Category: Leadership Skills

Humble Inquiry

As we explore The Beatitudes from Jesus Christ’s Sermon on the Mount throughout 2018, the most recent one is “Blessed are the meek.”  What leadership principle best exemplifies this particular beatitude?

In one of my leadership tips, I encourage leaders to “Ask Questions…Don’t Give Answers.”  Similarly, John Maxwell notes that Good Leaders Ask Great Questions.

Another book makes a similar point.  Edgar Schein’s Humble Inquiry explains the gentle art of asking instead of telling.  It’s a great resource for leaders to put “meekness” into practice.

 Click here to explore Schein’s Humble Inquiry further.

Are You Practicing the Pause Principle?

Managers assert drive and control to get things done; leaders pause to discover new ways of being and achieving . - Kevin Cashman

This week is our Spring Break in Houston, Texas—a week-long break from school, designed to recharge and refresh before finishing the year strong.  The principle behind Spring Break is consistent with the Biblical Principle of Sabbath.  Last April’s focus—from my year-long study of the Ten Commandments—was on the Fourth Commandment, “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.”  Check out my posts on Sabbath Rest and Marva Dawn’s Keeping the Sabbath Wholly.

From a leadership perspective, Kevin Cashman urges leaders to step back in order to lead forward.  His 2012 book, The Pause Principle, offers many practical suggestions.

Click here to learn how pause powers performance.