Extreme Leadership by Jeremy Pace

10 Questions You Should Be Asking Your Team by Linda Sasser

13 Simple Ways to Increase Your Leadership by Scott Williams

4 Insights I Gleaned from Building My Own Platform by Michael Hyatt

Be Present by Brandi Wilson

What else did we miss this past week?

Had a great conversation the other day about “what really is influence?” Ultimately, what is TRUE Influence?

Many folks talk about influence and feel like they have influence because they have followers. Which in essence is true. If people read your blog, listen to you speak, follow you on Twitter, friend you on Facebook, and buy your book, then in essence you are influencing them.

But true influence is about more than just someone listening or reading. It’s about action. And it’s about change. If I simply buy your book and read a few chapters, but don’t put anything into action, are you really influencing me? If I listen to you speak, but make no changes in my life or the way I lead, are you really influencing me? If I follow you on Twitter, but it doesn’t change anything for me, are you really influencing me?

True leadership, in my opinion, has to include action. 2nd Level Influence. That notion that I am making a change, am taking action, am putting something into practice, and I will be different because of what you’ve said to me or what I’ve read from you. Plus the idea that your influence has exponential impact- through my networks, through all of their networks, and so on. Passed on much farther and wider than just to me. That’s true leadership.

Seth Godin has 2nd Level influence with me.

Andy Stanley has 2nd Level influence with me.

Scott Harrison from charity: water has 2nd Level influence with me.

Jeff Shinabarger has 2nd Level influence with me.

Michael Hyatt has 2nd Level influence with me.

Craig Groeschel has 2nd Level influence with me.

Christine Caine has 2nd Level influence with me.

Louie Giglio has 2nd Level influence with me.

There are lots of examples of people who I listen to, but they don’t truly influence me. Katie Couric, all Sportscenter anchors, Charles Barkley, most politicians, many pastors, and numerous other “voices” in our culture. There’s lots of noise being created, but not alot of action or change. It doesn’t mean any of these folks don’t have influence, they just aren’t influencing me at a 2nd level.

The question is how can you make sure you are a “2nd Level” Influencer with those around you?

This is a guest blog post from Brad Lomenick, check out more of his blog here or follow him here!

Catalyst Dallas is only 2 weeks away!

We are so excited you will "Be Present" with us. And we actually NEED YOUR HELP. Prior to the event, we would like to know where "you are present" right now! One of the vital aspects of this "Be Present" theme is that each one of us is called to be present to the needs of our immediate community - that our presence matters right where we are.

We NEED YOUR HELP via video TODAY.

For the opening session of Catalyst Dallas.

Please shoot a 5-10 second video with your computer, phone, or camera, letting us know the following:

1. Your name
2. Where you live (where you are presently)
3. Your vocation
4. That "your presence matters"

For example, I would say: "My name is Ashley Williams. I work at Catalyst. I live in Atlanta, GA. And my presence matters."

Easy right?! You can shoot it right now on your computer or iPhone. Just shoot that quick video and email the file to present@catalystspace.com. If the file is too large to email, simply post the video to YouTube or Vimeo and then email the link to us. 

You will probably see yourself on screen during the opening session of Catalyst Dallas!

Look forward to seeing you in Dallas!

ps- there are still a FEW seats left. Register today at www.catalystdallas.com!

When Trisha and I separated in 2005 due to my affair, one of the first things I realized was how easy it was for me to lead a growing church and how intimidating it was for me to lead my family. Because being a spiritual leader at home was so intimidating, I just didn't do it. At this point of my life, I had no church to lead and no people to pastor, but by God's grace I received a second chance with my wife and kids. I was desperate to get it right and be the spiritual leader that God called me to be. But what did that look like?

What I've come to realize is a lot of great leaders struggle with this. Most guys, if we're honest, aren't leading our wives, our families or ourselves well spiritually. Here are some reasons why I think we struggle with being spiritual leaders outside of our role in ministry:

1. We are unsure of ourselves.
Most of us are intimidated by the term "spiritual leader." We are afraid of messing up. We are afraid of getting it wrong. We are afraid of not meeting expectations. We aren't even sure what expectations of a spiritual leader are. Because of our insecurity we become paralyzed and choose not leading over leading imperfectly.

2. We equate providing with leading.
As guys, we think that because we provide for our family, we are leading our family. We say things like, "I am providing you with this house; your mini-van; vacations in the summer; what more do you want from me?" Providing resources isn't the same as leading spiritually.

3. We manipulate instead of lead.
Out of our own misconception of leadership and our own insecurity in our ability to lead, we default to manipulate our family instead of authentically leading our family.

4. We've never seen it modeled or taught.
Most of our dads were sub par spiritual leaders. There weren't classes on spiritual leadership in college...if there were we wouldn't have taken it. So we've rarely had someone to look to or to ask advice from in this area.

Here are some things I'm learning about leading spiritually:

1. Leading my family is my primary calling.
If you are a Christ-follower and you are a husband and/or a dad, being a leader spiritually isn't something you are asked to do, it is something that God has called you to do. This truth isn't meant to bring guilt, but freedom. God has gifted you and equipped you to fulfill this role! He longs to partner with you in that process.

2. I have to be intentional.
There is a huge difference between good intentions and being intentional. For me, this has to do with time. I set aside time to be with my boys. We go to breakfast. I read books with them and discuss the books. My wife and I go on date nights. Nothing good usually happens by accident. We have to choose it.

3. I need to lead relationally.
We know this to be true in ministry but don't apply it at home. The greatest leaders have an ability to lead through relationships. You follow them not because they make you follow, but because you have such a deep respect for them, you want to follow. As I invest in my relationships with my wife and kids, they follow naturally, not just because I quote some verse of the Bible that says I'm the leader.

4. It's okay to be vulnerable.
Admit when you don't know the answer. Allow your kids to see you struggle to make a decision. Tell your wife that you don't know which decision you should make but your greatest desire is to do what is right, not what is easy. Being vulnerable makes you a better leader because it reveals your ultimate dependence on God.

5. I lead best by serving.
Nothing earns more credibility for me as a leader with my wife and my boys more than serving. It is sad to admit how many opportunities I've missed to lead my family because I was unwilling to serve.
This is a really long post. Sorry. It just goes to show you that I'm still learning everyday what spiritual leadership looks like.

We're in this together & I'd love to hear how you embrace leading your family spiritually.

This is a guest blog post from Justin & Trisha Davis. Check out more about their ministry, Refine Us & read more from their blog!