Over the past few years I have spent some time interviewing Christian leaders: some of the interviews were part of my doctoral work on crucibles of leadership, and some are part of my ongoing podcast series. I recently wrote an article for the Evangelical Alliance in which I talked briefly about some of the leadership lessons from these interviews.
Here’s a quick summary:
1. Surround yourself with good people
In recounting their stories, many leaders look back to people who have helped inspire and encourage them. Biblical examples include Jethro and Moses, Moses and Joshua, Mordecai and Esther, Jesus and His disciples, and Paul and Timothy.
2. Team matters
Avoid being a maverick: team matters, just as it did in the work of Jesus and Paul.
3. Culture beats strategy
It’s the old adage that ‘culture eats strategy for breakfast’.
4. Be reflective
The value of being reflective – perhaps something that comes with time and perspective – is that it makes it possible for other leaders to learn from good practice. The goal is not to create conformity or uniformity, but to help share good practice and to allow others to learn from a seasoned leader’s experience.
5. God loves you
As Henri Nouwen wrote: ”You have to listen to the voice who calls you the beloved, because otherwise you will run around begging for affirmation, for praise, for success. And then you’re not free.”
And, if you want to put some meat on the bones, click here for the article.
Photo by Brett Patzke on Unsplash