A Word to the Wise: 

To clarify your core values, consider asking this question instead: What qualities do I most admire in others? 
The answer to that question normally reflects the values we hold most dear. Contemplate the two or three qualities you most admire in others by reflecting on your experiences and reactions in your many prized relationships. This question and its answers will help you cut through the noise and identify what really matters to you. 

Good leaders often use this question to ascertain what others value as well. Asking this question in an interview setting when assessing people you don’t know well, such as job candidates, often reveals important insights. Most importantly, their answers will disclose what human attributes they most aspire to possess. 
What they admire in others provides leaders with a shortcut into value clarification. Give it a try.

Admired Leadership Field Notes, 10.27.24, Your Admiration of Others Reveals Your Core Values

​A Word to the Wise
 
In 1990, 16% of Americans hadn’t read a single book in the previous year. In 2015, it was 27%. Last year, it was 65%. Most of what was read isn’t helpful anyway. According to USA Today, between 1993 and 2013, the best seller lists were dominated by self-help and young-adult fiction. Today, people are mostly just reading their phones.

In Amusing Ourselves to Death, Postman presciently warned of a “vast descent into triviality.” Christians, because they believe that Christ is the truth and the Word, should always prioritize discernment, but especially in the information age. Otherwise, we risk being tools in somebody else’s arsenal.
 
John Stonestreet & Dr. Timothy Padgett, Breakpoint Daily, 10.10.24, Outsourcing Discernment in an Age of Mass Information

​A Word to the Wise: Admired Leadership Field Notes
 
What gets rewarded in organizations is what gets done. Good leaders never change a strategy without ensuring that the reward and recognition scheme advances the differences they hope to see. Leaders always get what they reward. 

Admired Leadership Field Notes, 10.10.24, With a New Strategy, Be Sure the Old Structures Still Support It 

​A Word to the Wise: Admired Leadership Field Notes
 
Leaders might think that having the will to succeed ensures the self-discipline it takes to achieve, but evidence points to the contrary. Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment. The desire to excel often exists independently from the focus, organization, and consistency discipline provides. 
 
Now for the bad news: leaders can’t teach attitude or instill discipline in others. These are decisions and practices only the team member can infuse in themselves. It’s not that people can’t learn to be more self-disciplined, but it takes a significant investment of time. Time leaders simply don’t have. 
 
Before becoming attracted by a great attitude and investing in skill development, leaders would be best served to explore the personal habits and discipline of team members. 
A great attitude is only a game-changer if it comes with the self-discipline to make the daily actions connected to success. Those without may as well lack will and skill. They are unlikely to ever become valuable team members.  

Admired Leadership Field Notes, 9.27.24, A Great Attitude Without the Discipline to Excel

​A Word to the Wise – 
 
"Today, 61 percent of U.S. adults report viewing pornography—and 84 percent of this group say they don’t have anyone helping them avoid pornography. It's clear: the time is now for the Church to step up and engage in this critical conversation.
 
Join Barna Group and our partner Pure Desire Ministries on October 2 for a powerful webinar. Beyond the Porn Phenomenon: Fresh Data and Practical Strategies to Help Churches Confront Today’s Porn Crisis will equip church leaders with key insights and actionable tools to address the challenges of today’s porn problem. 

Discover how to lead honest conversations, promote healing and guide your church to respond with compassion in this critical area of ministry. Empower your community to find freedom from pornography."
​Barna email 9.18.24 

A Word to the Wise – 
 
The best leaders are conscious about the impact their behaviors have on others. They don’t give themselves a break from serving as a role model for the behaviors they want to see from others. 
 
In particular, good leaders are attuned to what they decline, avoid, ignore, and dismiss. They know others are watching and will likely adopt their choices. 
 
It’s an honor and privilege to be a role model. Good leaders never forget that. They remind themselves daily that their behaviors spread like fast-growing roots on the tree of imitation.
​
Admired Leadership Field Notes, 9.15.24, Leaders Spread Behaviors Like Germs

A Word to the Wise – James Clear, 9.5.24, 3-2-1 Thursday
Many things in life go through phases. It can be like the seasons: spring, summer, fall, winter. Each season has its own set of needs and demands.
Think about something important to you. Maybe it's a project or a job. Perhaps a hobby or even a relationship. What season are you in right now and what does that season require?
​

A Word to the Wise – Romans 15:1, “Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not just please ourselves.” (NASB)