John Stanko

"If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us" - 1 John 1:8-10.

Emotional intelligence is defined as functioning in self-awareness, knowing what you are sensing and feeling so that you can understand how your emotions are impacting your actions. Leaders of all people must function in that awareness, for they have the power to make decisions that can cause great good or pain. When leaders deny the reality of their emotions, they often operate in what is called their "shadow," and followers never know if they are relating to the real person or a hologram that appears real but is actually wearing a mask or functioning from motives that even the leader may not understand.

LEADERSHIP STEP: Your Step today is to spend some time probing your inner person. You will do this by asking questions and making requests of the Lord you may not often make. Pray this prayer found in Psalm 139:23-24: "Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." Don't deny or excuse what you hear, but record it in your journal, and then determine to change and seek help.