Having a “mindset” is all about having your mind “set” on certain values, beliefs, goals, standards, etc. The question is: “Who set your mindset?” Too often our way of thinking is set by those around us. We find ourselves blending in with the crowd and not giving much thought to what we might be endorsing with the way we live and lead. Peer pressure is a very common form of “mind-setting”. The world’s standards and values can very easily, and mindlessly, influence our habits and practices. It happens without us even thinking about it. As a leader, you can’t afford to let the world set your mindset.
Have you ever tried “thinking for a change”? What do you truly believe and value? How should that affect how you live and lead? Too often, there is a total disconnect between what we say we believe and what we actually do. I know this is true for me at times. It happens without me thinking about it. In “mindless moments” we can find ourselves aligning with a worldly mindset as we simply follow the crowd. Sheep are like this. They just stay with the flock because everyone else is doing it. That’s why they need a shepherd they can trust to lead them. This is where you as a Christian leader can have the greatest impact on those who follow you. If your thinking is correct, you will positively influence their thinking toward a healthy mindset.
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. (Romans 12:2 NLT)
“Thinking for a change” is the process not allowing a worldly mindset be your default, but rather intentionally transforming your way of thinking to match the mindset of God. When your thinking lines up with God’s thinking, His perfect and pleasing will for you is readily apparent. As leaders, our thinking directly affects the thinking of those who follow us. Our mindset creates the culture of our organization and establishes its values and standards. Use “peer pressure” in a positive way to influence the mindset of your team as you bring them into alignment with God’s best for them and your organization.
Let me challenge you today to “think for a change”. Be intentional about how you make decisions in your organization and how those decisions affect your culture. Think of ways your mindset will positively influence the members of your team and what they value. You cannot afford to let the world set your mindset. As a Christian leader, be transformed so you can transform others to align their thinking with a mindset that is pleasing to God.
“Thought is the blossom; language the bud; action the fruit behind it.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson