Some Thoughts on Effective Leadership

Perhaps the best definition for leadership is “influence”. If that is true, then how does one become “influential”?

How many leaders can you think of that have changed your life?

How many leaders can you think of that have changed history?

I think it is important that we reflect on what it is about leaders that makes them effective; that gives them influence. Living in a culture that constantly offers up a smorgasbord of leadership tools, leadership training, leadership seminars, leadership gurus … we become disoriented on what genuine leadership looks like.

I want to offer this perspective --- becoming a leader is not about gripping the latest leadership strategy, it is about developing a Christ-like character.

1^st … Leadership is Character in Action

Most of the leadership training that we are offered focuses on …

What a leader does or doesn’t do --- BE LIKE HIM --- BE LIKE HER!

What a leader has to do to GET TO THE TOP --- Be assertive! Take charge!

What skills must be developed --- find your skill set; set your skill!

This approach leads to these obvious conclusions …

I must more EFFECTIVELY use my power. I have the authority, but I’m not using it.

I must more EFFECTIVELY understand my people. They will respond when I push the right buttons.

I must more EFFECTIVELY use my strengths. The power to succeed is in me.

But this perspective leads most often to frustration and disappointment. We must rethink our approach …

LEADERSHIP IS INFLUENCE AND CHARACTER IS OUR MOST POWERFUL TOOL

Consider the effect this perspective forces on the above assumptions…

I don’t want to BE LIKE HIM or HER … my compass is set on Christ.

I don’t want to arrive at the top … my goal is to serve.

I must have skills – but one is supreme: the development of character.

Integrity Discipline Perseverance Patience Love

Those character skills / qualities will NECESSARILY INFLUENCE.

They will bring a power and authority to bear that I could never produce – it’s called influence.

They will bring an understanding of people that I could never learn – it’s called compassion.

They will become true strength – a strength found in Christ, not in me.

Great leaders will be remembered for their influence, not their power.

2^nd … Look in the Mirror – Not out the Window

God gives each of us the promise of influence. Using our personalities, not someone else’s personalities, He shapes character in us - - and that character always influences. Remember these important points:

a. “They” are not the problem.

It is easy to convince ourselves that when people aren’t responding to our leadership the problem is with “them”. While it is true that people can be difficult to lead – the ultimate trap is for a leader to decide the key is to “change them”. You can only change yourself … this challenge is worthy of your whole attention.

b. It is not about “them” it is about “me”.

When our character begins to reflect God, then it becomes the power of the Holy Spirit that is at work in us. And that power influences. Leadership is character in action. The difference between being an effective leader and a poor leader is the difference in how I ought to behave and how I actually do behave. That is why we have to look in the mirror.

c. The importance?

Why is this important? Simple. The higher up we move in any structure, the more personal change is required. This is the opposite of what most people think. Most assume: “The more power I get the less I will be subject to anyone else. I am more powerful thus I am less accountable. I have arrived!” BUT THAT IS WRONG!

Paul, in developing Timothy’s leadership for the church said this: “Pay close attention to yourself…”

1 Timothy 4:16

It begins with you. The more influence you gain – the more responsibility you have to guard and nurture your character.