Don't Include God, Build With God: A Transformational Approach to Leadership

In a world that often prioritizes achievement and personal accolades, true transformational leadership emerges from a deeper wellspring of purpose. James Zeigler, of BEHOLD Professional Coaching, offers a profound perspective: don't just include God in your endeavors; build with Him. This isn't about a casual partnership; it's about making Him the CEO, the driving force behind every decision and every action.

Zeigler's journey, which he describes as an adventure rather than a company, highlights a deliberate shift from chasing external validation to aligning with a higher calling. He recounts a pivotal moment with his wife, where they mapped out whether his coaching pursuit was about adventure or achievement. Having achieved much in his career, he realized the profound peace that comes from letting go of the need for more credentials and instead focusing on the intrinsic value of his skills and purpose.

The Foundation: Starting Your Day with God

For Zeigler, living out his faith in daily leadership begins with a non-negotiable principle: starting the day with God. He echoes the wisdom of King David, emphasizing the importance of winning the morning. "If you don't win your morning, you're not going to win the rest of the day," he asserts. This isn't merely a spiritual discipline; it's a strategic approach to leadership, ensuring that one operates from a place of divine strength rather than relying solely on personal energy, which inevitably wanes.

Faith-Guided Decisions: The Pride Flag Story

Zeigler shares a powerful and challenging example of how his faith guided a difficult decision during his tenure as a medical center director at the VA. Faced with a directive to fly the Pride flag, he navigated a complex situation involving conflicting values, organizational mandates, and personal convictions. His approach was not to condemn or exclude, but to demonstrate the love of Christ, as he interpreted Paul's approach to the Corinthian church. He sought to be inclusive, recognizing that all are sinners, and to honor the command of his superiors while staying true to his faith.

His solution, to designate a special purpose flag pole and fly the Pride flag there, was met with both praise and intense criticism. Despite the backlash and personal attacks, Zeigler maintains that it was the right thing to do. This experience underscores a critical aspect of faith-based leadership: the courage to make decisions rooted in conviction, even when they are unpopular or misunderstood, and to stand by those decisions with integrity.

Aligning Time, Talent, and Resources

Zeigler candidly reflects on a period in his life where his priorities were inverted: service, then faith, then family. This misalignment led to decisions that ultimately didn't serve his highest purpose. Now, at 62, he understands the profound importance of aligning his purpose with God first. This reordering of priorities dictates where he invests his time, talent, and resources, ensuring that every endeavor is in harmony with his core beliefs.

Encouragement for Christian Business Leaders: Build With God

Zeigler's ultimate advice to Christian business leaders is both simple and profound: "Don't include God. Build with God." He clarifies that merely including God is like a casual partnership, whereas building with Him means recognizing Him as the CEO, the ultimate authority and source of all resources. This perspective transforms the leader from an owner to a steward, managing what God has entrusted to them.

Actionable Insights for Transformational Leaders

• Win Your Morning: Prioritize starting your day with spiritual disciplines. This sets the tone for your entire day and ensures you operate from a place of divine strength.
• Lead with Love and Inclusivity: When faced with challenging situations, seek to demonstrate the love of Christ. This means approaching others with compassion and understanding, even when you disagree with their choices or beliefs.
• Align Your Purpose: Regularly assess your priorities. Ensure that your faith, family, and service are ordered in a way that reflects your deepest convictions. This alignment will guide your decisions regarding time, talent, and resources.
• Embrace Stewardship: Recognize that your business, talents, and resources are gifts from God. Approach your leadership as a steward, seeking His guidance in every aspect of your enterprise.
• Build with God as CEO: Don't just invite God into your plans; make Him the ultimate authority. Seek His direction, trust His wisdom, and allow Him to lead your endeavors. This transformational approach shifts the burden from your shoulders to His, leading to greater peace and profound impact.

James Zeigler's insights challenge us to move beyond superficial faith and embrace a leadership style that is deeply rooted in divine partnership. By building with God, leaders can navigate complex challenges, make impactful decisions, and ultimately create a legacy that extends far beyond personal achievement.