Picture Perfect Family Leadership
Developing a "picture-perfect" Family.
The ability to influence your immediate family requires that you focus on doing specific things that focus your leadership on.....well....your spouse and children!
I know, I know -- I'm an expert at stating the obvious, but hear me out.
It's amazing to me how often a spouse and children are used as a background or a prop for leadership instead of it's primary focus.If you ask someone involved in group photography they'll tell you that it's important to focus on the faces of the people in the picture and not on the scenery in the background, beautiful or otherwise. While you can't change your background or the parents you came from, it's entirely possible to change your focus and influence those you currently lead, both today and for generations to come. To quote John Maxwell -- "The way you approach your home life has a profound impact on how you live ( and on the legacy you leave your descendants). If you're willing to work at it......your spouse and children can become a source of stability and strength"5 "Focus Points" for a great Family "Photo" - Physical Affection -- Any joe-sixpack can mindlessly say "I love you" but physical touch requires authenticity to be effective. Just ask your kid if they'd rather have a hug or a "luv ya" as you head towards the telvision.
- Honor & Respect -- There are two types of respect -- entitled and earned. Entitled respect comes through position and can occasionally be forced. Earned respect comes through service and is totally voluntary. To be a truly great leader, forget your position and work to earn the respect and honor of those who know you best.
- Ordered Chaos -- Create a sense of structure for your household by focusing on a short list of rules, clearly defined roles, and guaranteed rights for each member
- Tons of Laughter -- Don't allow your children to "trample on the sacred" or make fun of other people, but lead them with a touch of lightness. Why do you think the Cosby show as so incredibly popular? Make the conscious choice to enjoy your family life.
- Open Affirmation -- Make every effort to be a cheerleader rather than a critic when it comes to your leadership style. We all get the warm fuzzies deep inside when we think about our spouse and kids -- let them know it by saying it -- out loud, in public.......often!
Take Action!
It's one thing to understand the need to develop the trait of family focused leadership but it's another to actually make it happen.
Take a few minutes to consider the next steps in developing this trait.
I'd love to hear your comments.
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By J. Otis Ledbetter / David C. Cook
This book serves as the cornerstone for the "Heritage Builders" series. Authors J. Otis Ledbetter and Kurt Bruner focus on three critical areas of every legacy - the spiritual, emotional, and social - and present a common-sense, intentional approach for strengthening your roots by understanding the heritage you were given, breaking the cycle of hurt, and charting a new course for the future. |
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