We are back in Switzerland. What a whirlwind. The summit was once again amazing. We went all out — up before 7am, to bed after 11pm, with barely a minute to breath. 3 days of this and you are cooked. Since returning, I have been reflecting and writing down a list of some of the key insights several leaders gave, a sort of “top 20 leadership keys” that God has really touched my heart with. Here they are:

Reflections on the 2007 Leadership Summit.

1. We ARE writing the next chapter in Church history. Take responsibility. Give ALL your energy, time, money.

2. The pertinent vision which has the most impact is the vision which is deeply owned. A vision deeply owned goes through a process of formation, refinement and declaration. It has to be formed in every person’s heart, refined as they experience it in action and declared as they live it out.

3. Are you willing to die for the vision? Be an Acts 21:13-14 owner, not an hourly worker.

4. Deal with fear: Cast a vision more compelling than the fear; Dont let others’ fears be your problem; ppl are afraid of ‘different’ - accept it. Face your fear by trying something new. 

5. The pastor must build the community, by meeting the needs of the community, whatever they are. Build a Transcendency Plan.

6. The way to maximum output is to have a strengths-based focus: As you grow, you become more of who you are; Focus your time on your greatest strengths; Have strength-based conversations with your teams. Volunteer your strengths in your team.

7. Colin Powell — Leadership is: action-oriented, problem-solving; Encourage a noisy system (get ppl in the mix!); Only people get things done; Reward your best performers; Prune constantly; Be prepared to dissappoint; Check your ego at the door; Break all the stereotypes; Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier. Trust your element of instinct; Prepare to be lonely; Set a high standard of expectation; The key to leadership — I trust you.

8. A leader’s greatest fear is what happens in us rather than what happens to us.

9. We can get the most out of people when we take the time to hear them and see how they see it.

10. Be modern with yourself - become comfortable with change.

11. Ruthlessly do what you do well to impact the world.

12. Continually increase your learning bandwidth.

13. When building your inner circle, look for integrity, honesty, overall compatibility (values)

14. Entrust young leaders with great responsibilities.

15. Inspired, motivated leaders have impact.

16. Leaders have the responsibility to keep themselves motivated. (1 Sam 30:6)

17. When pursuing clarity in vision, be prepared to pay the price.

18. Learn inspirational language; Rub shoulders with inspirational people. (EIPs - Exceptionally inspiring ppl)

19. Identify and reduce demotivating dynamics. (Don’t expect your calling to overcome these)

20. Celebrate every sign of progress towards your teams shared goals.