I’ve had a common them running through my life recently: selfishness vs. selflessness.  It seems like everywhere I turn one or the other is a subject of conversation.  The frequency with which it has been showing up made me think of a book I read recently, The Way of the Shepherd by Dr. Kevin Lehman and William Pentak.  It is a book of leadership principles based off of the life of a shepherd.  For some reason this book really resonated with me.  Both my jobs are leadership driven so I constantly evaluate how well I lead.  I think this book set so well with me because I would like to have someone to follow in the workplace that follows the principles outlined in this book.  So I’ve challenged myself to be this leader for my “flock.”  The cool thing is, the principles are not restricted to the work place.  They can be used in any flock you have, friends, family, church, sports.  Most people don’t think of themselves as leaders.  That is a role always reserved for someone else.  Nobody wants to claim it because of the responsibility that comes with it and because no one really knows how to do it.  As much as most want to deny it, we all have followers, even if it is only your dog.  So leadership principles apply to everyone, whether we want them to or not. 

Because most people that will read this post have not read the book, I’ve given a summary of the principles below in direct quotes from the book.  Hopefully it will entice you to get the book for yourself.  So how did we get from selfishness to leadership?  Because leaders can’t be selfish and expect to have a loyal following.  As a selfish leader, at best, your flock will consist of people who hang with you for the prestige associated with you.  One thing goes wrong and they’re gone.  SelfLESS leaders have a more loyal following because they know you’re there for them even if they mess up.   

Principle 1: Know the condition of your flock.
Know the status of your people as well as the status of the work.  Get to know your flock one sheep at a time.  Engage your people on a regular basis, keep your ears and eyes open, question and follow through.

Principle 2: Discover the shape of your sheep.
Your choice of sheep can make your flock management easier or harder.  Start with healthy sheep or you’ll inherit someone else’s problems.  Know the SHAPE of your sheep to make sure they’re in the right fold.

Principle 3: Help your sheep identify with you.
Build trust with your followers by modeling authenticity, integrity, and compassion.  Set high standards of performance.  Relentlessly communicate your values and sense of mission.  Define the cause for your people and tell them where they fit in.  Remember that great leadership isn’t just professional; it’s personal. 

Principle 4: Make your pasture a safe place.
Keep your people well informed.  Infuse every position with importance.  Cull chronic instigators from the flock.  Regularly rotate sheep to fresh pastures.  Reassure the sheep by staying visible.  Don’t give problems time to fester.

Principle 5: The staff of direction.
Know where you’re going, get out in front and keep your flock on the move.  When directing, use persuasion rather than coercion.  Give your people freedom of movement, but make sure they know where the fence is.  Don’t confuse boundaries with bridles.  When your people get in trouble, go and get them out.  Remind your people that failure isn’t fatal.

Principle 6: The rod of correction.
Protect- Stand in the gap and fight for your sheep.
Correct- Approach discipline as a teaching opportunity.
Inspect- Regularly inquire about your people’s progress.

Principle 7:  The heart of the shepherd.
This style is a lifestyle of leadership that places great value on the worth of the flock.  If you’re not willing to pay the price, your people will end up paying. 

Words.  They surround us: in the air, in print, on our computer screens.  They hold our minds captive and evoke intense emotions.  You can't go anywhere without words as a companion.  They are one of the most powerful tools humans have at our disposal.  We use them to convey feelings and ideas, hurts and hilarity.  They are simple tools that are complex and powerful when strung together.

I recently read an article that came to me via MSNBC's RSS news feed: From Homeless Drug User to Millionaire. (Here's the link to the story,
http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/Extra/FromHomelessDrugUserToMillionaire.aspx)
The paradox of those words peaked my interest enough that I took the bait and clicked the link.  The story itself was nothing amazing.  It was written simply, but there were two sentences that reminded me of the power of our words: "I had been told all my life that I was worthless and would never amount to anything."  And, "While I was in the hospital I read the Bible and became a Christian."

That first quote from the article reminded me of what a difference a parent can make in a child's life.  I was blessed to have parents that always boosted me up rather than tear me down with their words.  I was encouraged to try for everything.  If I failed, I was not ridiculed or laughed at.  They always said "You'll get it next time."  I think their words of affirmation contributed a lot to how I feel about myself today.  They started those encouraging words when I was young and continued to offer them as I grew up.  It was a great foundation for what would turn into a confident and competent young woman.  I am blessed to have started out that way.  Many kids don't get that.  They have parents or guardians that belittle them and tell them they aren't worth anything, like Bob Williamson.  Parents, take some time to tell your kids what they've done right lately.  Don't continually chastise and harp on them.  Praise goes a long way to encouraging a good mental attitude.

The second quote was a great reminder of how life-changing the Bible is.  It truly is alive and active (Hebrews 4:12).  Maybe someone sat down and talked with this guy, explained the ins and outs of the Bible.  It doesn't sound like it.  It sounds like he picked it up, read it and came to the conclusion that he would be better off following the path of Christ.  To me, that is amazing.  I had people along the way that talked to me and explained things.  I didn't have to figure it out on my own.  I LOVE the fact that words written thousands of years ago can still impact people and draw them in for a life-altering event.  Its incredible!  And it gets better.  People all over the world get to experience it in their own language thanks to dedicated, loving, selfless individuals that devote literally their whole lives to bringing a nation or tribe the Bible in their native tongue.  Check out this site, http://www.wycliffe.org/, for a group of people dedicated to the power of words.

Words.  Their power isn't limited to one language.  They influence people's feelings about themselves.  They change people's lives.  Go out and spread positive thoughts today.  Make someone's day a bit brighter.