“If you’re a leader, you’re in the battle of your life. Nothing is more difficult than leading. Leadership is far from a walk in the park; it is a long march through a dark valley. In fact, leadership has been described as wearing a bull’s-eye on your chest during hunting season.” Dan B. Allender Leading with a Limp.
Agreed, the price of leadership is excessive. Yet, the role is a privilege and when the opportunity presents, don’t reject it. The positive skills are teachable and learnable.
Look at Moses, “He chose capable men from all Israel and made them leaders of the people, officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens. They served as judges for the people at all times. The difficult cases they brought to Moses but the simple ones they decided themselves.” (Exodus 18:25-26 NIV)
Luke tells us, “Everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked. (Luke 12:48 NIV)
Effective leaders in both church and business:
- Celebrate the successes and input of the individuals within their wider influence.
- Don’t hold credit, always give it to someone on their team.
- Build people skills. The majority of terminations have little to do with competence but everything to do with people and relationship issues.
- Follow the ½ inch rule, small incremental changes are always better.
- Depend and rely on their team for wisdom and strength.
- Follow Christ’s example of service when he washed the disciples’ feet.
- Are an example with their actions ensuring consistency with their words.
- Make clear decisions and accept the consequences of negative outcomes.
- Pray and live their Vision, Mission and Values.
“The key to leadership is not to pine for a return of the good old days, because that never happens. Instead, leaders attempt to anticipate the next cycle and position their organization to win. (CEO magazine)
Leadership is reading your environment, monitoring trends and preparing for the next challenge.
Yours in Service,
Laurie D .Kennedy
Leadership Coach
Jethro Group