day 551: First Time Leaders

One of the hardest times we ever have in our careers is the first time we become leaders of others. One day we are like everyone else and the next we are asked to lead and manage others who yesterday were our peers. Not only is this hard on the person who is stepping up but it is also hard on those who are being managed by this person as they learn through trial and error. Some companies will put people through a leadership and supervision course before they are promoted but most just allow people to sink or swim in the new responsibility. Net, it is hard on everyone when first time leaders are created and everyone should jump in and help. The manager over the newly promoted person has to work harder to mentor, advise and coach. Peers need to step forward and provide advice, counsel and encouragement. Subordinates, some who wish they should have gotten the job, need to be patient and understanding as the new leader finds their way. The new leader also must be humble and open to feedback as she/he makes their mistakes and learns. It can be a hard toll on the organization and everyone has to pull together for success to happen. We should also say a prayer for these new leaders. Great King Solomon even understood the challenges of first time leadership when he said in 1 Kings 3:9, "Give me an understanding mind so that I can govern your people and know the difference between right from wrong. For who by himself is able to govern this great nation of yours?" Today, you may run into the challenges that come from a first time leader. See if today you can encourage, prop up and support this person as their success is your and your organization's success! Your word of encouragement could be just the thing that they need today.

Reference: 1 Kings 3:9 (New Living Testament)

day 302: Not Who You Think...

In business we have become conditioned to think that it is with the people at the top that the best things happen. The press and the media always profile the CEO and Board Members but rarely are the rank and file or front line employees profiled, talked about or given the spotlight. I appreciate the CEOs who go out of their way to make sure that it is their employees who get the credit when the credit is due. But too many people try and take the credit and we when we see that happening there is a resentment than can build up and an attitude within the company that no matter who does what that the person at the top of the organization chart will take the credit. When this infiltrates the culture it is nearly impossible to remove it going forward. What is also scary is that this can sneak up on companies and because leaders don't see it, they may never know it is there, but the employees do. Any of us who are in leadership positions or who are even thought of as leaders on the team of our peers, need to be very sensitive and cognizant of not allowing ourselves to fall into the trap of taking credit. Amazing things are happening to all kinds of people in the company and sometimes even the most fascinating and exciting things can happen to those in the most unlikely positions. It is this time of year when we study the Christmas story. It is made clear to us that the most lowly of the least desired jobs were the first to be told of the birth of Jesus and see him in the manger. The shepherds who were just out doing their jobs in the middle of the night were chosen to be the ones to go and find Jesus. How come the angels were not sent to Kings, CEOs, and people in important positions? Because, God was telling us once again that He is there for us all and He can't see organization charts, hierarchies, or amounts on W-2s. The angels revealed themselves and the birth of Jesus to the right people, because as we read in Luke Chapter 2, they were frightened and amazed. I only wish I could have heard their first hand account of that night. I suspect that any King or CEO listening to their stories wished they had been able to have been there. This week as you work, remember it is not who we think who has the most amazing things happen to them. Take a moment to recognize those who may feel like they get left out or forgotten. One word of encouragement and thanks this week could make a difference and they may well see your faith and belief coming through your words and actions.

Reference: Luke Chapter 2 (New Living Testament)