Leadership is a concept a person is either drawn to or one they push away. You may not see yourself as a leader, but without leadership, your family will go in lots of different directions. In fact, Scripture says, Where there is no vision, the people perish. (Proverbs 29:18). It is the responsibility of the leader to bring vision to a group.
One observation I’ve made in my years of counseling is that when there is a lack of leadership, chaos exists. This is true within a family. Families need leadership in order to live and grow successfully. Leadership is not optional—nor is it something that can be delegated to other people. It’s up to me to be a leader in my family, or a co-leader with my spouse in the family.
Here are ten characteristics of great leaders to keep in mind as you strive to become a great leader in your marriage, as a parent, in business and in the areas of influence God has given you.
Great leaders:
- Listen to their followers. Listening is an art. It requires discipline and practice.
- Envision a positive future. They have the ability to see a better future than the present.
- Anticipate problems. Leaders are emotionally, spiritually, physically, socially and financially prepared with a plan of action for the unexpected.
- Train their followers. Great leaders come alongside their followers and help them, train them and encourage them in the process they are navigating.
- Expect the best from others. They know you are most likely to receive what you expect from people. If they expect the best, they usually get the best.
- Rely on others. They give those who follow them responsibility. They delegate, hold them accountable and trust that they will follow through.
- Serve their followers. Servant leadership understands it’s not the idea, “I’m in charge; I’m the boss, and I’m barking out the orders. But it’s the realization that “I’m here to serve you. I’m here to help you become successful.”
- Handle the most difficult situations. They show up and model what it means to lead in the middle of a conflict, fray or problem.
- Ignite enthusiasm. Great leaders bring hope and sustainability to others. They keep others going as they move into the future, together.
- Practice what they preach. They not only preach it, but they live it in a way that their actions demonstrate their convictions.
Intentional ONE THING Challenge
If you could do ONE THING and know that, it would make a significant, lasting, possibly life-changing difference in your life, would you do it? Dr. Carlson shares the power of ONE THING and why you should get started doing your ONE THING today.
Tell Us
Do you see yourself as a leader? Of the ten characteristics listed above, which ones do you consider a strength in your life, and which one would you say you want to work on? We would love to hear your stories. Post your comments below.
