Charisma Leader | Serving and empowering church leaders

(Flickr)

Two of my former students spent the weekend with us.

I was privileged to have taught them at the undergraduate and graduate levels. I was blessed to officiate their wedding ceremony and baptize the groom on the night before his wedding. I'm happy they have kept in touch.

I've heard for years that some college professors develop gambling problems. The theory is that professors rarely see the outcomes of their work and become needy for the instant feedback provided by gambling. Thankfully, I don't need gambling therapy.

I learned that all my questioning about my "toughness" in the classroom was wasted. I was reminded that great students deserve demanding professors. Anything less is malpractice in teaching.

Get Spirit-filled content delivered right to your inbox! Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.

Demand must be a deliverable of any leader. A demand for excellence produces the future of the company. Those young people who choose to be average will find their mean outcomes. But excellence isn't built on average performance.

Demand students to write well and they will write copy and press releases for the CEO. Demand students to become excellent speakers and they will speak in large groups and in key meetings. Demand students to think and question and they will lead those who can't or won't.

I reminded the young couple this weekend that their twenties are for learning and their thirties are for earning. (And their forties are for owning.) I want more for them. They know I am demanding more excellence from them. They didn't come to me for a pat on the back.

They are focused on their relationship with the Lord, each other and their careers. Their priorities seem right. Their path is well lit.

Leaders don't need to gamble. Demanding leaders see great outcomes.

Tough on standards. Soft on people.

 

"Do you not know that all those who run in a race run, but one receives the prize? So run, that you may obtain it. Everyone who strives for the prize exercises self-control in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible one" (1 Cor. 9:24-25).

 

Dr. Steve Greene is the publisher and executive vice president of the media group at Charisma Media and executive producer of the Charisma Podcast Network. His book, Love Leads: The Spiritual Connection Between Your Relationships and Productivity, is now available.

Leaders, Dr. Greene wants to help you understand the spiritual connection between relationships and productivity. Read his new blog, here.

Get Spirit-filled content delivered right to your inbox! Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.

Dr. Steve Greene is now sharing stories, teachings, and conversations with guests who lead with love on Love Leads, a new podcast. Listen now.



Dr. Mark Rutland's

National Institute of Christian Leadership (NICL)

The NICL is one of the top leadership training programs in the U.S. taught by Dr. Mark Rutland. If you're the type of leader that likes to have total control over every aspect of your ministry and your future success, the NICL is right for you!

FREE NICL MINI-COURSE - Enroll for 3-hours of training from Dr. Rutland's full leadership course. Experience the NICL and decide if this training is right for you and your team.

Do you feel stuck? Do you feel like you’re not growing? Do you need help from an expert in leadership? There is no other leadership training like the NICL. Gain the leadership skills and confidence you need to lead your church, business or ministry. Get ready to accomplish all of your God-given dreams. CLICK HERE for NICL training dates and details.

The NICL Online is an option for any leader with time or schedule constraints. It's also for leaders who want to expedite their training to receive advanced standing for Master Level credit hours. Work through Dr. Rutland's full training from the comfort of your home or ministry at your pace. Learn more about NICL Online. Learn more about NICL Online.

Charisma Leader — Serving and empowering church leaders