Leadership is vital in any enterprise, team, or ministry. Much ink has been spilled as many books have been written about leadership. The maxim, “everything rises or falls on leadership” is true. I want to share with you some invaluable lessons on leadership that I have learned and personally experienced in the course of teaching, coaching, and ministering in the 21st century.
Leaders set the tone: I learned this lesson as a first year varsity boys soccer coach. I gathered my new team in a classroom, laid down realistic expectations for the season, and received buy-in from everyone. In my case, the soccer team was the school’s first. Setting the tone on any new venture becomes that much more of a necessity.
Leaders eat last: This saying is a title of a book written by business guru Simon Sinek. Sinek’s book chronicles how senior Marine leaders are served their food last because the “true price of leadership is the willingness to place the needs of others above your own.” Christ put our need for forgiveness above his very own life.
Leaders take the high road: WorldCom, Enron, and other business scandals have taught us the importance of learning this lesson. Morals, ethics, and virtue still matter. There are no substitutes for integrity of character.
Leaders are often misunderstood: This has forever been the case but is even more so in the information age. Even the best form of communication, face to face, has through the ages brought about misreads and misunderstandings. However, today’s form of communication via email, texting, social media, etc. has only complicated the way individuals understand the intention of others. Leaders, being human, also have the capacity to misunderstand. Leaders understand this principle and forgive those who are misguided.
Leaders are not always liked: Due to misunderstandings, jealousy, greed, and a host of other misgivings, leaders are minutely scrutinized and take the brunt of the criticism. Making decisions that are unpopular and that unsettle the status quo can lead to a populace who dislike more than just the resolutions made or the change created.
Leaders possess knowledge that others don’t have access to and make critical decisions based off of that knowledge: Leaders are always first to know and sometimes the only contingent that ever knows. Leaders take the knowledge they are handed and make the best determinations they can. There is no better example than the President, who often has to make quick decisions which carry monumental weight with longstanding implications.
Leaders don’t take criticism personally: My favorite leadership lesson comes from the apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 4:3-4. Paul wasn’t terribly disturbed by criticism. “I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me.” New England Patriot QB Tom Brady modeled this principle as he maintained focus and won the Super Bowl this season by not seeking revenge against the NFL or President Roger Godell. The air may have been let out of the ball in Deflategate but Tom kept his cool and won the day.
Leaders live a life of love: Finally, leaders love everyone, including their haters. “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Mat 5:44). Ultimately, Jesus died for us, his enemy at the cross and reconciled us to him. There has never been a greater act of love.
Leadership lessons abound and I am only scratching the surface. These just happen to be tidbits I have learned along the way. I hope they will help you to be a better next generation leader.