As we engage people in our Encounter Workshop, we share four core domains of leadership like Jesus. The heart of a leader is very key. If the heart is not right nothing can be right. Equally important, is the thinking of a Leader.
Great leaders think ahead of their peers and forge ahead to produce commendable results. When we consider the story of the Prodigal Son, who having realized the consequences of his past decisions and the damage to his personality and future existence, zeroed in on Thinking.
One could recall that he collected his inheritance while his father was still alive, wasted his resources, and eventually landed on a pig farm sharing meals with animals forbidden to his supposed race (the Jews), since his wages weren’t enough to feed him.
Then, his reason came back to him, “I will arise and go to my father, “ he said. Luke 15:11-19.
Every leader in this century has thought decisions placed before them because of situations that one faces in every area of human endeavors (political, economic, social, family, etc.).
I believe this Yuletide season will avail us moments to celebrate and rest but much more, a time to reflect (Review, Retreat, Re-Strategize, and Refire).
- Review – What were the plans and goals set for 2023 and how did they go? What are the achievements and how did things turn out? In many areas, we have to change the plan for us to achieve anything. We need to examine ourselves in all activities we were involved in this year and in the past.
- Retreat – Pause and think through the next set of actions. Consult books and individuals before your next move. “….in the multitude of counselors, they are established” (Proverbs 11:14). Retreating will avail some rest and rest is needed to gather strength for the next journey.
- Re-Strategize – Consultations will bring new strategies which are needed for desirable success.
- Refire – Taking action in the right direction. As for the prodigal son, “I will arise and go to my father….”. Habakkuk said, “ I will stand my watch..”
In the next few days, 2023 will be history. We will reflect – pick the best memories, learn from mistakes, and plunge into 2024 with new ideas. Learn from the past but don’t dwell on it. What separates great leaders from others is the willingness to think through and make the best decisions.
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report…. think on these things. -Philippians 4:8
Happy Yuletide and Welcome to a Renewed 2024!
Join us in an Encounter in 2024.
Michael Okuneye is a certified Facilitator with Lead like Jesus and also the African Representative. Experienced with missions and leadership matters since 1993. He is the Executive Director of Livingword Global leadership Mission; served as a missionary in Niger, Chad and in Nigeria where he resides, training Church Planters and Community Champions to build stronger and transformational churches in Africa. Having raised and trained many leaders in several nations, it has given him the voice in Leadership matters in Nigeria. He served as the Assistant to the National director of Bible league in Chad, later rose to National Head of Operations of Bible League Nigeria before proceeding to advance the course of Leadership and Mission. He is currently the Coordinator of the Teens Church in his local assembly where he raises leaders. As a great motivator, he has encouraged many, coupled with his unique approach to coaching and mentoring lives in diverse fields of specialization, more than 10,000 lives have been affected by his leadership. He is also championing the cause of community development in rural areas for positive changes. He is married to Titilope his best friend and they are blessed with five boys.
