As a leader of people …any people … there are several areas that should be considered in order to have a successful organization or followers. Since we are still buzzing over the New Year, I thought it feasible to list a few administrative Tid-bits that I try to live by in my leadership/ministry role …
Seven things that should be developed on the part of administrative leaders in the church/organization are:
- Stimulate their “Want-to” as opposed to their “Have to”! The leader should arouse or stimulate self involvement. A person will work more effectively on something that he wants to do or something that is his idea rather than something he is told to do. Leaders must involve the group in the planning and sharing of ideas, etc. the leader must guide the group into the discovery of what they desire and need to accomplish.
- Don’t be a total control freak! The leader should be able to give freedom and still keep control. This is indeed a challenge. You don’t stifle creativity nor give the people the feeling that they can’t do anything. However, the reality is that the leader is still the leader and the one people will ultimately look to. This is truly a skill that good leaders and administrators develop over time. Others must be deputized and then supervised. You are the organizer and the one with the resources such as inspiration and encouragement to give to the others.
- See through their lenses, goggles, or contacts! Learn to identify yourself with others. You must put yourself in their place i.e. how do they see things. What abilities and comments can they offer? Don’t stay in the “ivory” tower and forget the day-to-day work of the church others are doing.
- Give it away! Be sure to give credit where credit is due. This gives a feeling of appreciation for people and gives assurance that they are doing the job well. Perhaps one of the worst things or feelings in the world (and the church) is to be doing a job and not be sure whether or not it is being done correctly. A good principle to remember is “there’s no limit to what you can accomplish as long as you don’t care who gets the credit”.
- Be contagious like a virus! Learn to show confidence not only in yourself but in your people. A strong leader helps to produce strong people. When a leader shows courage, confidence, and has a positive attitude, it becomes very contagious and spreads.
- Don’t take it … personal! Learn to deal with problem people and problem situations. There is no getting around it as every organization will encounter them. Some suggestions are as follows: Do not identify with a matter i.e. make it personal. There are times when criticism is needed because we all make mistakes or have bad ideas. Be prepared to go the second mile with the opposition i.e. take the time and consider the whole picture including the alternatives, in other words, don’t be so dismissive of people when they criticize or present problem situations.
- Make your word bond! The ability to demand respect. People in the group, organization or church should be able to respect the leader as the leader. To help accomplish this, the leader must be truthful and above board with people. Also the leader should be factual and above board about mistakes. Be realistic in planning and programming. Don’t exaggerate or paint a rosy, pie in the sky picture that is not practical. A positive spirit is a must for an administrative leader. Then, by all means, the leader should be trustworthy. People must know that they can take you at your word.
Happy Leading!
Now you have the CLUE!
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