What Godly Leaders Do

June 18, 2025 — Craig T. Owens

Listen to the podcast of this post by clicking on the player below, and you can also subscribe on Apple, Spotify, or Audible. 

As Paul is coming to the close of his letter to the believers in Rome, he writes these beautiful words, “I myself am convinced, my brothers and sisters, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with knowledge and competent to instruct one another” (Romans 15:14). 

(Check out all of the Scriptures in this post by clicking here.)

I love the high esteem Paul has for the Christians in Rome. He’s not looking for what’s wrong with them, but for what’s praiseworthy in them. 

A mark of a godly leader is one who is always looking for the best in the people around him. 

Leaders see the best in people—even if the people don’t see it in themselves yet. (Check out this short video.) 

Leaders point out the specific qualities they see in their people—virtues like goodness, knowledge, and competence. 

Leaders continue to sharpen their people, challenging them to excel even more. “Yet I have written you quite boldly on some points to remind you of them again” (v. 15). 

Leaders enjoy spending time with their people and are refreshed by them. 

   But now that there is no more place for me to work in these regions, and since I have been longing for many years to visit you, I plan to do so when I go to Spain. I hope to see you while passing through and to have you assist me on my journey there, after I have enjoyed your company for a while. … So that I may come to you with joy, by God’s will, and in your company be refreshed (vv. 23-24, 32). 

Leaders pray for their people and ask their people to pray for them. “I urge you, brothers and sisters, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me. Pray that I may be kept safe from the unbelievers in Judea and that the contribution I take to Jerusalem may be favorably received by the Lord’s people there” (vv. 30-31; see Paul’s prayer for them in 16:25-27). 

Leaders publicly compliment their people (16:1-15). 

And leaders protect and empower their people. “I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. … The God of peace will soon crush satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you” (16:17, 20). 

I want to be this kind of leader. In order to do that, I need the help of the Holy Spirit. I must listen to His voice in order to make the changes I need to make so that I may lead in the most Christ-glorifying way possible, and help those around me live even more in their God-given gift zone.

This is part 85 in my series on godly leadership. You can check out all of my posts in this series by clicking here.

►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

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The Craig And Greg Show: Unity Not Conformity

June 5, 2025 — Craig T. Owens

Listen to the podcast of this post by clicking on the player below, and you can also subscribe on Apple, Spotify, or Audible.

If you’re leading a team, then Greg and I feel pretty confident in assuming that you’ve got them all working, thinking, and behaving exactly like you work, think, and behave, right? Of course not! The differences in personality and thought within your team are what makes it special.

  • [0:18] Leaders like buy-in, but what about those teammates who say, “Hold on a second”?
  • [2:00] Unity doesn’t mean sameness.
  • [3:55] We all have different experiences and gifts so we all bring something different to the table.
  • [4:51] Unity doesn’t guarantee peacefulness in the process of getting to consensus.
  • [7:06] Leaders have to learn to accept the tension among teammates.
  • [9:47] Why do leaders avoid tension?
  • [13:16] I share a quote from Dick Brogden about the “no men” we need on our teams.
  • [14:54] Past success can make leaders deaf to the input from others.
  • [17:09] Greg wonders how to effectively play the devil’s advocate with our teams in order to get the best ideas on the table.
  • [19:03] My funny story about our producer Harrison.
  • [21:08] Greg changed the way he debriefed sales calls with his team, encouraging them to speak out.
  • [23:36] Greg uses an example of Joe Montana to show how leaders can bring confidence to their teams.
  • [25:30] Both opportunities and obstacles present a chance for us to teach our teammates.
  • [27:36] Greg and I want to help you help your team.

Check out this episode and subscribe on YouTube so you can watch all of the upcoming episodes. You can also listen to our podcast on Spotify and Apple.

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Links & Quotes

May 3, 2025 — Craig T. Owens

I’ve found that in helping my teammates receive feedback about areas that need to be addressed, asking questions is the best way to do this. Check out the full conversation Greg and I had about blind spots.

I have a lot of new video content on my YouTube channel every week. Please check it out and subscribe so you don’t miss anything.

William Shakespeare was a master at a well-timed insult when one of his characters zinged another! Reader’s Digest has a list of 53 Shakespearian insults that are still good today!

What happens when you hold your breath? Among other things “your blood is delivering the last of oxygenated blood cells to your tissues while carbon dioxide is rapidly building up (hypercapnia). At the same time, there is a steady decrease of blood oxygen (hypoxia). The pH of your blood is getting slightly lower (acidic), and your heart starts to beat faster. God designed your brain to sense the increased carbon dioxide levels and initiates the effort for you to breathe. This will last for about a minute before there will be an involuntary intake of air via the contraction of your diaphragm.” And yet God designed aquatic mammals in a way uniquely suited to thrive in water. Amazing! 

When the Bible says that God’s hand was against His people, that is actually a very loving thing! Consider this example of a parent with a small child. Please watch this full sermon.

I have been sharing a series of messages with my church about how God turns our grief into joy. As a tie-in with this series, John Piper has Fifteen Tactics for Joy.

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The Difference Between Mentoring And Coaching

September 19, 2024 — Craig T. Owens

Listen to the podcast of this post by clicking on the player below, and you can also subscribe on Apple, Spotify, or Audible. 

Both mentoring and coaching are valuable skills in leadership development, but they are not interchangeable skills. Check out how Greg and I unpack this important distinction. 

You can watch the full episode of The Craig and Greg Show from which I took this clip here. 

►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

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The Craig And Greg Show: Patience And Impatience

August 29, 2024 — Craig T. Owens

Listen to the audio-only version of this podcast by clicking on the player below, or scroll down to watch the video.

In today’s episode we’re going to—IMPATIENCE! Yes, we’re talking about impatience. As a leader it can be hard to resist the temptation of impatience, but Greg and I believe that developing patience is a vital skill for leaders. In this episode we’ll explore some of the pitfalls of impatience, and share strategies for you to develop into a more thoughtful and patient leader.

  • [0:14] We’re looking at the leadership builder vs. killer of patience vs. impatience. 
  • [1:41] Patience is sometimes misperceived as not being in control—like we’re simply waiting around for something to happen.
  • [2:27] Can patience be developed?
  • [3:50] Patience allows a process to mature, and helps people grow.
  • [7:35] Warning: patience can cross a line into procrastination.
  • [8:30] Leaders need to avoid the temptation of impatiently answering too quickly.
  • [10:50] What leadership pressures make us give in to impatience?
  • [12:59] Leaders can help their teammates with their own impatience by asking some thoughtful questions.
  • [15:28] Ego + Bad advice = Dangerous impatience
  • [16:40] Patience helps leaders trust both the process and the people around them.
  • [18:33] Leaders need to be aware of what’s happening in themselves when their patience is stretched. Patient leaders grow their leadership influence.
  • [22:24] Greg quizzes me about the origins of patience.
  • [24:45] I make a confession about my impatience in my early years.
  • [25:55] Greg shares an insightful quote about the value of patience.

Check out this episode and subscribe on YouTube so you can watch all of the upcoming episodes. You can also listen to our podcast on Spotify and Apple.

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Talk To Difficult Peers

May 2, 2024 — Craig T. Owens

Listen to the podcast of this post by clicking on the player below, and you can also subscribe on Apple, Spotify, or Audible.

When we have a difficult coworker or team member, it’s very easy to fall into the trap of talking about them to others and avoid talking directly to them. 

Check out this portion of the conversation Greg and I had on our leadership podcast called The Craig and Greg Show. This is from an episode called “Leading difficult peers.”

Getting counsel from others about this difficult person is important, but then we must use those insights to have a productive conversation directly with that team member. If we don’t talk directly to them, we’re ultimately gossiping about them, which is never productive. In fact, that gossiping will actually make the situation worse. 

You can check out the full Craig and Greg Show episode on this topic here.

►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

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The Most Effective Leadership Tool

March 19, 2024 — Craig T. Owens

Listen to the podcast of this post by clicking on the player below, and you can also subscribe on Apple, Spotify, or Audible. 

One of the most effective leadership tools is, sadly, one of the tools that is used the least by most leaders. Let’s figure out how to make it work for you.

Check out this episode of The Podcast.

Some resources from this episode:

I shared a clip from a Craig and Greg Show episode. You can check out that full episode here.

The Scripture I referenced is John 10:3-5. I unpack this idea in much greater depth in my book Shepherd Leadership: The metrics that really matter.

My new book When Sheep Bite is available for pre-order!

Here are a bunch of ways to get in touch with me and follow along with other projects on which I am involved

►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

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The Craig And Greg Show: Reframe Your Fear

July 27, 2023 — Craig T. Owens

Listen to the audio-only version of this podcast by clicking on the player below, or scroll down to watch the video.

Fear is something every leader struggles with, but great leaders learn to reframe that fear into an opportunity to grow. Join Greg and me as we discuss overcoming fear, reframing fear, and helping your team to do the same.

  • [0:23] Good leaders learn how to frame their fear in a different way.
  • [1:09] Greg and I talk about our biggest fears.
  • [2:21] I share about having to overcome fears about making a decision.
  • [3:38] Most of fear is rooted in past experiences, but reframing as a learning experience can help you grow.
  • [6:17] Attempting to use fear as a motivation tool will backfire and restrict your team’s potential.
  • [7:23] Reducing the fears of your team begins with leading from a place of transparent humility.
  • [9:20] Self talk is important in your battle over fear. Lead by example and show your team how to reframe their mentality. 
  • [11:55] Pride is a big stumbling block for leaders, don’t be afraid to include others in the decision making process.
  • [13:50] The top fears that paralyze leaders.
  • [19:55] Good leaders game-plan for future conflict, so when it comes their team is ready.
  • [20:34] Give your team opportunities to battle their fears and grow from them.
  • [22:51] Greg shares a quote from Henry Ford.
  • [24:11] I share a Little League story.
  • [25:03] Greg and I would love to come alongside and help coach you!

Check out this episode and subscribe on YouTube so you can watch all of the upcoming episodes. You can also listen to our podcast on Spotify and Apple.

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The Craig And Greg Show: Word Up

July 13, 2023 — Craig T. Owens

Listen to the audio-only version of this podcast by clicking on the player below, or scroll down to watch the video.

Words are incredibly powerful! With our tongues, we can elevate others to amazing heights, or tear them down completely. In this episode, Greg and I discuss how, as leaders, it is critical that we are mindful of our everyday words so that we ensure we are taking our team in the right direction.

  • [0:20] Sometimes leaders can forget how powerful their words can be. 
  • [1:00] Words need to be used strategically and carefully.
  • [2:05] “Words of affirmation” is one of the love languages, but everyone needs to hear words that affirm and encourage them.
  • [3:40] Some of the most meaningful words are our apologies and requests for forgiveness. When we do this well, it opens up the door for deeper communication.
  • [6:00] Leaders should be able to see a visible and immediate difference in their teammates when they are speaking the correct words to them. If not, we need to quickly adjust our words.
  • [6:50] People don’t care how much their leader knows (or says) until they know how much their leader cares about them.
  • [8:25] Negative words can sour relationships.
  • [9:08] Leaders need to pay close attention to what words work best with each teammate.
  • [10:15] What is the difference between efficient communication and effective communication?
  • [12:40] We share some insights from two noteworthy books: Leadership Jazz by Max DePree and Ten Powerful Phrases for Positive People by Rich DeVos.
  • [15:00] One of the most beautiful words anyone will ever hear a leader speak is their teammate’s name.
  • [19:02] Handwritten notes go the extra mile, but we need to slow down to think about who needs to hear an affirming word from us.
  • [21:20] Greg shares a memorable quote about the long-term results of our words.
  • [22:07] A good coach can give you more impactful insights than someone close to you.

Books referenced in this episode:

Check out this episode and subscribe on YouTube so you can watch all of the upcoming episodes. You can also listen to our podcast on Spotify and Apple.

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The Craig And Greg Show: Coach Up

June 29, 2023 — Craig T. Owens

Listen to the audio-only version of this podcast by clicking on the player below, or scroll down to watch the video.

There seems to be a belief among some leaders that the louder they yell, the better they’re understood. No need to call anyone out, but we’re sure someone just came to mind. When you received that kind of coaching, did you receive it well? Of course not! Coaching should be focused on correcting and improving for the next time, not berating for things in the past. So tune in, and learn more about how you can coach up.

  • [0:18] Leadership ideas can come from all over the place. 
  • [1:34] We need to focus on the “up” in our coaching, not just yelling at our teammates.
  • [3:15] We should coach up with questions instead of statements.
  • [4:55] The instructions we give before “the game” pay huge dividends in the heat of the moment.
  • [6:42] Treat mistakes as coaching opportunities.
  • [7:50] When leaders are coaching up their teammates, they need to focus on tone and timing.
  • [10:38] We share some additional thoughts about seeing the potential for coaching in our teammates’ mistakes.
  • [12:27] Every person learns differently so every teammate needs to be coached differently too.
  • [13:21] I share a memorable story from my time working with the Guys With Ties group.
  • [16:03] Greg shares an encouraging quote.
  • [18:03] Coaching takes place outside of the spotlight, so we need to learn the right timing for our coaching.
  • [22:08] Leaders can’t be the armchair quarterback, but they must trust their teammates who were closer to the action.
  • [23:59] Coaching up will eliminate most of our HR problems.
  • [24:44] Greg and I love coaching up, so please get in touch with us if we can help coach you up. 

Check out this episode and subscribe on YouTube so you can watch all of the upcoming episodes. You can also listen to our podcast on Spotify and Apple.

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