Leadership Lessons With Ike Reighard

Leading In The "New" Norm: Turning Crisis into Opportunity

As I begin this journey in transitioning my family from a place of comfort into the unknown and uncomfortable, I am honored to have the opportunity to learn life and leadership from one of my Hero's - Dr. Ike Reighard. After being in the same family of faith for 18 years, my wife and I have stepped out in faith and obedience to serve on staff at Piedmont Church with Ike. This new season is for grooming and growing to become a better leader and pastor. The below notes and corresponding thoughts are from a leadership lesson with the Piedmont and NorthStar Church leadership teams. Dr. Ike is extraordinary in taking what he and his family have faced in life and using it for Gods glory.

"Anyone God will ever use greatly, He will first break deeply."

How do you deal with Adversity in your life? How do we as leaders lead during the difficult situations we face? (remember, as leaders we are not exempt but likely going to face more challenges)

Myth's about Adversity: (THESE ARE MYTHS...not true!)
1. Adversity is an exception in life, not the rule.
This is far from the truth. Good and Bad run on parallel tracks. Everyone will face adversity to some degree throughout their life.

2. If I plan well and prepare in advance, adversity will never come my way.
Plan all we want, adversity is part of life. We don't choose it, it just happens!

3. Character is made in times of adversity (crisis)
When crisis arise, you either revert to the basics of survival or you rise to the challenge. Character needs to be cultivated in times of peace so it may be revealed when pressure arises. To cultivate character, you must discipline yourself daily - read the word, pray, fast, BE STILL!

4. Adversity only happens to people that make poor choices.

5. Adversity creates burdens and has no corresponding benefits.

Adversity Survival Skills: Coping with Adversity
"Those who panic on the mountain dye there - regardless of the mountain you are facing." You can't sit on the mountain and expect to conquer it, you must chose to go up and overcome it or go down & die.

1. Determine the reality in your situation (know the facts)
Reality is not what you hoped, thought or dreamed, it is what it is...

"Leaders define (not defined by) reality - but inspire hope" Napoleon

2. Do the right NEXT thing
Given the opportunity again, do the right thing!

3. Discipline yourself to zoom out of the situation and see the big picture.
Don't be focused on one spot, Be aware of your surroundings.

4. Deal with reality - but don't be defined by it.
Your situation only becomes who you are if you allow it to.

5. Determine not to isolate yourself during times of adversity.

Keep Calm & Carry On
-It is one thing to tell your story. It is another to live your story.
-Your mess will become your message.
-The last human freedom we possess is our ability to choose our attitude in any given set of circumstances
-Our ability to respond rather than react will be a key factor in moving forward.
-It is not what happens to us, but what happens inside us that shapes our future.
- Character is never made in a crisis, it is revealed in a crisis.
-Although darkness surrounds you, the darkness does not have to be within you.
-Trouble/Adversity handled rightly will encourage others around you.
-A crisis does not have to define you, but it will shape you.
-A crisis should call you to your highest & best, rather than your lowest & least.

Dr. Dwight "Ike" Reighard is a phenomenal Pastor, leader, speaker and someone I can call friend. You can check him out at drike.org where he challenges ordinary people to extraordinary living; or listen to Sunday sermons at www.piedmontchurch.tv

God Bless!