The Law of Solid Ground: Trust is the foundation of leadership!

“Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.” (Matthew 7:24-27)

The first seven laws of the “21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership” are:
#1) The Law of the Lid: Leadership ability determines a person’s level of effectiveness.
#2) The Law of Influence: The true measure of leadership is influence – nothing more, nothing less
#3) The Law of Process: Leadership develops daily, not in a day
#4) The Law of Navigation: Anyone can steer the ship, but it takes a leader to chart the course
#5) The Law of E. F. Hutton: When the real leader speaks, people listen
#6) The Law of Solid Ground: Trust is the foundation of leadership
#7) The Law of Respect: People naturally follow leaders stronger than themselves.

Today’s focus is on The Law of Solid Ground. What does it mean to build your life on rock? Answer: Build your life on principles that matter.

In the past few years, we’ve witnessed large corporations (e.g. Enron) crumbling because of the greed of leaders. Hundreds of thousands of employees have lost their retirement assets and/or jobs. The Bible warns: “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” (1Timothy 6:10).

Currently the Alaska Pipeline is shut down while corroded pipeline is being replaced. As it turns out, BP, the company that owns the Pipeline was neglecting routine maintenance while earning record setting profits. Routine Pipeline maintenance that was supposed to occur a few times per month had not been done in many years. What is the end result? We, the consumers, pay more for gasoline.

Here are a few principles of solid-ground leadership. Talent is not a substitute for good character. To be a good leader, focus on being good before you focus on being a leader. Character is best learned early. If you don’t learn it early, at least learn it late – just make certain you learn it. To the leader, intellect is important, but integrity is more important. Character shows. So does the lack of character. Character shines in decision making. Mistrust overshadows accomplishments and ability.

Is your life built on sand or rock?

Prayer Power
Jesus, thank You for being my rock and my salvation. Before the bad storm came in my life, it was difficult to tell that my life was built on sand rather than rock. Thank You for giving me a second chance to start over without losing my wife and children. Protect me daily from the sins of pride, lust, and greed. Bless those who read this message to build their lives on eternal principles that matter. Amen!

Link of the Day
Tom Landry – The Coach: Building America’s Team
[http://www.dallasnews.com/s/dws/spe/2000/landryspecial/landrybuild.htm]

Blessings to build your life on principles that matter!