The Jesus-Hearted Woman

1. Confidence: Embrace challenges and grow into leadership roles

"These shoes are too big!"

Step into bigger roles. Leadership often requires stepping into roles that may initially feel overwhelming. Like trying on oversized shoes, new responsibilities can make us feel inadequate. However, it's through these challenges that we grow. Embrace the discomfort as an opportunity for development.

Develop gracious confidence. This involves being comfortable in your own skin while considering others better than yourself. It's a blend of humility and self-assurance that puts others at ease. Gracious confidence allows you to:

• Present ideas without needing the last word
• Accept praise and criticism without overreacting
• Be satisfied giving your best without obsessing over outcomes
• Rest easy after doing your best, knowing outcomes are up to God and others' free-will responses

Base confidence on God. True confidence for Jesus-hearted leaders stems from faith in God's presence and support. Isaiah 41:10 reminds us: "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

2. Authenticity: Be genuine in all interactions and settings

"The most exhausting thing in life is being insincere."

Embrace vulnerability. Authenticity involves being honest about both strengths and weaknesses. It means sharing appropriate personal struggles when it can benefit others or create deeper connections. However, avoid constant venting or oversharing, which can be selfish and draining for others.

Maintain consistency. Authentic leaders are the same person in public and private settings. They don't put on a façade for crowds or change their behavior based on who's watching. This consistency builds trust and credibility with followers.

Show approachability. Authentic Jesus-hearted women can laugh at themselves and admit to everyday struggles. This makes them relatable and encourages others to be genuine as well. By acknowledging your own humanity, you create an environment where others feel safe to do the same.

3. Humility: Practice 'floor exercises' to stay grounded and effective

"You could always go lower."

Embrace a servant's heart. True humility in leadership means being willing to serve others, regardless of your position. It involves:

• Considering others' needs before your own
• Being quick to give credit and slow to take it
• Listening more than speaking
• Being willing to do tasks that might be seen as "beneath" your position

Seek and accept feedback. Humble leaders actively seek input from others, including those they lead. They're open to criticism and willing to change based on valid feedback. This openness to growth demonstrates security in one's identity and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Maintain proper perspective. Remember that your abilities and opportunities are gifts from God, not solely the result of your own efforts. This perspective helps maintain humility in success and resilience in failure. It also fosters gratitude and reduces the temptation to compare oneself to others.

4. Stamina: Take the stairs instead of elevators in leadership development

"As long as you keep putting one foot in front of the other, it might not be easy but you'll eventually get to the place God wants you to be in your ministry and leadership."

Embrace incremental growth. Leadership development is often a slow, step-by-step process. Like taking the stairs instead of an elevator, it requires consistent effort over time. This approach builds endurance and allows for deeper learning and character development.

Start where you are. Don't wait for the perfect opportunity or position to begin leading. Look for ways to serve and lead in your current context, no matter how small it may seem. Each experience builds skills and credibility for future opportunities.

Develop resilience. Leadership often involves setbacks and challenges. Building stamina means:

• Persevering through difficulties
• Learning from failures
• Maintaining enthusiasm in the face of slow progress
• Balancing periods of intense effort with times of rest and renewal

5. Resilience: Overcome setbacks and learn from 'cringe factors'

"Great leaders overcome regret with resilience."

Reframe mistakes as learning opportunities. Everyone makes mistakes, but resilient leaders use them as stepping stones for growth. When you experience a "cringe factor" – a moment of embarrassment or failure – ask yourself:

• What can I learn from this?
• How can I use this experience to become a better leader?
• What would I do differently next time?

Develop a growth mindset. Resilient leaders believe in their ability to learn and improve. They don't see challenges as permanent roadblocks but as temporary obstacles to overcome. This mindset allows them to bounce back from setbacks more quickly and effectively.

Practice self-compassion. Be kind to yourself when you make mistakes. Recognize that errors are part of the human experience and don't define your worth as a leader. This self-compassion allows you to move forward more quickly and maintain your confidence in the face of challenges.

6. Courage: Deliver bold 'pocketbook punches' in the face of adversity

"I would define courage as doing something even though you're unsure the outcome will be positive."

Take calculated risks. Courageous leaders are willing to step out of their comfort zones and take risks for the greater good. This might involve:

• Speaking up against injustice
• Proposing innovative ideas that challenge the status quo
• Making difficult decisions that may not be popular

Face fears head-on. Courage doesn't mean the absence of fear, but rather acting despite it. Identify your leadership fears and develop strategies to confront them. This might involve seeking mentorship, additional training, or simply taking small steps to build confidence in challenging areas.

Stand firm in your convictions. Courage often means holding fast to your values and beliefs, even when it's unpopular or difficult. This requires:

• Clearly defining your core values
• Consistently aligning your actions with those values
• Being willing to respectfully disagree with others when necessary

7. Self-Awareness: Avoid becoming 'terra-cotta warriors' through introspection

"If someone isn't going to give you a self-awareness shot in the arm every so often, you can't grow and get better."

Seek honest feedback. Actively pursue input from trusted colleagues, mentors, and those you lead. Create an environment where people feel safe giving you constructive criticism. Regular feedback helps prevent blind spots and promotes continuous growth.

Practice regular self-reflection. Set aside time to examine your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Consider questions like:

• What are my strengths and weaknesses as a leader?
• How do my actions impact others?
• Are there any inconsistencies between my values and behaviors?
• What areas of growth do I need to focus on?

Develop emotional intelligence. Self-aware leaders understand and manage their own emotions effectively. They also recognize how their emotional state impacts those around them. Work on:

• Identifying and naming your emotions
• Understanding your emotional triggers
• Developing healthy coping mechanisms for stress and negative emotions
• Empathizing with others' emotional experiences

8. Kindness: Be a 'first-clapper' to encourage and uplift others

"Be kind and compassionate to one another."

Cultivate a culture of encouragement. Look for opportunities to affirm and support others, especially those who are just starting out or struggling. Being a "first-clapper" means:

• Recognizing and praising others' efforts and achievements
• Offering sincere compliments and specific feedback
• Supporting others' ideas and initiatives
• Creating a safe environment for people to take risks and grow

Practice intentional acts of kindness. Make kindness a deliberate part of your leadership style. This might involve:

• Writing personal thank-you notes
• Remembering important details about team members' lives
• Going out of your way to help someone in need
• Showing patience and grace when mistakes are made

Lead with empathy. Kindness in leadership often means putting yourself in others' shoes. Strive to understand the challenges and perspectives of those you lead. This empathy allows you to respond with compassion and make decisions that consider the well-being of your team.

9. Soul-Care: Create a 'green room' for spiritual and emotional replenishment

"I wish I had a little chamber where I could secrete myself."

Prioritize spiritual disciplines. Regular practices like prayer, meditation, and studying scripture are essential for maintaining spiritual health as a leader. Create a dedicated time and space for these activities, treating them as non-negotiable appointments with God.

Set healthy boundaries. Learn to say no to demands that drain your energy without contributing to your primary calling. This might involve:

• Limiting your commitments
• Delegating tasks when appropriate
• Creating clear work/life boundaries
• Protecting time for rest and renewal

Engage in activities that replenish you. Identify hobbies, relationships, and experiences that bring you joy and energy. Make time for these activities, even when life feels busy. Remember that taking care of yourself allows you to lead others more effectively in the long run.

Last updated: July 31, 2024