A Little Dab Won't Do for a Leader

Back in the 1950's a dab of this stuff would keep hair in place...

When we lead today we must use more than just a dab of repsponsibilty.

Today's Scripture:

For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more.

Luke 12:48

Unlike the Brylcreem in today's blog photo that held the ducktailed and greaser hairdos in place back in the 1950's, a dab of responsibility will not cover it for those who take on the role of leader. Leaders are responsible for decisions that affect people, processes, and profits on a daily basis - a great responsibility also increases. If you aspire to be a great leader, expect to accept increasing levels of responsibility.

The higher you climb in your group or organization the more authority you are likely to be assigned.

The privilege of exercising new authority costs an increasing amount of responsibility for the people and tasks under your supervision.

Often, the visibility of your success and mistakes more your position is elevated in the organization, the less of their effects. You are accountable to your organization for how well you assume your responsibility.

The realization that other people are counting on your decisions can be sobering. But be encouraged. With increased authority and responsibility also comes the opportunity of greater influence. If you want to impact others around you, your influence is vital. Unlike hair cream, you cannot just smear a dab of responsibility here and there. Effective leaders consistently accept responsibility and exercise influence for organizational success.

Selah people' and friends take some unsolicited initiative and volunteer for a new project or task at work. Prove yourself trustworthy of the responsibility by completing the assignment successfully.

"Don't just dab it, gel it or spritz it...build up you initiative to take on more responsibility and know that God will not put more on you than He will give you all that you need to accomplish His goals for you."

Your pastor,

Rev Patrick Muston

June 28, 2009 ~ R-E-S-P-E-C-T

Daddy and my Papa always said "a man was only as good as their word"!

Today's Scripture:

A person who speaks truth is respected.

Proverbs 21:28

Although you may be granted power, you are not as easily given respect. Respect is not bestowed upon you as you attain positions of authority. You have been told that respect must be earned, not demanded. But no one gives an exact formula for earning it. You may have been told that you must prove yourself. But how you have to prove yourself may not be explained.

The way to gain respect among your peers is to continually keep your word.

You may remember your parents or grandparents using such phrases as "His word is his bond" or the "gentleman's agreement." The notion that a man's word is as sacred as a written contract is almost obsolete in most of today's society. I will make you a promise that I will do everything in my power to accomplish a task I've promised to you even if it means walking across hot coals. Although for some your word may not be as highly esteemed in this era, you can however increase its value.

By keeping your word as your bond, people will at least hear you out. When you have their attention, you should speak truthfully. Speaking the truth is not always easy, and it doesn't mean that you have to hurt others with unabashed honesty. Truth telling is simply speaking only what you know is true. Repeating unsubstantiated opinions or rumors about others is not trustworthy. When you say what you mean, and you mean what you say, people may not always like your message, but they will learn to trust it. You earn respect by the proven validity and reliability of your word overt time.

Selah people' and friends when you are asked your opinion of a matter, consciously decide to tell the truth. You may have to buffer it with gracious words, but speak truthfully and keep your word, and you will get respect.

"May today be the day we honor God by honoring our word to family, friends and all whom we speak. Make a commitment to not give away your word without backing it 100%."

Your pastor,

Rev Patrick Muston

June 27th, 2009 ~ Seeking Popularity?

Many strive to be popular, just remember your reputation...

if you build your character with integrity and service, others

will tell of your good works, thus allowing them to see the Jesus in you.

Today's Scripture:

A wise person gets know for insight; gracious words add to one's reputation.

Proverbs 16:21

The search for popularity begins in what I remember as junior high school or today known as middle school particularly like my own daughter around sixth grade and once it begins to be important it seemingly never ends for some people. Girls want to be the sought-after best friend, and guys seek to be admired for their bravery. Adults do not escape the lure of popularity either. Many careers require it. Popularity certainly benefits celebrities, politicians, and lobbyists. But even careers for the average Joe can benefit from popularity. Whether you are the county's highest-regarded attorney or the town's most coveted wedding planner, popularity attracts clients.

Although your reputation is not based on your popularity alone, it certainly contributes to it.

Popularity comes from two sources: notoriety and acclaim.

You can determine which you attain with your actions. If you build your reputation by sharing insight and kindness with others, you will gain a good reputation. When you share the wisdom that you have with others, they appreciate it. If you can help them and they are willing to learn, lend your knowledge. When you generously and graciously benefit others by what you have learned, they will begin to seek out your advice.

I was watching a movie with my daughter and the two characters shared this important point of how we really are and what we do and how others perceive us to be. One of the girls was royalty...a princess and the other girl was "bait girl", just an average teen who learned that with the responsibility of royals it is more than power, money or designer clothing that makes others respect and admire you, it is about what you do to serve others and how you treat them. Thus regardless if we are royals or not when we serve others well they will in turn love and admire us for that service and what a great way to be known or in the context of today's blog be "truly popular".

Earn you popularity through a strong and influential reputation my friends. Your reputation is a reflection of your character. Don't fall to temptation as so many of our celebrities and world leaders do every day as we look at the news and headlines. Remember they are just people like you and me regardless of fame and perhaps how much we admire them and their accomplishments. As you concentrate more on developing your own character with integrity and service, others will tell of your good works and build your reputation for you.

Selah people and friends target someone who seems to be struggling in an area in which you have knowledge. Lend your expertise to them on a gratis basis. Your investment will be returned to you by their accolades.

"Choose today to build your character by serving God and others as for the popularity, if you live with integrity and strive to be Christ like all the popularity will come. They will know we are Christians by our love, by our love. Yes they will know we are Christians when we become one in the spirit and one in the Lord."

Your pastor,

Rev Patrick Muston - Via mobile ~ Mt.Olive, NC

June 26, 2009 ~ In over Your Head

Have you ever gone off the deep end and realize you went too far?

Today's Scripture:

If you quit listening, dear child, and strike off on your own, you'll soon be out of your depth.

Proverbs 19:27

Many times beach lovers find that they have waded out farther into the ocean than they thought. They ignore the posted warnings and disregard the lifeguards' signal, thinking that they know their own limitations. But soon you find them bobbing up and down, waving their arms for help, once they realize that indeed they are too deep and too far out into the ocean to make their way back safely.

You may have experienced that feeling of being in over your head in the water or even in business. You didn't mean to get so carried away; you thought that you could handle the waves and undertow on your own. But self-reliance will lure you into deep waters without your even noticing.

When you think that you can rely on your own ability, skill, or strength to sustain you, be warned.

Eventually your body, mind, or spirit will run out of strength.

If you find that you are out of your depth and need a little help, rely on God. If you stay within his sight and heed his guidelines, you can protect yourself from getting in too deep. God knows just how much you can handle. He also knows how to rescue you if you slip off too far from him. Ask him to throw you a life preserver if needed. Then stay close to his counsel to ensure your security.

Selah people' and friends determine in what areas of life you are struggling to keep your head above water. Examine some ways that you can engage your faith to rely on God for help in those situations.

"Let us go over the falls for God and whatever it is He calls us to do. Don't worry with him we will always come to the surface and be safe even when we don't see a lifeguard on duty He will be there."

Your pastor,

Rev Patrick Muston

June 25, 2009 ~ Common Folk

Do you jump in and unite with your people?

Today's Scripture:

Don't try to act important, but enjoy the company of ordinary people.

Romans 12:16

Executives, managers, line workers, and facility engineers are all the same - just people and each one is just as important in the work an organization is trying to accomplish. Sometimes in the corporate world you can get caught up in the caste system of the organization. Some companies have executive boardrooms, exclusive health clubs, and even elite dining rooms. In those types of organizations, the coveted club key becomes the symbol of success and acceptance. It may also become the mark of division in important relationships.

You may feel that you have arrived when you get moved to the corner office on the executive floor. It may seem that you have finally crossed over to the other side of the tracks. You have left the commoners behind much like the old television show "The Jefferson's", you are moving on up...and now you can mingle with the royalty of your organization. But please know that just because you are moving up does not mean you have to leave old friends behind.

The opportunity of a high position affords you the chance to be a bridge among all positions of people in your association. Your identity does not have to be determined by your place in the organizational chart. When you treat the mail guy or the folks making your copies with the same respect as the vice president or the CEO, you have really achieved success. As you move up the ranks, be sure to remember who you really are and where you have come from: you are a commoner blessed with royal opportunities.

Allow your humility to sustain positive relationships among all the people around you despite their positions in the organization.

Selah people' and friends get to know some of your coworkers or reunite with old friends by starting conversations with people from another department of division in your group or company. Do not limit your relationships. Try to meet someone new this week and be an encourager to all you can, not just to the "Big" boss.

"Grab someone today shake their hand and show them just how much God loves you and them."

Your pastor,

Rev Patrick Muston ... Via Mobile ~ Mount Olive, NC

June 24, 2009 ~ The Wall Came Tumbling Down

They say you get more with a carrot than you do a stick...

sometimes the stick can be effective especially at destruction!

Today's Scripture:

Patient persistence pierces through indifference; gentle speech breaks down rigid defenses.

Proverbs 25:15

As much as you try, you cannot shield the people under your leadership from disappointment, disagreements, or discouragement. As long as people work together or serve customers, there will be times when they lose their tempers, get their feelings hurt, or maybe even misunderstand motives and decisions. Painful experiences can breed anger, resentment, and apathy. Indifference and defensiveness are definite barriers to an inspiring atmosphere.

So, one of the greatest challenges you face is that of motivating others to perform in spite of their personal feelings.

Reconciliation is simply bringing harmony in your organization. Before you can motivate others, first realize that apathy and defensiveness probably exist in your organization even if they are not prevalent or apparent. Being oblivious to the possibility of negativity in your home, church or workplace will not make it disappear. But yo can break down these destructive walls if you use the right approach and tools for the job.

When you find apathy evidenced by absenteeism or lack of passion, concern or productivity, be persistent in sharing your goals and visions for the future. Be patient in seeing change. Attitudes are not formed or changed overnight. If you use a kind word, even when responding to criticism or judgment, you will have more success than retaliating with like emotion. As the adage goes, "You can catch more flies with Honey than vinegar any day." Be sure to keep your eyes keen and your heart open to bring harmony into your workplace.

Selah people' and friends check the thermostat of your family, church, company or organization's harmony. Ask for honest opinions from your members about their feelings of unity and accord. If you find indifference, conquer it with gratitude and vision.

"Take time today to tear down the walls that stand between you and what God has planned for you life and those around you."

Your pastor,

Rev Patrick Muston

Share the Spotlight

Do you celebrate alone...or do you share it with others?

(Caution: This photo is of a professional driver on a closed course. LOL)

Today's Scripture:

Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it's in your power to help them.

Proverbs 3:27

Whether the final encore bow of the musical, the MVP trophy at the awards banquet, or the album of the year award, one person is often chosen to receive the winning prize. But most of the time the individual could not have succeeded in his or her win alone. The musical needs a performer or technician to provide the music, the most valuable player requires a teammate to assist on the field, and the songwriter needs a vocalist to present their words to the world.

Just as a winner of a grand award needs someone to help him succeed, so a leader needs an associate. When great success occurs, the leader is often standing in the shining spotlight. After all, even if you were not directly involved in accomplishing the task, you were responsible for the team selection and delegation of those who did achieve the success. But the spotlight should be shared. I know in my secular work my job as a manager is a position much like the coach on a ball team...I put together the team, make sure they have all needed equipment, gear, etc. and train them up and come up with and communicate our game plan, then I have to step aside on the sideline and watch and cheer as they perform. True I can make adjustments to the personnel or even to the plan as the day goes by but I can only be one part of it and it takes efforts of many to make impossible feats possible.

We need to recognize those people around us who faithfully contribute to achieving our goals.

Simply give credit where credit is due. If someone compliments your new letterhead or idea for a new product design explain that it was Eva's ideas and the one who came up with the perfect color combination of the ink color or that Mike came up with the new logo idea for the t-shirt design. When others rave about the excellence of the annual banquet and service award dinner, credit the cooks, waitstaff, the DJ, musicians, singers, entertainers and our sanitation and volunteer teams of people for their diligence and attentiveness to the details which make it so special. Shining the light on others, as many as you can recognize, builds up their esteem and affirms their value to you. This is true in families and churches as well. Whether it be a child setting or clearing a table and we parent giving them some recognition or church members who take on youth trips or vacation bible school. Any way we can give them that pat-on-the-back is a great tool to share the success.

Selah people' and friends write or print a list of those who hold support positions in your group or on your staff at your company. Write a sincere note of affirmation to some of those support staff members for all that they do and contribute to your team. Watch what God can do when we share the spotlight and do it knowing it is not about us but that it all about Him!

"Choose today to pass on some of the joy and celebration that should be shared by all and not just a few that may be higher up in position."

Your pastor,

Rev Patrick Muston ~ Via mobile Mount Olive, NC