Monthly Archives: October 2014

Do you like to watch movies? I do. Do you like to see conflict in a movie? I do. This is usually where we get to see the hero rise to the occasion. Conflict adds depth and excitment to the story. A movie would be pretty boring without conflict. But for some reason in leadership I tend to avoid conflict. What would you think if you get to a climatic scene, and Captain America (who has an opportunity to make a difference) sees the conflict and says “Nope. Forget it. I don’t like dealing with that stuff. I’m out.” What a let down.  A leader could be the hero if he or she could approach conflict with confidence and without fear.

– 2 Samuel 12:1-13 displays a healthy example of Nathan dealing with conflict.

– As Leaders we need to be intentional about not avoiding conflict.

– As Leaders we need to be prepared before we go into conflict.

– We’ve learned that bottling up conflict is not healthy.

– Bottling up confilct will increase your anxiety. Once released, a sense of relief pours over you.

Group discussion topics:

1. Share a recent conflict you’ve experienced.

2. What’s your natural response to conflict.

3. How could we apply what we took away from today.

Building trust in an organization. Insert action – now go, right? If it were only that easy. This can be one of those things in our lives that just seem to elude us. How can we create trust as a real option and not just hope it happens? How can we be intentional with a confidence that trust will be present? Here are some take aways from week 2 discussion:

– We can see examples in the secular world and in the bible of leaders not being vulnerable.

– Vulnerability needs to be a guideing principle in our Leadeship.

– Its the leaders role to take the inititive.

– When we hear the word vulnerability, we automatically think weakness. Why then when we hear someone share a personal story of about how emotional pain strengthens their character, we see them as courageous?

– Vulnerabilty is our most accurate measurement of courage.

– Being vulnerable is empowering not weakening.

– When we see the paradigm shift, vulnerabilty will be the birthplace for innovation creativity and change.

– Shame is the swapland of the soul. Good leaders are able to to let go of their shame.

– Shame vs. Guilt

Guilt = I’m sorry I hurt you

Shame = I’m sorry I’m a mistake.

…..but, hiding your shame is a prison. Which ultimately prevents your leadership ability from prospering.

– Accountabilty is a principle that allows to build trust. Share your burdens in confidence with a mentor.

– Before we pursue conflict, we need to build trust.