I agree with the idea that leadership is influence (John Maxwell) and everyone is a leader to some degree, good, bad or otherwise. Whether you are a CEO, a parent, or ball player at the local high school you have influence with someone and therefore you are a leader. The key is being a good leader, not a lousy one.
Over the years and after reading the Bible many times and several outstanding books there seems to be seven very important principles that come to the forefront in being a good leader (in scripture the number 7 symbolizes being complete). Amazingly all of them will apply to the work place as well as with the family and are Biblically based (Imagine that, we can learn how to be a leader from the greatest leader of all time; Jesus Christ)
Let’s look at number one: Know The Condition Of Your People. What does that look like in the everyday work place?
a. Will need to follow the status of your people as well as the status of their work. Many leaders focus too much on the project and not enough on their people. Remember the people get the job done; when they are not functioning correctly the job will not be done correctly.
b. Get to know your people one person at a time. You have to take a personal interest in each of the people who report to you. You will need to get to know their skills, their interests, and even their dreams. So how do we do that, by…
c. Engage your people on a regular basis. Get out and among them. Keep your eyes and ears open, question, and follow through. “How is the kids, one sick, well what did the doctor say?” “How is the new house going?”
Get to know your people and you will be the type of leader a person will drop everything to follow. Same goes for you, mom and dad; do you really know the status of your kids? Are you listening and are you following through? How about husband and wife, do you really know your spouse, and do you engage them daily?
Next week we will look at number 2!
Pastor Larry
very true indeed.
Here is a paragraph from my book concerning one aspect of leadership that I believe is important.
“Last on the list and certainly not the least is “willingness to learn.” This, in all probability, is the most important characteristic of a leader … any leader. Willingness to learn is really about a mindset that avails itself to discovery. If great leadership is marked by what they accomplish and contribute to the progress of a society, a church, or group, no other quality will have a greater impact on leadership than a willingness to learn. A leader willing to learn is open to discovery and will seek new, innovative, approaches to problems. A leader willing to learn is also open to self-discovery and feedback and willing to make personal changes that will contribute to their growth and development as a person and leader and to the growth and improvement of others. Willingness to learn is absolutely crucial and a fundamental requirement for anyone leading a discovery process such as the ministry and leadership development process.
Likewise, a lack of this quality (unwillingness to learn) will be the greatest hindrance to effective leadership. A leader unwilling to learn will lack many of the other qualities that define an effective leader.”