What does your team’s actions say about their attitude? (101-2)

Every leader is looking for success in their assignment. Often the difference between success and failure is the attitude of the leader. Our study today looks at the elements in the attitude of one godly leader that allowed him to take on 800 powerful individuals at one time and win. Read 1 Kings 18:16-38.

Elijah lived in a sad time in Israel’s history. The people had turned their backs on God and their leader. King Ahab openly and boldly worshipped other gods and encouraged the people to do the same. The queen had imported many prophets and priests of her god Baal and Baal’s consort Asherah, and they had imposed their will on the people and eliminated most of the priests and prophets of the one true God. There was plenty of reason to be discouraged. Every indication was the nation’s course had been charted and there was nothing anyone could do about it.

Most leaders either embraced Ahab’s spiritual leadership or simply adjusted and took on the attitude of doing their best in a bad situation. Elijah’s attitude was different; he believed that any individual plus the one true God always equals a majority. We can evaluate Elijah’s attitude based on his actions. The following are just a few actions that came out of Elijah’s attitude:

• He was willing to stand alone for God.
• He demonstrated a passion that was contagious for what he believed.
• He maintained an honest, forthright position with everyone.
• He demonstrated a determination that drew people to him and his position.
• He gave credit to God at the moment of his greatest victory.

Effective leaders understand the relationship between attitude and actions. In a stable environment, attitude generally leads action. For example, you are part of or leading a winning team – be it sports, business or ministry. You have a track record of success and everyone on the team knows the team will succeed whatever the situation. Their attitude concerning victory allows them to take chances that they would not otherwise take. Their attitude is that they will succeed. It is the same for losing teams i.e. we always lose or circumstances are always against us so why believe this new opportunity could be any different.

In a changing, unstable or crisis environment wise leaders use actions as indicators of attitude. Teams with a positive attitude take action or at least make plans; teams with a negative attitude go into their shell and won’t even plan or try to improve the situation. Effective leaders monitor change in attitude by observing their own and their team’s actions and make adjustments to shape or reinforce the team’s attitude.

Do you know your team’s attitude? What do their actions indicate concerning a positive or negative attitude? What changes do you need to make as their leader to help your team develop a positive attitude?