Leading Tomorrow
  • Home
  • Areas of Interest
    • Blog
    • About
    • Testimonials
    • Resources
  • Podcast
  • Speaking
    • Corporate Topics
    • Education Topics
    • Military Topics
    • Faith-Based Topics
    • Missions and Ministry
  • Coaching
  • Shop
  • Contact

BLOG

How Well Am I Navigating Change as a Leader?

9/14/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
I have missed seeing many of you in person this year as face-to-face events have been canceled and schedules have changed. Like many public speakers, my calendar looked strangely different after travel restrictions began to take effect in March. In this unique season, I have often found myself, like so many leaders, pondering what the future holds and how to navigate it. Amid all the uncertainty and change, I have been encouraged and challenged by the following reminders and questions:
  • Unexpected change encourages innovation we might not have otherwise initiated for ourselves or organizations. How can I/we embrace innovation? Are we doing so effectively?
  • Change, stress, and uncertainty bring to the surface the strengths and weaknesses that are deep within each of us and allow for increased self-awareness and personal growth. What have I realized about myself this year? How have I grown this year? Where do I need continued growth in my life and organization?
  • Unexpected availability creates space for new opportunities we had not even begun to consider. What unexpected opportunities have come my way this year? How have I responded?
  • Our gifts and talents, if continually developed, can find new ways to flourish even if the context around us changes. How am I developing my gifts and talents for new situations and contexts?
  • The health of my body, soul, and spirit require extra effort and attention in seasons like this where change fatigue is ever present and real. As a leader, mentor, teacher, or parent, we need to be sure we are investing in our own well-being, so we can be in a place of emotional and mental stability and strength as we encourage and lead others. What does that need to look like for my life in this season? What changes are needed to help me, my family or team, or organization to be healthy and grow in the days ahead? 
As we head into Fall 2020, with its various inherent challenges and opportunities, may you find encouragement and strength as you continue to lead and mentor those around you in ways that equip them to thrive in days ahead.

0 Comments

Leadership Strategies Amid Uncertainty

9/2/2020

0 Comments

 
As the complexity and uncertainty in our world increase, I am challenged to lead intentionally and find ways to help the next generation of leaders thrive. If I feel overwhelmed by the events in our society today, then our kids, teens, and young adults who do not have the perspective that comes with age and experience are even more likely to feel overwhelmed. In times like these, I seek inspiration from those who navigated change and uncertainty in the past.
 
Winston Churchill is one of my favorite leaders.  Notwithstanding his rough childhood, unruly behavior, and peculiar habits, he was a man of conviction.  When desperate times called for a determined leader, he rose to the occasion.  On June 4, 1940, in light of devastating military losses in the Battle of France, he addressed the House of Commons.  The speech he gave that day is one of his most memorable:

“We shall go on to the end. We shall fight in France, we shall fight on the seas and oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air, we shall defend our island, whatever the cost may be. We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender...”

And they didn’t surrender. Instead, Britain and the Allied powers went on to win a war that spanned the globe. We cannot even comprehend the valor, sacrifice, and conviction of many individuals whose names have been long forgotten. The WWII generation is referred to as the Greatest Generation. I too want to be a part of a great generation. I believe the current uncertainty in our world requires that we embrace an opportunity to lead with purpose and courage. 

Our culture today has absorbed the values of deconstruction, tolerance, and entitlement.  While not all bad, these influences have eroded and dampened the conviction of many. Perhaps more than ever before, we are in need of dedicated leaders. Are you one of them? What are the firmly held beliefs you would sacrifice for, die for, and lead others to be committed to? Do you lead like Churchill, pursuing your conviction despite the odds? Can others rally around you and receive encouragement and strength from your dedication? May we be leaders who inspire new generations to greatness.

Here are a few strategies to consider as we look to lead with conviction and commitment in a time of uncertainty and change. These strategies are invaluable as we model healthy commitment, and mentor young people in their own sense of conviction.
  • Know what you believe and why you believe it
  • Seek to listen actively and understand what others are saying or feeling
  • Invite questions and humbly consider different points of view
  • Share your perspectives with humility, kindness, and intelligence
  • Live in a manner consistent with what you say you believe
  • Encourage others to be thoughtful regarding their convictions and beliefs
0 Comments

    Author

    Dr. Jolene Erlacher is a wife, mommy, author, speaker, college instructor and coffee drinker who is passionate about empowering the next generation of leaders for effective service!

    ​To view more articles by Jolene, visit sites below:
    MN Bridging the Gap
    Missio Alliance
    Ministry Matters

    Archives

    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    September 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    January 2019
    November 2018
    October 2018
    July 2018
    April 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    July 2017
    March 2017
    November 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    April 2016

    Categories

    All
    Church
    Coaching
    Communication
    Culture
    Education
    Generation Z
    Leadership
    Mentoring
    Millennials
    Parenting
    Relationships
    Social Media
    Technology

    RSS Feed

  • Home
  • Areas of Interest
    • Blog
    • About
    • Testimonials
    • Resources
  • Podcast
  • Speaking
    • Corporate Topics
    • Education Topics
    • Military Topics
    • Faith-Based Topics
    • Missions and Ministry
  • Coaching
  • Shop
  • Contact