I’ve heard it said that you can tell who the leader is by
the arrows sticking in his or her back. Sometimes that might be true, but I
believe there are other characteristics that we can identify as the marks of a
good leader…
1. Not afraid to take
chances. While wildly flailing in the wind is not a good trait for a
leader, the good leader will not be afraid to take chances in leading others to
the vision and goal. Even when the economy is sagging and there seems to be no
possible way to realize the dream, the effective leader will continue to be a
risk-taker who motivates and leads others to achieve what they previously
thought was impossible.
2. Leads by example. A
good leader should not challenge his or her followers to do anything they
aren’t willing to do themselves. If the mission requires sacrifice, serving,
giving, sharing, or whatever, the effective leader will be the first in line.
3. Is loyal to the
team. I’m not saying that a good leader embraces substandard performance,
but hanging in there with your team through thick and thin is a necessary
characteristic of a good leader. A good leader will not check out when tough
times come. Nor will he or she “throw other team members under the bus” to
preserve their own behind.
4. Is able to make
tough decisions. Leadership is not easy. Sometimes you will have to make
decisions that aren’t popular and might even affect another person’s career or
ministry. A good leader knows when tough decisions are required and is able to
make them. Problems won’t disappear on their own. They have to be dealt with
promptly for the sake of the mission.
5. Keeps the vision
alive. It is very easy for a church or any organization to get so wrapped
up in the mundane, day-to-day activities that the vision and goal is obscured.
The effective leader relate, report and communicate the vision in everything
that happens – to tie in the mundane events and day-to-day activities with the God-given
vision and goal.
6. Is willing to
embrace change. When our church began to transition, there were certain
programs, styles, activities and ministries that we put in place. Those changes
were a dramatic departure from the way things had been for years. Over time,
however, all the “new stuff” we put in place became old. A good leader knows
how to recognize when a favorite program, style, activities or ministry needs
to be changed, replaced, or eliminated all together. You have to know when it’s
time to make hamburger from your sacred cows.
This is not an exclusive list of characteristics, just a few
that I have come to realize in others over the years.
