This week I have chosen to share my notes from a Plenary Session presented by Dr. Tim Clinton, President, American Association of Christian Counselors, at the recent TRACS Annual Conference on Thursday, November 5, 2009. Again, these are my notes and I trust that I have captured accurately what Dr. Clinton presented. I thought it was very good and thought provoking. More and more I realize that everything falls and rises on leadership.

Let me summarize Dr. Clinton's comments. In his introduction he shared that current leaders are so consumed with numbers, power, and prestige. The enemy that we have met is us. The danger in being successful is that we are successful in  what does not matter.

He delineated seven things that separate leaders. Accept responsibility. Leaders do not blame others but take responsibility. Individuals who make a practice of blaming others end up being victims. Don't make excuses but make adjustments. Leaders who break never do self-evaluation well.

Stay teachable. Leaders have a coach and someone to talk with. Leaders go wrong when they do not have someone to talk to. Who is your coach?

Execute. Do something; get something done. Be solution-oriented. Don't let fear paralyze you.

Have passion. Show zeal or enthusiasm.

Be happy or joyful. Choose to be happy or joyful. A merry heart doeth good.

Be forgiving and compassionate. Do not hold on to anger which results in bitterness and resentment. Holding on to hurt hurts you. Forgiveness is our responsibility. Do not harbor bitterness - let it go.

Be persistent. Fight the good fight. Don't quit.

Concluding comments. Most Christians have lost heart for the game. Being successful at things that do not matter is a tragedy.

Again, I thought Dr. Clinton's words were very challenging. I think leaders must accept responsibility, stay teachable, be forgiving and compassionate, and be persistent.