Developing Kingdom Leaders – Tom Yeakley

Taking the Mystery out of Leadership

Archive for the tag “quotes”

24 Aug 2026

You Will be Quoted!

With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water. James 3:9-12 NIV

Before you assumed the role of leader you freely shared your thoughts and opinions, usually without significant consequences.  But now that you are leading others, your words carry much more weight because the authority of your position stands behind your words.  Now your words really matter to others. 

Someone put it this way.  “As a leader you speak at a volume of ‘2’ but you are heard at a volume of ‘9’!”  Therefore, you must think before you speak!  And choose carefully what you want to have public opinions about.  You will be quoted! 

Because of the gravity with which others hear a leader’s words, you can hurt someone with a flippant remark or bad use of humor.  A leader’s sarcasm can wound others, especially those more sensitive.  They may laugh, but inwardly they are hurting. 

Knowing that your words matter can be used to advantage also.  All team members want to be well thought of by their leader.  Words of affirmation from a leader are also heard loudly and can go a long way in helping individual or team morale.  But if a  leader is always pointing out short-comings or mistakes, team members will be hesitant to take risks or disclose the true nature of a situation for fear of criticism or rebuke.  Never confuse flattery with affirmation.  Flattery is insincere or excessive praise, often used to manipulate others.  “You’re the best!”  “You’re so smart!”  Often these characteristics are things  the person is born with.  But words of affirmation are compliments about something the person developed or did.  “Your wholehearted attitude was exemplary.”  “Your attention to detail really helped us.”  Be sure to affirm, not flatter!

Posted in #1 KNOW- How a Leader Thinks, #3 DO - What a Leader Does and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment
07 Sep 2020

Leadership Quotes

Today is the last holiday of the summer in America – Labor Day.  I’m taking some time off this week and hope than many of you are getting some much needed refreshment.  Below are some of my favorite leadership quotes for your reflection.

They came to [Jesus] and said, “Teacher, we know that you are a man of integrity. You aren’t swayed by others, because you pay no attention to who they are; but you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth.    Mark 12:14  NIV

At this, the administrators and the satraps tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs, but they were unable to do so. They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent.   Daniel 6:4 NIV

And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them.   Psalm 78:72 NIV

Jesus said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves.   Luke 22:25-26  NIV

For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”   Mark 10:45  NIV

And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.”  Luke 1:38  ESV

In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”  1 Peter 5:5  NIV

Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.   Hebrews 13:7  NIV

Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.   Hebrews 13:17  NIV

 

PS  A Primer for Kingdom Leaders:  100 Reflections for Improving Your Leadership – A collection of 100 of my most popular blogs – compiled, edited and available for FREE download.  See Tom’s Books page above to download.

 

Posted in #1 KNOW- How a Leader Thinks and tagged , , , ,

Post Navigation