H. Dale Burke has written a thought-provoking book entitled How to Lead & Still Have a Life (Harvest House Publishers, 2004) in which he proposes that to be an effective leader there are some principles based on “less is more.” Burke asserts that using the disciplines he outlines will empower individuals to both lead and still have a life.

This is the first in a five-part series on the 10 realities Burke discusses that must be addressed in order to lead with influence. Two realities will be featured in each of the five parts.

Reality 1 – the rules have changed
The first reality a leader must face is that the rules have changed. It will be a mistake to ignore all the changes that have taken place in our lives, in society, in the assumptions we make, and in our moral beliefs and spirituality. If we try to lead as if the world is the same as when we were growing up, we will fail to make an impact on those we seek to lead. We will be regarded as irrelevant. Individuals, both believers and non-believers, hold different views about themselves and their place in the world. Boundaries and traditions that were once accepted and valued appear to be obsolete.

Reality 2 – life is faster
A second reality that comes right on the heels of the first is that life is faster. Luke 10:41 is a good choice to demonstrate the pace of our lives today: “You are worried and bothered about so many things.” The frantic activities of daily life transfer over to what we attempt to do as leaders.

Corporate organizations have realized that the turnaround time for products and services is much shorter than ever before. Living faster directly relates to our approach to leadership and the responsibilities we have. The pressures of staying “on the edge” have increased, and pastors, church staff and volunteer leaders must keep pace to be relevant.

The next part in this series will address change and expectations and how they affect leaders.

For more information, contact
Linda Clark
WMU/Women’s Ministries Specialist
559.229-9533, x. 256
E-mail Linda Clark