Essential Leadership Tips Part 2

Business schools even suggest leadership styles that could make a leader “dynamic,” “transformational”—a lot of buzz words that really don’t mean a thing if the leader doesn’t have good character and integrity. I have had success and failure as a ministry leader and have witnessed many leaders come and go. Godly leaders must be willing to be guided by spiritual principles such as these:
1. Leaders never operate in assumptions. We can’t hold people accountable for what they weren’t trained to do. We must communicate what is needed and desired with clear expectations and deadlines.
2. A leader should never “over promise” and “under deliver.” We are our word, and our word becomes our bond. Be a person of character and integrity.
3. Leaders must not be easily offended. Don’t take offence. The word “offend” visually shows two words— “off” and “end.” When we become offended, we are “off” track and we “end” our God-given purpose, assignments, goals, vision, and mission.
4. A good leader knows the importance of these three words: “I don’t know.” We don’t have to know everything, but we can always research to find the right answers and then communicate to others. Remember, we are not superheroes and there are no capes required. This promotes realness and excellence.
5. Leaders train to their level of expectations. Do everything in excellence. Train in excellence, then execute in excellence. Teach and train; then train and teach.
Here are some additional questions every leader should ask themselves regularly to benchmark how they are doing (the key is to give truthful answers so necessary adjustments can be made for positive change and influence):
• Where am I leading the people?
• Are my people happy—to come to church, to serve, to see me, about the way they are treated?
• Am I showing the “God” kind of love?
• Am I encouraging them, building them up?
• Am I meeting the needs of the people?
Our answers to these questions are key indicators off our leadership effectiveness. If our answer to any of these is “no,” we create honest moments of growth and opportunity for ourselves and those we serve. That’s what real leaders do!