Word for the day: “The value of transparency in your life and leadership.”
II Corinthians 13:5 (KJV): Examine yourselves whether ye be in the faith. Test your own selves. Know ye, not yourselves, how Jesus Christ is in you unless ye be reprobates?
BELOVED LEADERS,
Today’s leadership message is about the value of transparency in leaders' lives. Another amazing value of transparency in leaders' lives is how being transparent impacts the lives of those you lead.
WHAT TYPE OF LEADERS ARE WE IN NEED OF TODAY?
Steve Jobs is noted as mysterious, charismatic, and intriguing. He was often cited as one of the recent greats, and there are clear benefits to his style. A recent study from Anderson UCLA blog 2011 showed that leaders like him, those perceived as having an almost magical aura, are visionary, with employees and customers clamoring to touch the hem of their garments. However, the transparency leadership style, like many, has its challenges.
I believe transparent leaders operate consistently in a strong sense of truth in every word and deed, conveying they have no hidden agenda. They are also selfless, putting others first. Their mantra of transparency permeates their lives in every situation and venue. Transparent leaders are truthful, first and foremost, with themselves.
WHAT IS YOUR VIEW OF TRANSPARENCY?
My upbringing was such that "transparency" wasn't a strong practice in our family lifestyle. My parents never came out and said it, but what was expressed was that we talked about certain things openly, and certain things were discussed privately between my parents alone in my household.
And, of course, I’m not saying anything is wrong with this private discussion practice, but there are times when extreme privacy on some matters is harmful. How did you grow up? Was transparency practiced in your home? Or in your life? Is transparency a part of your life today?
TRANSPARENCY HAS SOME INHERENT CHALLENGES THAT MUST BE OVERCOME.
It can be challenging to be accurate, sincere, and honest, but if we want to continue evolving and experience the amazing things God has for us, we need the truth of transparency.
As for me, I’ve learned to engage in transparency with all my heart to force myself to be accountable and let others know exactly where I am and what I'm going through personally, for better or worse.
I still struggle at times with the practice of transparency in my life. When I work through transparency in my life, I don’t tell anyone; I’m being honest and telling myself.
WHEN WE MAKE TRANSPARENCY A LIFESTYLE PRACTICE, GREAT OUTCOMES EMERGE.
When I am not engaged in practices of transparency in my life, I must be careful about its direction. Not having transparency in my life opens my life up to a dangerous journey of isolation and sabotage.
I have learned to be honest and practice integrity as best as possible. I want to be someone others can trust and turn to and know there will be no punitive judgment (John 7:24).
POINT TO PONDER
Whether it’s in person (through speeches, meetings, social gatherings, family relationships, etc.) or leveraging social media, it’s essential now more than ever for leaders and people to embrace transparency as a lifestyle.
The best gift we can give to our family, friends, businesses, and ministries is ourselves, and transparency supports making yourself known to those in your life.
Special thanks!
Chief Encouragement Officer (CEO) James Baker, Jr. and our leadership team are especially thankful for those of you who provided financial donations and support in July 2024, by partnering with us in efforts to advance the kingdom of God in this 21st century season: Special thanks to Mr. and Mrs. David and Annette Straker, Mr. Kenneth Washington, Ms. Itholear Abbott, Mrs. Barbara Mason, Ms. Jeanette Grant, Ms. Michelle Winder Branch, Ms. Brenda Spoach, Ms. Angie Scraders-Murphy, Mr. Calvin Jackson, Mr. William Jones, Mr. William Buchanan, Mr. William Wilson, Mrs. Angela Harrison, Ms. Gertrude Scott.
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Kingdom Blessings,