Leadership That’s In Control

Leadership That’s in Control

Does your leadership create confusion, chaos, or confidence?

Hall of Fame Dallas Cowboys coach Tom Landry once said, “Leadership is a matter of having people look at you and gain confidence, seeing how you react. If you’re in control, they’re in control.” If you remember seeing Landry on the sidelines at Cowboys Stadium, he always wore his coat, tie, and fedora. His stoic presence never conveyed confusion or chaos. He was always in control.

Just as a team takes its cues from its leader, so does a family. So much of leading and following is caught through relationship. As a result, a leader’s presence and ability to maintain order in his own life is mission critical. But when he loses control, all bets are off. That’s why we need to let Proverbs 15:1 challenge us today. It states, “A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.”

How do you stay calm under intense pressure? What is the secret to leading when there is so much on the line? How can so many gain confidence from you? Tom Landry’s secret was his relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. Landry made no qualms about being a Christian, and his faith challenged him to live exceptionally. The best leaders I know have a relationship with the leader of leaders, Jesus Christ, that helps them stay cool under pressure. Many Christians pray Psalm 141:3 on a regular basis: “Take control of what I say, O LORD, and guard my lips.” May you pray that today too.

A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.

Proverbs 15:1