I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Religion with a concentration in youth ministry in 2005 and for the last six years, I have had the opportunity to hold a number of leadership positions in the secular world as well as serve as a pastor of a local church in Phoenix, AZ.
With those six years of experience combined with four years in school, here are six things I've learned about leadership (1 for each year out of school):
1. Leaders are visible.
There is nothing scarier, frustrating, or discouraging than being part of group, team, ministry or organization where you can't tell who or where the leader is. Not only is it essential to know who and where they are but it's also important that they spend some time out and about with those they are leading. Which leads me to #2.
2. Leaders are available.
Leadership is a people-oriented concept and people are relational beings. So it only makes sense that someone in leadership is all about people. The only way to do that is to be available to them. Otherwise you're just a manager, not a leader. When people are part of something bigger than themselves, its because they see the value in that cause. But fewer things will make a volunteer or subordinate (and for the record, I hate that word) quit, than when they don't have the training, coaching, motivation and support they want/need to do their job effectively and efficiently. And that requires a leader does two things: communicate and be personable.
3. Leaders ask tough questions.
A great strategy is born out of a great leader. And a great leader is born out of humility. A person's level of humility will always dictate their ability to change their strategy if it's not working. And to be able to change a strategy that isn't working, that takes a leader to act out points #1 and #2. Be among your people and communicate with them; not to them. And then take some time to digest, analyze, evaluate and address issues as needed. Which makes for a great transition to #4.
4. Leaders are learners.
To learn is to live and to live is to lead. I cannot begin to tell you how much of who I am is a result of other people. Never underestimate the power of allowing others into your world to leave their mark on your life. I am wiser because I have given authority to mentors, picked up numerous books, attended conferences, asked hard questions and, above all, allowed my failures to teach me. Enter point #5.
5. Leaders are human.
As an employee, I've been written up, investigated by HR, and passed over for promotions. As a pastor, I haven't done much better: received countless emails and letters (many of them anonymous), been told by parents that I shouldn't be a pastor, been told by other parents that I have bad judgment, and even preached a Sunday message out of 1st Kings but kept referring to Acts instead. But for every mistake I have made, I have at least 100 success stories. A great leader has to fall in order to stand.
6. Leaders are servers.
A great leader has to fall in order to stand. No, you're not reading a typo. That last sentence from point #5 has a double meaning. This time I'm referring to the fact that a leader must be willing to serve those he/she is leading. This ensures you are committed to your own cause. This communicates you mean what you say. This creates influence and credibility to your position. And that position starts and ends with the duties that are not in your job description.
With those six years of experience combined with four years in school, here are six things I've learned about leadership (1 for each year out of school):
1. Leaders are visible.
There is nothing scarier, frustrating, or discouraging than being part of group, team, ministry or organization where you can't tell who or where the leader is. Not only is it essential to know who and where they are but it's also important that they spend some time out and about with those they are leading. Which leads me to #2.
2. Leaders are available.
Leadership is a people-oriented concept and people are relational beings. So it only makes sense that someone in leadership is all about people. The only way to do that is to be available to them. Otherwise you're just a manager, not a leader. When people are part of something bigger than themselves, its because they see the value in that cause. But fewer things will make a volunteer or subordinate (and for the record, I hate that word) quit, than when they don't have the training, coaching, motivation and support they want/need to do their job effectively and efficiently. And that requires a leader does two things: communicate and be personable.
3. Leaders ask tough questions.
A great strategy is born out of a great leader. And a great leader is born out of humility. A person's level of humility will always dictate their ability to change their strategy if it's not working. And to be able to change a strategy that isn't working, that takes a leader to act out points #1 and #2. Be among your people and communicate with them; not to them. And then take some time to digest, analyze, evaluate and address issues as needed. Which makes for a great transition to #4.
4. Leaders are learners.
To learn is to live and to live is to lead. I cannot begin to tell you how much of who I am is a result of other people. Never underestimate the power of allowing others into your world to leave their mark on your life. I am wiser because I have given authority to mentors, picked up numerous books, attended conferences, asked hard questions and, above all, allowed my failures to teach me. Enter point #5.
5. Leaders are human.
As an employee, I've been written up, investigated by HR, and passed over for promotions. As a pastor, I haven't done much better: received countless emails and letters (many of them anonymous), been told by parents that I shouldn't be a pastor, been told by other parents that I have bad judgment, and even preached a Sunday message out of 1st Kings but kept referring to Acts instead. But for every mistake I have made, I have at least 100 success stories. A great leader has to fall in order to stand.
6. Leaders are servers.
A great leader has to fall in order to stand. No, you're not reading a typo. That last sentence from point #5 has a double meaning. This time I'm referring to the fact that a leader must be willing to serve those he/she is leading. This ensures you are committed to your own cause. This communicates you mean what you say. This creates influence and credibility to your position. And that position starts and ends with the duties that are not in your job description.
