The Leadership Secrets of Billy Graham

LEADERSHIP

LESSONS | Continuous Voltage

Applying the Principles
When you purchase a computer, you get an owner’s manual and
usually a troubleshooting guide. Almost invariably, the first
instruction is, “Make sure the computer is plugged into the power
source.”
It’s an obvious necessity, but in life and leadership, that ele-
mentary step is often overlooked. Leaders must be aware of
what fuels them. Sometimes they become so focused on their
objectives, so driven to accomplish, that they don’t notice a
power outage.
Gordon MacDonald, in Ordering Your Private World, describes
this situation: “A driven person is usually caught in the uncon-
trolled pursuit of expansion. Driven people like to be a part of
something that is getting bigger and more successful.... They
rarely have any time to appreciate the achievements to date....
Driven people are usually abnormally busy. They are too busy for
the pursuit of ordinary relationships in marriage, family, or friend-
ship... not to speak of one with God.”
Jesus said, “What good is it for a man to gain the whole world,
yet forfeit his soul?” (Mark 8:36). Most leaders know the all-
consuming demands that come with leadership. Yet without atten-
tion to our souls, our greatest human efforts eventually sputter out.

Recognize That Spiritual Health Isn’t Automatic
Mindy Caliguire worked for several years in a marketing firm;
now she helps leaders with “spiritual formation.” She understands
that keeping spiritually healthy amid the demands of leadership
isn’t easy. Here’s how she communicated that to a group of lead-
ers. “What tends to emerge in the life of a person who neglects
their soul?” she asked them. “What symptoms creep in?” She
explained that leaders face ever-increasing loads that can yield
ever-diminishing returns with an ever-elusive inner life. “So,
what are the signs of soul neglect?” she asked.

The Leadership Secrets of Billy Graham