Once upon hearing a person tell me that he had worked continuously for four years with no vacation, I stopped to think about how unsuccessful that person appeared to be to me. Now, I fully realize that to some people who enjoy their work, this might be a desired result – work all the time because that’s what makes you feel good.

I prefer to think of life like a musical composition. It’s full of variety – tempo changes, dynamic variations, rests, fermatas, and more.

With a variety in like the Transformational Leader is equipped to think clearly and respond to the challenges of leadership with a fresh perspective.

TIP: If you plan to create variety in your life, the change of pace with empower you for challenges ahead for your leadership. Do not lag behind the curve, be prepared to lead the charge by being rested and focused.

Are you the 3%? Only three percent of the population will actually follow through with an idea and implement it. Yes, that’s the sad truth. Many, many people have great ideas, if fact there is an abundance of great ideas. There are, however, very few people to see those ideas through to success.

This is the law of averages. Only 3% of the readers of this newsletter will actually implement the ideas. Why? It’s the law of averages. Throughout history this formula repeats itself.

So, the choice is yours. Do you want to be known as the person who actually succeeded? Maybe the winning idea is an idea that was given to you. The great idea does not have to be original.

Today you have many options. You have many opportunities to succeed. Have you decided to succeed? That’s the first step – deciding to succeed. The next step is deciding to be committed to the idea. Believe in the idea and have a passion for the idea. You will not succeed if you have no passion for the idea.

The first step in establishing a successful system is deciding to succeed. Next, figure out how.

TIP: First develop clarity for what you want. Next devise a pathway to success.

As I interviewed Jim Hart for the May 10, 2010 edition of Monday Morning Email (http://dld.bz/cNKu) I really resonated with his perspective on leadership in the church. This newsletter is for those who plan and lead worship ministries. Jim served the church for many years and now is President of the Webber Institute for Worship Studies in Florida. One comment jumped out at me that supports a major principle of Transformational Leadership – Authenticity.

Here’s his quote:

Well, you know, I think leadership is an area that is, has not been given the proper kind of regard, particularly among music ministers and worship leaders. We say we are worship leaders and we talk mostly about worship and not so much about leading and all of us in some way are called to be leaders in the way that, again, the way that Jesus modeled for us being servant leaders. And serving those with whom you spend your life and your ministry. And so, I think reflections on leadership are, are vitally important for all of us who are involved with worship leading ministry or actually just any kind of kingdom advancing ministry. We need to be reflecting on how leadership plays into everything we’re doing.

The principle that resonated with me was that of look to the leadership of Jesus who demonstrated Servant Leadership. Jesus was the Servant Leader, indeed! He represented serving humanity in all that he did. His leadership was authentic. Authenticity inspires authenticity. We are professionals in many types of work. We are first and foremost the person that God created us to me. Trying to be something else is not authentic. It’s good to study leaders, however, learn from successful leaders and make the principles you like your own principles. Learn the principle behind what you see and do not just copy the action.

The successful leader internalizes the lessons learned. These new skills mature as the leader grows and matures in their own leadership style.

Be authentic. Be the leader you were created to be. Be the best you can be – all the time. You will inspire others to do the same.

Have you ever been in a conversation and realized that the person you are talking to is thinking about their response and is really not listening to you? Do not be guilty of this yourself. You don’t have to respond immediately once the other person stops talking. In fact, leaving a moment of silence lets the person talking know that you listened and are thinking about what was said. The moment of silence can be a validation that you have listened.

One of the important traits of Transformational Leadership is being authentic. If you are not aware of what others on your team are thinking, then how can you be an effective leader? Another Transformational Leadership trait is building leaders on teams. Building leadership skills is a key to delegation. If there are good communication standards, then there can be minimal conflict in the workplace due to misunderstanding or missing information.

A clear vision is followed by clear goals and a solid communication plan. Communication consists of two functions: 1) Delivery and 2) Reception. We must be aware of our words when speaking. There is power in the choice of words. The wrong choice of words will communicate a different message than intended, so choose the words for communicating very carefully. Along with the choice of words come the other factors in communication – the inflection in the voice, the physical stance and posture, and certainly the pace of the conversation. Do not be afraid of silence. Silence in a conversation can give clarity.

As an effective Transformational Leader be aware that there are important elements in every communication. Be active in listening. Be careful in your choice of words. Be present in the conversation – physically (look at the person), emotionally (focus on the intent of the conversation without emotional baggage), and mentally (give the other person your full attention without distraction).

Effective listening is a basic element effective leadership.