Weekly Thought – April 19, 2016

Fred kept careful accounting of his ego. He had his blind spots, but even then he understood them and bolstered his defense system. He frequently did a personal audit to make sure he was operating with integrity. Often, he called this process “talking to the little boy inside.” This little boy was the ultimate truth teller!

We are grateful to each of you for committing to stretching yourself. We work hard to bring you Fred’s word which can be applied in everyday work, family, church, and community.

Keeping Focus

A true leader is committed to the cause, and does not become the cause.

Staying personally dedicated to the vision can become extremely difficult, particularly if success comes. A subtle change in thinking can overtake the leader of a successful operation. He or she begins “needing” certain things to carry on the work – things that were not considered necessary at the beginning.

In business, a request for a corporate jet is a sign that personal ego needs are infiltrating an executive’s dedication to the company. The question “What am I getting out of this?” must be asked. It is a test to see if the cause has become diffused. Sometimes perks are described as beneficial to productivity and profitability. I am not decrying the use of executive benefits, and I have had my fair share of rides in corporate jets, but I am pointing out that a change occurs. The important thing is to recognize and evaluate the change.

I admire Mother Teresa, who decided after winning the Nobel Peace Prize she would not accept any more recognition because it interfered with her work. She knew she was not in the business of accepting accolades – she was in the business of serving the poor of Calcutta. She maintained her dedication to the cause.

Most of us leaders have an emotional block occasionally. We need to return to the vision, restate it to ourselves, and rekindle the spark. We must ask, “What is my purpose? Am I satisfying my ego through this business or ministry? Am I sacrificing my ego to the work?”

Genuine leaders can say with the Apostle Paul: “Follow me, as I follow Christ.”

This week think about: 1) What vision or cause currently excites me? 2) How can I protect against moving to ego satisfaction which outstrips the cause? 3) Who is a good model of leadership which is submitted?

Words of Wisdom: “A true leader is committed to the cause, and does not become the cause.”

Wisdom from the Word: “Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision,” (Acts 26:19 NET Bible)

Weekly Thought – April 12, 2016

Fred’s reputation for objectivity brought people to his office (and eventually his hospital bed). His ability to step back and break situations into manageable pieces facilitated his impact. He understood the art and science of leadership.

BWF Project, Inc. is the non-profit organization holding the various outreaches: Weekly Thought, www.breakfastwithfred.com, BWFLI Leadership Institute, and BWFLI Women’s Leadership Cohort. Your prayerful, financial, and “friendful” support encourages us. Thank you.

Leadership Ingredients

Everyone wants a list of ingredients which make a leader… the common denominators. There is no fool-proof formula. The ingredients vary in each situation. For example, there are times when the key element is courage; other times the decisions are so obvious, courage plays a minimal role.

Certainly, I could give a “traits of a leader” list, but it would be just like listing ingredients in a recipe without giving the amounts or mixing instructions. The chemistry of cooking is in the proper combination of ingredients in the proper environment for the right time. Too many lists are just intellectual exercises. You go down, check off the boxes, and then declare yourself a leader. Mary Alice is an excellent cook. She succeeds because she understands how much, how, and for how long – and does it with love.

One of the greatest requirements of a leader is knowledge of human nature. But the application of that knowledge varies, depending on the activity. For example, Napoleon was known for his exceptional understanding of human nature in war – that was the basis of his power. He knew how hard he could push, how far he could go, and how much he could do with what he had. But he didn’t understand human nature in politics.

Winston Churchill showed tremendous leadership in the throes of World War II. When he tried to exert the same leadership style afterwards, he failed. Leadership is not a formulaic, constant science that works if you only follow A to B to C. Rather, it is a delicately aligned art, as well.

I am often asked, “Fred, is leadership innate or learned?” I think it can be coached, but never implanted. I don’t believe you can make a leader out of someone without an innate gift of leadership. These gifts show up early in life.

Looking at three or four year olds, you can already see emerging patterns. That usually continues through life. But it is critical to develop those gifts. If a person has innate ability, circumstances and training will certainly enhance their use.

Think about this week: 1) How do I strengthen my leadership skills? 2) What is my favorite “go to” leadership skill? 3) Who is depending on me for authentic leadership?

Words of Wisdom: “Leadership is both art and science.”

Wisdom from the Word: “Select wise and practical men, those known among your tribes, whom I may appoint as your leaders.” (Deuteronomy 1: 13 NET Bible)

Weekly Thought – April 5, 2016

Fred Smith Sr. and Bob Deffinbaugh (chair of the BWF Project board) talked much about leadership. Bob was the teaching elder at Community Bible Chapel in Richardson, TX. When they chose elders and deacons, they considered men who were already leading and doing the work of the office. They believed strongly that you recognized those already leading – that you didn’t appoint men and make them leaders by title.

The 2016 BWFLI schedule is in full swing. The teams for our April schools are eager to be on the campuses of Lindsey Wilson College and Alice Lloyd College, both in Kentucky. Keep on praying. Month by month our BWFLI Prayer Network shares concerns for our Christian higher education institutions. You will receive prayer suggestions and thoughts from Brenda A. Smith, President of BWF, and Bob Deffinbaugh.

Not Just A Title

Some think they are leaders when they are not.

One of my executive friends was asked by his son, “Dad, what does it take to be a leader?” The man spent an hour struggling to reply and finally in desperation said, “Son, all it takes to be a leader is to have somebody follow you.” That is the best definition I know.

Followers – that is what leadership is all about. If people are not following you, you are not a leader. You may have the title, but that’s all.

I remember sitting in a city park at “Soapbox Corner.” All the eccentrics assembled to promote their ideas in public. One fellow attracted great crowds with his animated speech. I noticed another man who walked around the edges of the crowd muttering to himself. Also interested in the somewhat odd folks, I moved closer to hear what he was saying. “I came here to talk, not to listen!”

He was mad because people weren’t listening to him. His crowd moved from following him to the charismatic speaker. He felt frustrated because he thought himself entitled to be the talker…but the crowd thought differently.
We communicate only when people listen.

Often leaders don’t have the title. In a manufacturing plant, I’ve known many leaders of employees who were not in management. Their personality and influence gave them informal authority. They were natural leaders.

The major characteristic of a leader in an organization is the ability to turn subordinates into followers. People can be subordinates by definition – by placement on a organizational chart, or membership roll. But they alone must decide to be followers.

Think week think about: 1) When I turn around is anyone following? 2) What do I need to be an effective leader? 3) How do I avoid leaning on the title and work on true leadership?

Words of Wisdom: “We communicate only when people listen.”

Wisdom from the Word: “Elders who provide effective leadership must be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard in speaking and teaching.” (1 Timothy 5:17 NET Bible)