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9 Common Sense Practices That Are Challenged When the Pressure Is On

9 Common Sense Practices That Are Challenged When The Pressure Is On

It’s speed and pressure that can cause you to lose sight of some of the basics that are vital to the sustainability of your leadership. It might be in the church, in your home or maybe in a business venture.

As leaders, we usually talk about things like vision, strategy, staffing, etc., and they are incredibly important. But you and I can blow it, even with the best vision and strategy, if we mess up on the “simple” stuff—the things that are considered common sense.

It’s not hard to do.

You’re on the run, maybe take a few things for granted, tension hits the fan, and you compromise some of the basics that cause people to like you, and more importantly, trust you.

The smart question isn’t, “Do I know the stuff on this list?” The smart question is, “How much of it do I practice consistently—like breathing?” In other words, you don’t need to remind yourself; they just come naturally to you.

Now let me push just a little. How well do you stay consistent with these nine when you’re under pressure? That’s when it counts.

There are moments when relaxing in your favorite old T-shirt, jeans and wearing your new Happy Socks™ while watching TV is precisely what you should be doing. But let’s be honest, there is no real pressure there.

So, how about the next day when you are back in the game? Are you ready for it?

Here’s a quick list of nine practices that are common sense; read the brief content for each one to see if you are consistent in your practice.

(If you have a minute, add a #10 in the comment section below.)

9 Common Sense Practices:

1) Lead with sincerity.

Very few leaders drift from sincerity to hypocrisy overnight, it happens from a slow drift of compromise. Perhaps you back off of a tough scripture in a sermon just a little, or hire someone for slightly political reasons, or post your attendance with a creative flare (hey, there are lots of ways to count right?). There is no malice or sin, but a slow slide toward compromising what you really believe is the right thing.

To lead with sincerity is to lead from your values, focused on truth, always authentic and true to your heart. Sincerity doesn’t make your leadership perfect, but it’s trustworthy, and people can get behind that.

2) Possess a positive attitude.

Every time I read another negative headline, I’m more convinced than ever that a positive attitude is essential for successful leadership. Doom and gloom may garner website clicks all day, but hope and faith win the future.