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12 Things We Learned in 2015

12 Things We Learned in 2015

Last updated on: December 16, 2015 at 4:40 am by Greg Richardson

12 Things We Learned in 2015 2015-12-16T04:40:47-08:00 Greg Richardson

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

So, what have we learned this year?

1. Back row leaders have probably taught me more than those up in front of the room. Back row leaders tend to be more open to the questions I ask.

When do you lead from the back row?

2. Spiritual life has a way of breaking or transcending the rules. There is very little room for “always” or “never” in spiritual life.

Who decides which rules are important and which are made to be broken?

3. Who we are in our essential selves shapes our leadership. The personal foundation of our leadership explains why people lead differently from each other.

Where does your leadership come from?

4. Like stars behind the clouds in the night sky, spiritual life is deeper and greater than our words. We may only be able to appreciate it in silence, beyond words.

Where would you like to explore spiritual life next?

5. The questions we have, the things we do not know, make us wonder. Wonder fuels our passion and sense of adventure. Leadership inspires us to do what we did not know we could.

Where would you like to explore leadership today?

6. It helps that I know I do not have all the answers. I am not an expert with a checklist for people to follow. It is more that I have already gone a little further along the trail and can accompany people as they explore.

There is a lot of power in listening to someone, asking them good questions, and learning to laugh.

7. Leadership is more like a story than climbing a mountain or running a race. Our story grows deeper as we explore and we share it with others. They hear our story, their stories grow, and they share.

Leadership is not something we accomplish. It is something we share.

8. Spiritual life embraces us in our times of reflection.

How well nourished is spiritual life in you?

9. Leadership is about reaching further and going deeper. We test the limits we impose on ourselves, facing our fears and anxieties.

The leaders who inspire me help me find the courage I need to keep going. They help me see I am a leader.

Whose leadership has inspired you to reach further?

10. Life is pulling us out of our routines and slumber. Today, and every day from now on, we are awake to the glory of life around us.

How are you waking up to life today?

11. I have worked with people who have shown me kindness I did not earn. Their generosity helped bring out the best in me, even when I did not know it was there.

How will you learn to lead with grace today?

12. The leaders who inspire me recognize the importance of rest, reflection, and renewal.

How will you renew your leadership today?

Just think what lessons 2016 could have in store for us!

[Image by Jonathan Gross]

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