• Blog
• Books
• Articles
• Audio
• Calendar
• About Lynn

ELITE (Leadership Material)

MOVING FROM THE BASICS TO ELITE LEVEL LEADERSHIP


First a word about the title: The friend who requested the development of this material has a personal training business for professional and NCAA athletes. The term “Elite” is the branding for his company. One of the definitions for elite used by Webster reads, “A group of persons who by virtue of position or education, exercise much power or influence.” I actually believe this is a good definition of those who lead organizations, businesses and churches. They are in fact leading because of position or education and have more influence and power than others. As a matter of fact, this definition is so true, it’s been the downfall of several church leaders. The BASICS of leadership help define and equip the leader as a person; the ELITE skills are the level where the leader becomes truly beneficial to the organization on a much broader scale.

E

EQUIP/EMPOWER


Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these….” John 14:12 (NIV) If anyone had a right to exercise control and micro‐management, it was Jesus Christ. After all, the problem with micro‐management in our organizations and churches is that many managers are not as skilled as the workers they manage. Jesus was the complete person and had all skills at his disposal. Despite this fact, Jesus sought to equip and empower.
Equipping is one of the primary ministries we are called to embrace as leaders of others. Paul described this as a primary function (if not the primary function) of leaders in the church (Ephesians 4:11‐12). I believe it’s vital that these two go hand in hand. Obviously, you don’t want to empower someone who hasn’t been equipped to handle their assignment. At the same time, you don’t want to equip someone and then tie their hands so they can’t effectively function. Elite level leaders make sure training is available to their organization and empower those who want to be servant leaders to move forward with confidence.

EL

LEAD


This seems like one of those, “Doesn’t need to be said,” remarks. I’m not convinced. I run into leaders every day of my life that have the position of leadership but don’t actually lead. Some are drivers. Some are pushers. Some are pushovers. But leaders don’t drive, push or prod ‐‐ they lead. Leading is the act and position of being out in front (demonstrating the courage lead by example.) Leading is the act and position of supporting from underneath (as a foundation gives support to the structure). Leading is the act of calling and drawing (rather than yelling and commanding). While positional leadership can be effective (you lead only because you have the position), influential leadership is much more powerful (you lead because people see you as a strong influence in their life).

ELI

INSPIRE


Not all leaders have an inspiration personality. But all leaders do inspire. This is more than just cheerleading or supporting from the sidelines of life. Inspiration comes through many different means and methods. Some inspire because of their story – the history that makes them a leader. Some inspire through their acts of service – the sacrifice that draws people to them. Other inspire by their talents – what amazes people about them. Etc. When a leader forgets our basic human need to be inspired, the work environment becomes stale and often comes to a standstill. Uninspired people are often unproductive people. Inspired people can move mountains. One of my favorite inspirational examples is Larry Bird. Larry Bird inspired his team and the entire city of Boston through hard work that produced unbelievable talent. Bird told many people he wasn’t naturally gifted; rather, his hard work produced a repeatable skill. On the other hand, his primary rival, Magic Johnson, seemed to have talent beyond skill. He inspired by using that talent to build a team that was considered one of the all time great teams. Both used what they had to inspire others.
Pastors need to inspire the people of God. It can be done through quiet, unassuming service. It can be done through powerful preaching and teaching. No matter your tool for inspiration, use what God has given you to inspire those who follow your lead. And…make sure you have someone inspiring you. Jesus inspires us all, but every leader needs a leader who inspires.


Written by Chris Goldman a Mentor Partner

This is good stuff.  It seems reasonable to me that we as leaders in the church should be training others to be the future leaders of the church.  Not just passable leaders but ones who will take over when we step down and be better prepared to face the responsibilities of leading God’s people.  God working through Godly men building future Godly leaders … what a concept.

By John A Lucas on July 20 2009