How To Make Tough Leadership Decisions 

How To Make Tough Leadership Decisions - Greg Surratt - Seacoast Church
www.seacoast.org
Now when all the Amorite kings west of the Jordan and all the Canaanite kings along the coast heard how the Lord had dried up the Jordan before the Israelites until they had crossed over, their hearts melted in fear and they no longer had the courage to face the Israelites. Joshua 5:1 (NIV)
At that time the Lord said to Joshua, “Make flint knives and circumcise the Israelites again.”
Joshua 5:2 (NIV)
So Joshua made flint knives and circumcised the Israelites at Gibeath Haaraloth. Now this is why he did so: All those who came out of Egypt-all the men of military age-died in the wilderness on the way after leaving Egypt. All the people that came out had been circumcised, but all the people born in the wilderness during the journey from Egypt had not. The Israelites had moved about in the wilderness forty years until all the men who were of military age when they left Egypt had died, since they had not obeyed the Lord. For the Lord had sworn to them that they would not see the land he had solemnly promised their ancestors to give us, a land flowing with milk and honey. So he raised
up their sons in their place, and these were the ones Joshua circumcised. They were still uncircumcised because they had not been circumcised on the way. And after the whole nation had been circumcised, they remained where they were in camp until they were healed. Then the Lord said to Joshua, “Today I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you.” So the place has been called Gilgal to this day. Joshua 5:3-9 (NIV)
TOUGH CALLS HAVE SEVERAL THINGS IN COMMON:
1. THEY ALWAYS DEMAND A RISK
Larry Osbourne - “The most striking thing about highly effective leaders is how little they have in common. What one swears by, another warns against. But one trait stands out: Effective leaders are willing to take a risk.”
2. THEY WILL BE SECOND GUESSED AND CRITICIZED
3. THEY WILL BE COSTLY
4. THEY LEAD TO LEADERSHIP BREAKTHROUGHS
Goodnews: You are only one tough call away from a breakthrough.
HOW DO YOU MAKE A TOUGH LEADERSHIP CALL?
1. DON’T PUT IT OFF, BUT DO BE WISE ABOUT TIMING
Two things helped Joshua make the tough call
1. He had credibility
2. There was a changing landscape
Question: Is there a tough leadership call that you’ve been putting off?
2. DON’T PUT IT TO A VOTE, BUT DO SEEK CONSENSUS
Question: Is there a tough leadership call that you’re putting to a vote when you should just make it?
Bigger question: Are you doing the tough work gaining consensus or are you just alienating the leaders around you?
3. DON’T LET FEAR STOP YOU, BUT DO FIND YOUR COURAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD
Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:8-9 (NIV)
Question: Is there a tough leadership call that you know you should make but fear is holding you back?