Category: Strategic Leadership

What’s the underlying message of advent & easter?

Posted on by stephe

We’ve recently been celebrating the wonder of the birth of Jesus and I hope that you did have a good Christmas. We have had our fill of carols being played non-stop, delicious food to feast on, the giving and receiving of presents and connection with family and/or friends. In another three months we will be commemorating Easter with the horrific crucifixion but the joy of resurrection. Philippians 2:7-8 sums up the significance of these celebrations: Read more about What’s the underlying message of advent & easter?[…]

Are you on track?

Posted on by stephe

We have just been through a soul-searching time during covid. Many have had extended times of thinking, reflecting, wondering about life and the world and how they interact together. Even if you have been busy throughout the COVID season, with all that has been happening you can’t help questioning and pondering the state of the world and our role in it. After a time like this, it’s an ideal moment to ask, who am I? Read more about Are you on track?[…]

How is life emerging from the pandemic?

Posted on by stephe

I have just experienced my first flight in a year, travelling from Spain to the UK. Flying isn’t a simple or enjoyable endeavour anymore with PCR tests, locator forms, vaccine certificates plus all the risks of encountering someone positive through track and trace!  In the area of travel, I would love life to get back to normal again.  However, when it comes to other aspects of life, do we really want to return to normal, Read more about How is life emerging from the pandemic?[…]

Do you see yourself as a manager or leader?

Posted on by stephe

There have been multiple books and articles on the topic of management and leadership which especially deal with the difference between them.  It seems to me that people are desperate to be known as leaders rather than managers and I think this can be true in YWAM too.  I hardly even hear the word, ‘manager’ in our mission – perhaps it even has a negative connotation?  Do you know of a manager of a base Read more about Do you see yourself as a manager or leader?[…]

How do we incorporate a developmental bias in our leadership?

Posted on by stephe

YWAM is a grassroots ministry where there are few formulas and no policy manuals. Everything is really based on understanding the values.  So, when you pioneer a new work, you can go and look at what others are doing, find out what they have learned then design a ministry based upon the good practices and policies that you hear about.  However, the general rule has been ‘pray, and do what the Lord tells you!’ A Read more about How do we incorporate a developmental bias in our leadership?[…]

What changes are we to embrace as we continue in this crisis?

Posted on by stephe

How are you doing now that we have reached the 6 month marker into this pandemic? Most of the people I talk to are doing ok considering what has happened. The challenge is that under the surface is an insecurity about the future, an inability to plan anything for sure, a sadness at the many losses of lives, loss of businesses and jobs, a struggle financially, pressure with kids at home and a level of Read more about What changes are we to embrace as we continue in this crisis?[…]

What needs a necessary ending in your life?

Posted on by stephe

Do you need to end something?  I think we would all agree that we are over COVID 19 and want it to end but it seems to be re-emerging in country after country.  The end isn’t in sight yet.  Some endings are out of our control.  Some of us like to end things that are in our control, but perhaps a little too quickly – like important but tedious activities, relationships that cause tension and Read more about What needs a necessary ending in your life?[…]

Are we stuck in our thinking?

Posted on by stephe

Our worldview has an incredible effect on what we think, feel and act. On the news the other night, there was an interview with an African lady who was fighting for freedom regarding the 200 million women undergoing female genital mutilation.  The WHO has been actively seeking to stop the practice for many years but it’s part of the ritual of 30 countries from Africa, Middle East and Asia.  There are no benefits only harm, Read more about Are we stuck in our thinking?[…]

What can we learn about self awareness from the Jesuits?

Posted on by stephe

I have just been reading an inspiring book called, ‘Heroic Leadership’ by Chris Lowney, about the Jesuits who have been working as an order or company, as they prefer to call it, for over 450 years.  They have obviously been doing something right!  The following thoughts are excerpts from a few chapters of the book. Ignatius, who was the founder of the Jesuits with 9 others, wasn’t your classic saint. His background was colourful. He Read more about What can we learn about self awareness from the Jesuits?[…]

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