Our church is coordinating our relief efforts for Haiti with the BGCT.  Please check out their webpage for how you can donate to help the people of Haiti.  Our church is also considering a trip to Haiti to help.  If you would be interested in possibly going to Haiti, contact Linda Templin.

Random Thoughts on Leadership

Just because you’re accomplished in one area of your life and you’re famous, doesn’t mean you are a good leader. In these past few months, we have witnessed this truth. On the day after Thanksgiving, I was watching the Auburn/Alabama football game (as I’m sure most of you were), and the report flashed across the screen that Tiger Woods had been involved in an accident. The details were to follow, so said the reporter. Man, that was an understatement!  And later, NBA star, Gilbert Arenas reveals he has a firearm in the locker room. Wow. Not to mention the vast array of celebrities whose lifestyles reflect a lack of discretion and maturity on every front.  

Just because you have a sign on your office door, doesn’t mean you are a good leader. Sometimes people are placed in positions that are beyond their capabilities. Occupying a position does not guarantee that sound leadership decisions will be the result.  

Decisions based only on the bottom line, without thought being given to contingences, are rarely good decisions. NBC has taken the hits from the Jay Leno and Conan O’Brien debacle. The network is scrambling to save face and capture an audience.  

Good leaders are both instinctive and life-long learners. One year at an FCA event, Coach Gene Stallings told a story about Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant. The story took place while Bryant was coaching at Alabama and Stallings was at Texas A&M. I’ve forgotten the details, but I remember being impressed that Bryant was willing to learn from Gene Stallings. The mentor was open to suggestion from his student. Bryant was a life-long learner.  

If no one is following, you are not leading. By definition, a leader requires followers. Good leaders don’t run off and leave those who are following. Pace is very important in the leadership experience.  

Follow the Leader is my attempt to help you become a better leader. You can do it. Let’s keep learning from each other as we keep following The Jesus Way.  

Blessings,

Dr. Dennis R. Wiles