Annette's Sept Reading

Oops - I wrote 95% of this last week and then realized I forgot to post it. 

I LOVE THIS BOOK!  I'm so inspired...

Ch. 6: Courage
I hate how pompous it sounds - but this is one area that I feel pretty good about.  God has brought me through so much that I've learned to trust Him and keep going even when I'm scared out of my wits (not every time, but most of the time).  And that does make people feel secure in following you!  Right on John!  "Fear limits a leader."  Don't let fear hinder you anymore guys!

Ch. 7: Discernment
I think this is the best definition of discernment that I've ever heard.  "Discernment enables a leader to see a partial picture, fill in the missing pieces intuitively, and find the real heart of a matter."  Awesome.  Very balanced advice to not ignore that "gut feeling", but don't rely entirely on it.  "Value nontraditional thinking. Embrace change, ambiguity, and uncertainty.  Broaden your horizons experientially."  I know some leaders that would feel nauseated after reading those sentences.  HAHAHA  I say AMEN!

Ch. 8: Focus
This is definitely an area I'm working on!  Some of you will remember something I know the Lord spoke to me at camp.  He said "cut the fat".  I certainly have priorities lined up, BUT sometimes I've allowed unneccessaries to creep in and then my focus shifts from top priorities to managing a bunch of mid-level priorities.  So I have been learning to cut that fat from my leadership life.  Focus 70% on strengths, 25% on new things (like Signet), and 5% on weaknesses.  This approach makes so much sense!

Ch. 9: Generosity
Great principles here!  I love the practical information...give something away!  Something that IS valuable to you - not rummage sale items!  I'm going to think about that...

Ch. 10 - Initiative
"Leaders are responsible for initiating a connection with their followers."  What are you going to do with that?  Have you taken initiative or are you waiting for them to come to you?  This chapter makes me feel better about being so opinionated.  HAHA  But of course, life is always about balance.  Opinions without teamwork and follow through are useless.  My opinion (couldn't resist) is that where most of the breakdown happens with leaders is in the "pushing themselves to act" portion.  Most people who lead have desire and are willing to take risks and make mistakes.  BUT pushing themselves to take action to get it going in the first place is usually where people lack.