Internalizing The Truth
Internalizing the Truth TM is the missing link to mastering your success. This blog is about exploring the Truth in a way that challenges you to consider biblical truths and their application to the phenomenon of leadership. Most people want success but often look for it in all of the wrong spaces and places and, in some cases, are disillusioned with the concept alone. Please stick with me and expect to be empowered to Internalize the Truth TM as I coach you to unleash the potential and walk in purpose.
Love, Tamarah
Lovem and Leadem
Love. A simple word with such a complex meaning. Sometimes misunderstood and mistaken for something it is not...however, Love remains the same. God is Love. I Corinthians 13: 4–8 describes Love and tells us what it is and not. "Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; Love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; 6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the Truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
8 Love never fails... the attributes are clear and seem simple to perform, but why is there so much hate in the world? Why do people not speak when a cheerful person walks by and presents with Love? (Cheerful person= Tamarah :)
From a work perspective, why is the leader the number one reason people leave their job often with strong disdain, and some have used the word hate (absence of Love)? OH! I forgot you can't talk about Love at work. People have been fired for showing Love at work. Can a leader even show Love to their followers?
Remember, love never fails.
I want to challenge your thinking about showing Love at work in a way that engages your workers and colleagues. Here are five leadership take-a-ways from the Scripture:
1. Be patient- be mindful that some people need time processing information and may require more thinking time, don't speak over people or assume they got it the first time. Exercise grace and compassionate listening and empathy...
more on those behaviors in the future.
2. Be kind- just being nice goes a long way in making social connections with another person. Checking in to see that your team member is okay, they have what is needed to do their job, everything at home is okay. Being kind helps you build trust in your relationships and cultivates a pleasant environment for people to do their job and feel valued.
3. Be humble- no one enjoys being around an arrogant son of a biscuit eater! While nothing is wrong with eating biscuits, arrogance will disenfranchise those around you and eliminate people's opportunity to see that making mistakes is okay and can be a learning opportunity. Being humble fosters an environment of openness and trust, according to Edgar Schein. Also, we have a great example of the downfall of a life filled with pride–King Nebuchadnezzer– an example of pride that resulted in him losing his mind although God restored it to him in the end (see Daniel 4).
4. Be appreciative, reward, and recognize accomplishments- this one is easy– say thank you! Tell someone how much you appreciate their specific contribution. Give feedback and give it often! People like to know they are doing good and that they are appreciated and valued. Make recognition and appreciation a habit.
5. Stand up for your people and for what is right- this seems obvious, but it is not...especially now, speak up if someone is mistreated, dismissed, or marginalized. Shut down any behavior that is disruptive and not in alignment with your values or the organization. Be true to yourself and authentic in your interactions with others. Focus on building your leadership character!
Practice these five points and gain the hearts of your people. Taking the time to show Love will always work because Love never fails.
Love always,
Tamarah
