-
Servant Leadership: What Jesus Teaches Us About Leading at Home and Work
Since recently returning to the school system, I’ve been thinking a lot about leadership lately. Not just leadership in the sense of running a business or leading a project, but the kind of leadership Jesus calls us to in our everyday lives. You know, that quiet, sometimes behind-the-scenes leadership that doesn’t look like the world’s idea of power, but instead looks like humility, service, and love. It’s funny because the more I read Scripture, the more I see that Jesus turned the whole concept of leadership upside down. In our culture, leadership is often about influence, control, and being in the spotlight. But in the kingdom of God, it’s almost…
-
Getting Fired: Still A Possibility As A Leader, Or Are You Safe?
When I first became a leader in a workplace, I thought I would never have to worry about getting fired. The money and opportunity were good, but I was happier about job security. My happiness quickly dipped when I had a conversation with my mentor months later. The company was not doing too well, and I had the privilege and burden of knowing. It was beyond our control; the market just wasn’t what it used to be. I feared I would get a significant pay cut, so I went to my mentor for advice on how to bear it when it finally happened. He said, ‘When companies are not doing…
-
Understanding The Emotionally Unavailable Man
Nobody ever wants to be in the eyeline of an emotionally unavailable man. Sadly, sometimes you find yourself there without even knowing it. I mean, it’s not like emotionally unavailable men walk around with a sign on their foreheads. And they don’t come out of the gates announcing it. They probably don’t even realize or accept it! So can you really change him? Is the emotionally unavailable man worth the trouble or destined to be alone? Most people who have been down this path would tell you to walk away, even run. Others will tell you that there could be something there, and it’s ‘not so bad.’ So, what is…
-
Leaders Should Apologize, Or Does Leadership Mean Never Having To Apologize?
Have you ever heard your boss apologize? Yeah, for the longest time, neither did I. The thought of whether a superior should apologize did not come to mind until I got to a leadership position. And when it did, I had some mixed feelings. Many of the people who led me never apologized for anything. I mean, they could do something as horrible as erasing data on a new project, but the word ‘sorry’ would never cross their minds or mouths! And for some reason, we just accepted it. Society has proven to be totally chill with people in leadership positions, never apologizing for their mistakes, from presidents to CEOs…
-
Is There A Right Way To Emotionally Connect With A Man?
First things first, do men even emotionally connect with others? They must, right? There are many people with successful marriages and relationships, which means that the men in those relationships managed to emotionally connect with their partners. However, a lot of women struggle to have that connection with men. And it makes sense because men are not the most forthcoming in opening up and connecting. It goes against all things male code. Still, with time, they can learn to feel safe and open up to emotional connection. And for that to happen, there are a few things worth learning and considering. Emotional intimacy is wonderful, but it is also delicate.…
-
How Servant Leaders Can Remain Motivated In Their Roles
People rarely focus on how leaders remain motivated. But it makes sense. Often, it feels that the company needs to focus on those who are not in leadership positions regarding motivation. Leaders have power, a higher salary, and a ‘better’ footing in the company than anyone else. They have all the motivation they need, right? Wrong! First things first, money is not the best motivation. Secondly, leaders need motivation, especially when time has passed. When you first started, you had many goals to motivate you—maybe the leadership position you are in right now, a higher salary, or fewer working hours—all things you could have already achieved as a leader. So,…
-
How Leaders Can Inspire Healthy Competition Without Crossing The Line
Healthy competition was not something I thought could exist for the longest time. As someone who sadly went to a school system where missing two marks on a test was punished rather than rewarded, I never liked any form of competition. In school, it literally pinned us against each other. And just when I thought things could not get worse, I got a job! And I learned very quickly that NOBODY at work is your friend. It was horrible! After that, you could not convince me that competition was good. What do you mean it can bring out the best in people? If what I saw was the best, then…
-
How To Improve Loyalty Through Leadership
Often, it sounds impossible to improve loyalty among people who are not in leadership positions. Many employees are forthcoming about being in it for their own benefit, ready to jump at the next opportunity. I remember being just another worker, and loyalty to my leader and company was not even in my vocabulary. I saw it as a job, but I never once considered it to be a career, which is the mindset of a lot of people. But it’s understandable. Working under leaders or in companies that make you feel replaceable is often not the way to cultivate loyalty. If your team feels replaceable, unappreciated, and treated more like…
-
A Quick Guide To The Delicate Dance That Is Leadership Networking
Leadership networking is one of those things you need to get behind in your position. When you first started networking, you were probably looking for a well-paying job, a better opportunity, the chance to be in a leadership role or build a network to help you in future endeavors. So, what is leadership networking about? It involves creating relationships that help the organization. As an employee, you were mostly in it for yourself. As a leader, you have more than yourself to think about, such as your team and the good of the organization. Basically, you are in it to make the company stronger, not just yourself. It’s a responsibility…
-
A Man With No Friends: Too Much of A Red Flag Or Just What You Need?
Just when you thought nothing could possibly surprise you, you came across him—a man with no friends. Well, at first, you did not realize it. Then you started to notice the signs. His stories barely involve anyone else. And when they do, it’s mostly a sibling or a coworker. He has never mentioned a high school or hobby friend he will visit. He’s happy to meet your friends but has not introduced you to his. So you finally ask, and he confirms that he is not hiding you; rather, he does not have many friends. You are relieved because the first thing is always worse. But then, it hits you:…
