In addition to reading the Bible I enjoy reading books about leadership. As (lay) leaders in our respective churches I think we need to continually try to improve our leadership skills. One of my favorite authors is John Maxwell who has authored many books on what I would describe as Bible-based leadership. There are other authors who have written about leadership only one or two times. One such individual is Colin Powell.
Colin Powell was a four-star general in the Army who was the National security Advisor under President Ronald Reagan and then Secretary of State and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under President George H. W. Bush. Just before becoming Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Powell was interviewed by reporter David Wallechinsky of Parade magazine, the long-running Sunday supplement to several newspapers. During the interview Powell shared several pieces of paper containing quotes and aphorisms he had collected over the years. These became a sidebar to the article about him. They eventually became known as the “Thirteen Rules” and developed a life of their own. I have found the “Thirteen Rules” to be very relevant and helpful in leadership positions I have held in the church and elsewhere. I hope that you will find the “Thirteen Rules” useful.
- It ain’t as bad as you think. It will look better in the morning.
- Get mad. Then get over it.
- Avoid having your ego so close to your position that when your
position falls, your ego goes with it. - It can be done.
- Be careful what you choose. You may get it.
- Don’t let adverse facts stand in the way of a good decision.
- You can’t make someone else’s choices. You shouldn’t let
someone else make yours. - Check small things.
- Share credit.
- Remain calm. Be kind.
- Have a vision. Be demanding.
- Don’t take counsel of your fears or naysayers.
- Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier.
Finally, a church bulletin blooper: For those of you who have children and don’t know it, we have a nursery downstairs.
Peace,
John Kelso
Harbor District Lay Leader
If you would like to view past editions of Lessons from Our Lay Leader (John Kelso), follow this link: https://harbordistrictnc.org/category/from-the-lay-leader/