view the church as God’s tool to build the kingdom, a place that is close to his heart, and something we are a part of! The church is an earthly picture of what Heaven will be like.

In Matthew 16:18, Jesus says,“Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it.” Jesus is saying, “I am going to build the church, but Peter, I want you to be a part.” I believe God is speaking that same thing to us today. He is still building His Church but wants to use us to make it happen.

Christ’s words to Peter were “I am going to use you to build my church” and those are His words for us today. He wants and desires to use us to build His Church. When we grab a hold of this revelation, it ignites a passion in our heart for the church and allows us to be open for God to use us in amazing ways. It is our responsibility as leaders and followers of Christ to build a culture that celebrates the church.

Here are 5 steps I believe create a Church celebrating culture.

1. Celebrate what God is doing through the Church

Sounds simple right? Talk about things that inspire you, celebrate what is taking place around you, and always reflect about what God has done. When you begin to celebrate the goodness of God, it inspires others to celebrate as well. Celebration is key!

When you begin to celebrate the goodness of God, it inspires others to celebrate as well

2. Teach people how to think about the Church

Mindset matters! We should never talk about the church as something we have to do, but as something we get to do! Positivity is a momentum lifter and a protective covering for the church. We should always strive to be a positive voice that lifts the church and the momentum of those around us.

3. Always have vision

Without vision, a plan will perish. Keep vision ahead of you and continually remind yourself and others of the vision God has set before you. Whenever a church has a vision of what God wants to do, then anything is possible. God has a future that is better than you could imagine. Vision is what will help you get there!

4. Challenge people to serve

Always push people to get involved. No one ever had a victory by sitting on the sidelines and watching a game take place. We are all called to be builders of the church and part of the body. However, some people don’t know where to start. This is where we get the incredible opportunity to challenge them and show them how they can get involved. By challenging people to serve, not only do they get involved, they are set up on a level where God can use them in a way that was unavailable before.

5. Longevity Counts

You will never sustain outward passion without constant internal inspiration. Strive to make it your goal to be known for your love for the house of God. Ask the Holy Spirit to pour into you every day. This will allow you to take people on a God-inspired journey for a long time!Being a builder of the Church starts with us and continues on through those around us. May we always strive to be someone who is continually focused on building the kingdom of God and sharing the love of Christ. Make it your goal today to look for opportunities to build the Church!