Exceeding Your Expectations: Learning the Ten Leadership Principles that Guarantee Results

by Linda Olson (Guardian Books)

Is it possible that no matter how many times you’ve failed at getting ahead, that the secret to finally breaking through could be … Easy?

The Answer is Yes…No matter how many times you have tried to get ahead and failed, even if you have had little breakthroughs and then were set back again – you can learn to rise above your circumstances and enjoy the life you deserve.

Linda Olson is best known for her work in equipping and empowering women. She knows how discouraging in can be to work hard at getting a breakthrough only to be set back one more time. She also knows that getting the big breakthrough is possible regardless of how many setbacks, how many people tell her to give up, or discourage her from moving ahead. Linda has learned to exceed her expectations wherever she goes.

Exceeding Your Expectations offers timeless principles in an easy to follow format where readers can journal their insights about the material. Applying the principles will work in any situation, for any generation, and are guaranteed for a lifetime.

Anyone reading the book will benefit by:
1. learning the secret to connecting with others wherever you go
2. recognizing the power available through relationships
3. following the actions steps that position you to exceed your expectations

Exceeding Your Expectations, a must-read in this economy, teaching how to rise above your present circumstances and learn to exceed your expectations.


Linda Olson
About the Author

Linda's infectious storytelling ability, along with her passion for giving to others, captivates audiences wherever she goes. Linda believes in living life and living it to the fullest.

From a farm in Midwest Canada to the desert in Southern California, Linda has embraced every part of her journey. She has learned strong work ethics, the power of perseverance, and finds her strength through her personal faith in God. Her leadership journey began at the age of twenty-one and has included everything from teaching troubled teens to surviving on an island. She has enjoyed the college life as Dean of Women, counseling men, women, and families in her private therapy practice, empowering women through service in Women’s Ministry, to inspiring women to preserve their photos and memories through Creative Memories. She has also worked as a counselor and program coordinator at a Domestic Violence Shelter, as a social worker with Visiting Nurses in the Hospice department, and has volunteered many years in children’s and women’s ministry at her church. Linda has encouraged people from all walks of life, equipping them to fulfill their innermost dreams.

Her formal education includes a Master’s in Marriage & Family Therapy, and one in Christian Education. She’s a Certified Life Coach, a member of Toastmaster’s, and has over thirty-five years experience as an entrepreneur and leader–all of which have equipped her to train and inspire leaders to become who they were meant to be. Linda has empowered audiences throughout the United States and Canada since 1973 with her inspirational stories, leadership principles, vulnerability, and call for action.

Linda has a special heart for non profit organizations. She loves to “give back” to the organizations whether it’s a church group or a fundraiser in the community. She speaks to both Christian and secular audiences-both men’s and women’s groups-on anything from inspiration and motivation to developing Christian women in leadership. Her husband, Rick, a counselor, Life Coach, and speaker, often joins her at her events. Together they have raised two beautiful daughters, and make their home in Palmale, CA

SORMAG's Blog: MEET THE CHRISTIAN WRITER

SORMAG's Blog: MEET THE CHRISTIAN WRITER

The Power of the Name of Jesus

What's in a name? A whole lot when it's the name of God. Your reputation, your character, and your authority are all represented by your name. When God's name is misused we defame His reputation, His character, and His authority.

Titus 1:16 Such people claim they know God, but they deny Him by the way they live. They are despicable and disobedient, worthless for anything good.

God's name was not meant as a tool to impress. Religious cliche's are just that words. Our lifestyle can either lift up the Lord's name or drag it through the gutter. Our walk needs to match our talk. Let your life, not your words, be your witness before man.

Isaiah 29:13 And so the Lord says, "These people say they are mine. They worship me with their lips, but their hearts are far away. And their worship of me amounts to nothing more than human laws learned by rote.

Each Sunday as I sit in church services I hear parishoners recite the Lord's prayer. It's a methodical almost mechanical recitation of words that seem to have no real meaning to those speaking them. What may be surprising to many is that you take the Lord's name in vain when you just recite words in His name by just going through the motions. Instead this should be an act of worship in which we pray these words lovingly and carefully. Praying to Him when your mind is a thousand miles away is impulsive and has no meaning. Take the time to talk to God in a way that expresses true worship.

Intimidation. That's a word that you would think has nothing to do with God's name, but everytime you claim God has given you direction for something of your own making, that's exactly how you're using His name. To intimidate. "I've prayed about this and God wants me/us to..." Sound familiar. Many people use these words when they want others to cooperate with a plan. But is it their plan or God's plan. Be careful and make sure that God is the leader because when you claim God's approval on something that is clearly not His will, you are breaking the third commandment.

We should use God's name reverently. We must treat His name with the utmost respect being careful at all times not to misuse it because He will not let you go unpunished if you misuse his name. Exodus 20:7.

Riding on Empty: A Minister's Guide to a Full Tank

Disappointments in ministry are inevitable. Slow growth, limited resources, and lack of support can all leave you emotionally drained. Overbuilt expectations undergirded by our compelling vision for the future soon collide with reality. Barriers, setbacks, defects, all of these cause expectations to come crashing down. Desperate for encouragement you find yourself caught up with unsafe people who at first seem willing and eager to use their giftedness for the betterment of the ministry. Then out of nowhere this gift from God turns into a nightmare from Elm Street. The pain of someone once known as a friend rebelling against you leaves you emotionally wrecked. But in ministry you can expect encounters with unsafe people.

So, how do you deal with these inevitable realities?

By developing a style of life that covers you emotionally.

First of all, pray like David prayed. No one else in Scripture emptied their heart out more ferverently or candidly than David. He spent real time with God. Pour out your heart to Him and allow Him to pour into you.

Secondly, clear time for yourself. A regular day off each week can work wonders for the mind, body, and soul. Find things to do that replenish you emotionally. It may be reading, fishing, or needlepoint; whatever makes you happy. The trick is to truly be off, no phone, no e-mail, no work, period.

Thirdly, take a lesson from Timothy, study. Ministry finds us continually pouring out instruction and guidance to the masses with no real avenue for replenishing ourselves. An annual sabbatical for the purpose of study can renew both spiritually and emotionally. Be intentional about carving out time about four to six weeks a year, to obtain information that can fortify you in ministry. During this tine you can develop strategies for discipleship and church growth, lessons for teaching, and participate in leadership training.

Lastly, set boundaries for yourself. Why, because it’s not uncommon for those around us to believe we should be able to perform in capacities not necessarily aligned with God’s call for our lives. If we aren’t careful, we can begin to believe our own press. When this happens we begin to experience the proverbial “too many irons in the fire” effect and find ourselves drained.

Enduring in ministry requires personal responsibility and a plan of action for the stressors that present themselves.
Employing the steps outlined here can help you to steer clear from the moral failures experienced by many ministers. Careful thought will allow you to stand during the inevitable crises that will occur and allow you to continue God’s assignment for years after they are over.

Cheryl Lacey Donovan is an author, educator, and inspirational speaker. To learn more about Cheryl visit http://www.cheryllaceydonovan.com

Is There a Book Hiding Inside You? - TRCB

Is There a Book Hiding Inside You? - TRCB

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Are you a single parent? How are you coping in this economy?

Clearly this economy has plagued our country and victimized millions, but single parent households may be disproportionastely affected. Single parents struggle to juggle both full-time and part-time jobs, commitments to children, schools, churches, and the community at large. Many find themselves on overload.

How are you coping in this economy? Share your tips, ideas, and concerns here. I will check back regularly and add mine as well.