Do you know there is a course correction needed for your team but fear the process? (181-4)

Leaders who exhort their team to a higher moral level serve the organization well. Read Jonah 3:6-9.

When the city of Nineveh got the news of Jonah’s message concerning God’s judgment and the impending demise of the nation that would follow, the king of Nineveh immediately repented. He took off his royal robes and put on clothing made of rough burlap-like material called sackcloth and sat in a pile of ashes to demonstrate his total humility before God. He first repented of his own sin and then used his influence to bring about a city-wide revival. The king of Nineveh used his position to exhort the people to change the moral climate of the entire nation. When God saw his response, He had compassion on the Ninevites and did not destroy the city.

Few things are more difficult for a leader than to give their team a firm rebuke but the process is best initiated as soon as a leader becomes aware of an ongoing problem or violation of moral or ethical standards. Through the prophets God exhorted the people of Israel and surrounding nations to change long before the problem became intolerable to Him. But, since exhortation carries the potential of increased tension or even confrontation, leaders often avoid exhortation until the problem is out of control, causing an extreme loss of profit, or tearing morale to shreds. Long delays before confronting an issue almost insures or guarantees the process of making course corrections will be difficult.

When leaders care personally for their team’s welfare, they will warn and urge them to make changes when necessary. Exhortation is a strong recommendation about what might be thought, said, or otherwise done to address a problem, make a decision, or manage a situation. Exhortation is intended to persuade the recipients to take an action. It is the giving of earnest advice or encouragement, and, like with the king of Nineveh, it is best delivered through a leader’s example. The Lord tells leaders in Revelation 3:19, “Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline…”

Effective leaders use a variety of communication techniques to exhort those around them to strive for higher levels of performance. In doing so they encourage their team to be better prepared to meet the organizational standards and they help each individual be better prepared for their leadership roles. Wise leaders learn how to use the gift of exhortation early and as often as necessary to keep their team from getting into crisis that requires extreme forms of discipline.

Do you know there is a course correction needed for your team but fear of a potential confrontation has kept you from initiating the change process? Is there someone on your team that could be spurred on to greater heights of leadership if you could exhort them to correct an attitude, work habit or core value? Proverbs 3:11-12 says, “My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline and do not resent His rebuke (exhortation), because the Lord disciplines those he loves as a father the son he delights in.” A leader’s exhortation is a gift to the team when done out of concern, respect and love for the team.