Where do business leaders turn for advice to improve their leadership skills? Many successful leaders like Dan Cathy, President and COO of Chick-fil-A turn to the Bible. Speaking at Trinity College in Illinois, "Cathy discussed how scripture dictates Chick-fil-A's business plan." Few people are fortunate to have experienced mentors guide them on a path to be successful leaders with principles that are consistent with their Christian values. This book presents time tested leadership guidance that has worked for hundreds of years, and is still relevant in today's high tech, fast-paced world. It provides the root stock knowledge from which leadership skills can grow and flourish for both new and experienced leaders. The book links its lessons to scripture. It encourages us to apply the lessons both at home and at work.

Thoughts on Leadership from a Higher Level

Leadership Lessons from the BibleBy R. J. Stepansky

iUniverse, Inc.

Copyright © 2011 R. J. Stepansky
All right reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-4620-6728-2

Contents

Introduction: The Holy Grail of Leadership Knowledge.....................1The Bible's lessons are relevant today...................................2Your thoughts are important..............................................7Interpret and apply the scriptures.......................................8Part 1 - General Leadership Guidance.....................................11Trust that God loves us..................................................11Align with God's plan....................................................12Balance and harmony in the world.........................................12God provides help........................................................13Treat people with respect................................................14We are of one spirit and purpose.........................................16Learn and grow...........................................................18Training must be practiced...............................................19We have gifts to share...................................................22Our journey and trials in life...........................................23Part 2 – Take the Bible's lessons to work..........................27Introduction.............................................................27Leadership Topics........................................................27Management by walking around.............................................27Be proactive.............................................................30Learn from the master planner............................................32Know your sheep..........................................................34Reduce stress............................................................37Communicate effectively..................................................39Seek experienced guidance................................................40Leaders must delegate to succeed.........................................42Team members have responsibilities.......................................43Leaders have responsibilities to society.................................45Vision and Strategy Development..........................................49Build your vision for the future.........................................49Elements of a strong vision statement....................................50Create business plan strategies..........................................53Communicate the business plan............................................54Get customers and stakeholders involved..................................58Help people accept change................................................59Break down communication barriers........................................62Promote teamwork.........................................................64Sell the strategy to all levels..........................................65The business we are not in...............................................66Develop performance parameters...........................................67Set aggressive goals.....................................................68Customer and Market Focus................................................69Nothing is new in the world..............................................69Respect your stakeholders................................................69Be direct and honest with customers......................................70Put yourself in their shoes..............................................71Deepen your customer understanding.......................................73Profits enable good works................................................74Generate new life........................................................75Be persistent............................................................76Delegate responsibility..................................................78Knowledge Management.....................................................80Measure and analyze performance..........................................80Develop a business review calendar.......................................82Data reporting is expensive..............................................83Real time data is best...................................................84Design effective information systems.....................................84Ensure performance data is reliable......................................85Collect data frugally....................................................86Minimize historical data storage.........................................88Bring information to life................................................89Train associates to use data effectively.................................89Create positive feedback.................................................90Information should correct not criticize.................................91Share best practices.....................................................92Managing the Internal Process............................................95Maintain Christian values................................................95Take corrective action...................................................96Minimize process variation...............................................97Promote continuous improvement...........................................99Create opportunities for customers.......................................100Organizational Results...................................................102Do not micromanage.......................................................102Reports must create action...............................................103Monitor competitors......................................................104Develop partnerships.....................................................105Prepare for a crisis.....................................................106Stay focused on God......................................................107Human Resource Development...............................................110Develop a common business language.......................................110Use words that evoke pictures............................................111Share business information...............................................113Recruit the best people..................................................115Training reduces stress..................................................116Recognize and reward associate skills....................................118Plan for your replacement................................................118Review succession plans annually.........................................120Build a diverse organization.............................................120Train people to interview job candidates.................................121Drive out the fear of failure............................................123Use equitable performance reviews........................................123Communicate expectations to employees....................................125Discipline to improve performance........................................127Ethical Behavior.........................................................130Honesty is the foundation to build on....................................130Avoid improprieties......................................................130Maintain integrity to build trust........................................131Have a code of conduct...................................................132Communicate and enforce ethical...