When I consult with leaders and organizations, one of the patterns I often observe are the team members who actively participate “in spite of” the leader, and the ones who participate “because of” the leader.  It’s not difficult to imagine which organization does better over time.  People want a leader they can feel good about following, and they will be more motivated and perform better when they are working with a leader who inspires their respect and loyalty.  So in this issue of Ultimate Newsletter, we will look at the essential keys of being a good leader, the kind that people actually want to follow!

Investment in your people.  Most people who are in a job, ministry or volunteer group are aware that they have a task to perform, some sort of requirements or job to do.   That is what careers and organizations are all about.  However, those same folks need to know that their leader has an investment in them that goes beyond outcomes and job performance.  When a leader actually cares about the lives, feelings and interests of people, something energetic and creative gets generated inside them, and they will tend to give more of themselves to the task.  Why?  Because God designed us primarily and foremost as relational beings:  “God is love.  Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him" (I John 4:16).  We were created to connect.  And if work helps us connect and feel valued, we do better.  At the same time, whatever does not involve connection will tend to fail over time.  So, as a leader, make sure that your relationship with your team goes beyond “How is the job?”  to “How are you?”  This is the sort of personal investment that gets to the heart of a team.

Walking the talk.    Those working with a leader long to see someone who lives what he teaches.  You want to follow a person who believes enough in the product, service and values of the organization to adapt his behavior around it.  This isn’t about being perfect or ideal.  It is more that you are willing to bend your knee to what you stand for, and that gets the attention of people.  I’ll never forget the time I saw the head of a large organization say to one of the employees in a conference meeting, “I wanted to tell you that I really screwed up when I was critical of you the other day, and I am sorry.  Please forgive me.”  The organization was transformed for the better from that day forward.

Creating Vision.  This, probably more than any other characteristic, can set a leader apart as one who draws people to him.  You can be a really good worker, expert, administrator, teacher or surgeon.  That is, you can be very competent in some field of endeavor.  But inspiring vision in others is something only a leader can do.  Creating vision involves getting people excited and motivated about what the organization is doing, from manufacturing widgets to street evangelism.  It means reaching deep within your own character and knowing why the project means something to you, and then taking initiatives and risk with your people to show them your own passion and heart for it.  It is more than teaching and modeling.  You have to invite people, talk to them, draw them out, and get them close to the fire in your own belly about this endeavor.  People will show up for a job, but they’ll sacrifice for a leader who inspires vision.  We are all looking for meaning and purpose on this planet, and a good leader helps show the way.

So be a person who looks behind you and sees people following you!  They are looking for someone to lead them.  God bless you. 

 

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