With debrief at the end of this month and team changes emanate a new season approaches. We are nearing the last few months of our race and many of us are trying to figure out what comes next. I have talked to a few people on the squad considering squad leading after we return and it’s caused me to reflect on my own leadership role this year and what I have learned.
I will start with this: when entering in to a leadership role I cannot stress how important it is to accept such a position with a humble heart. I was not asked to be a leader because I am well put together and have all the answer, but rather God asked me to step into this role because He wanted to teach me about humility, responsibility, and loving others well. This has not been a season of flaunting a position, but rather being torn down and rebuilt daily. In spite of what I may want my decisions must reflect the common well being of the entire team. I have found that, often, my teammates know more about a situation than I do and I have to humbly step aside and encourage them to lead in those situations.
In fact, the best way I can lead my team is by recognizing their strengths and potential and allowing them to step into leadership roles when possible. My favorite piece of advise on leadership is a quote by Lao Tzu that says ‘A leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves.’ A good leader is the force that shapes the outcome achieved by the people.
Say YES! As often as I can and within reason I say yes to what my team wants and needs. I believe leaders should have discernment with rules and full understanding of their purpose because, often, rules really are more like guide lines. An individual deserves the answer ‘yes’ until they prove themselves to be untrustworthy or incapable which, from my experience, will rarely happen.
A true leader cannot afford to be lazy. Intentionality and efficiency is crucial. A proactive group of people is a healthy people and often the leadership sets the standards. Intentionality with individuals allows for a relationship to be built that makes the leader a safe place for their people. If I know how each person on my team is doing, what they are struggling with, and how to encourage them I can make healthier and more appropriate decisions for the well being of the whole team as well as for the individual.
Be open! Vulnerability is a difficult and scary thing, but the more open I am with my team about information I have, decisions I am trying to make, and how I am doing the more supportive they are of me. I am NOT a one-man show. I NEED and want their input.
I have a lot more to learn about leadership, but there are a few points on what God has taught me thus far.
To simplify:
- Humble heart
- ‘We did it ourselves’
- Say ‘Yes’
- Be proactive
- Be open
- Listen
- Always remember you are in this position because God wants you there and it is not by anything you do, but, rather, what God does though you that will make the difference.
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