I love leadership
A few weeks ago, I read Joshua 18 and wrote this note:
Leaders Push: Joshua pushed the people to follow through on God’s commands and promises. Good leaders push people to do more than they would on their own. They push them to think higher and go farther.
Leaders lead. Leaders push. Leaders make things happen.
This was the situation. The Israelites had grown a little stagnant toward the vision of occupying a homeland. They were about halfway through, and they lost their oomph.
Ever lose your oomph?
Joshua recognized this malaise, called it out and helped push forward (Joshua 18:1-10). If you are leading people in vision at any level (family, business, church, school, non-profit, civic, etc) they will lose their drive…their oomph. As leaders, we need to help people get back on track.
So how do we re-deliver oomph?
Truthfully, this is a big question. You can study internal versus external motivation. You can study personality types. You can study strengths and weaknesses. You should, but stepping back, we see Joshua do three big picture things to help his friends get their mojo back.
- Ask the right questions.
- Develop a plan.
- Lead from behind.
Ask the right questions.
Joshua did a pretty cunning thing by asking this question:
How long are you going to wait before taking possession of the remaining land the lord, the God of your ancestors, has given to you? -Joshua 18:3
Joshua asked an externally motivating question. This question called out internal desires. He basically asked, “Why aren’t you pushing yourselves?” Joshua asked a question to get their attention.
This was the right question in the right situation. Your situation might require a different question. The best leaders ask the best questions at the best time.
This is when studying and knowing motivation and personality types and strengths and weaknesses is important. It helps you ask the right question at the right time.
Develop a plan.
Joshua didn’t just light a fire and leave them to figure it out…he already had a plan developed!
Select three men from each tribe, and I will send them out to explore the land and map it out. They will then return to me with a written report of their proposed divisions of their new homeland. -Joshua 18:4
Joshua gave them something to do. He helped them get moving with a checklist of things to work on.
Sometimes people get stuck because the task is too big, and they need smaller chunks of work. I love to strategize and arrange; it’s a strength. This comes easy and fun for me create chunks of work. It might not for you, so you need to find people to help you if you want to lead effectively.
Lead from behind.
Once Joshua got the people moving again, he took a back seat and let them figure things out.
And when you record the seven divisions of the land and bring them to me… -Joshua 18:6
Joshua got out of the way. He let them figure out the sections of land, and then actually drew straws (the sacred sort) to determine who got what.
One of my favorite leadership quotes is by Nelson Mandela:
It is better to lead from behind and to put others in front, especially when you celebrate victory when nice things occur. You take the front line when there is danger. Then people will appreciate your leadership.
Let others experience glory and accomplishment. This is what helps people keep moving forward…a sense of pride and ability.
Find your oomph
Let’s be honest. This might not be for leading other people…it might be for you. You may have lost your oomph in your business, job, marriage, family, health or finances. These principles still apply!
- Ask yourself the right question.
- Develop a plan.
- Find a mentor to push you out.
All of us need someone in our lives who has the right to get behind us and kick us into action. Who have you given that right to?
Today, find your oomph by asking the right questions, developing a plan and finding a mentor to push you in gear!
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