Leadership has been a prominent topic for many books and countless conferences over the last two decades. I read my share of those books including those by Peter Drucker, Peter Senge, Patrick Lencioni, Ken Blanchard and many others. While attending conferences, I have heard John Maxwell, Condoleezza Rice, Tony Dungy, Jimmy Mellado, and many others speak about leadership in their particular area of service. Each of these speakers and authors have contributed to my understanding of what leadership should be.
However, too often in our world I fail to see true leadership in practice. How have you determined to lead whether it be for a church, a corporation, a department, or within your family? Here is a brief listing of some of the practices in leadership that I belief were of the greatest importance and value to me. Don't get the wrong impression. While I value the items on this list, I was still an imperfect leader struggling to improve and be of benefit to those I was entrusted to lead.
Help every team member, both through a job description and regular assignments, to understand how their area of responsibility helps to fulfill the purpose of the organization. When Jesus called His disciples to follow Him, He stated that He would make them to be fishers of men. They understood that they were helping to build the Kingdom of God and see lives transformed by faith in Jesus.
Team members are not just another resource to get the job done. They are real people who have families, struggle from time to time, and have lives outside of the work place. Jesus told His disciples to love one another just as He loved them. People need to know you care.
Some team members are super stars in a particular area of expertise. However, it does not mean that they are even capable in every facet of every assignment. Jesus took the time to teach and train His disciples. When they failed at a task, He took the time to explain what they had missed and demonstrated the proper approach.
Assignments and projects often take more time than planned. Patience is a key element in working with people. Jesus spent three years training His twelve disciples and one of those dropped out.
Learn to listen to your team members. Be a learner as well as a leader. Team members often see better ways to do things because they are having to implement the plan you gave them. They often see a fresher or improved method. You don't have to be the smartest person in the room. The team together can be better than any individual on their own. After Jesus' resurrection and ascension into heaven, He left behind His disciples who were equipped and empowered to carry out the mission He gave them. They were not only able to carry out the mission but they also reached and trained others to do the same.
There are many leadership principles that leaders advocate. These are a few that I favor the most. As you can see from the list, I believe the greatest leader is Jesus. The more we follow His example, the better our leadership will be.
As a leader, make sure you are following the best examples of leadership in Jesus regardless of what others choose to do. Have a great week.
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