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Thursday, February 20, 2020

Characteristics and Skills of an Effective Leader

A survey of pastors a number of years ago found that a majority of them did not consider themselves a leader.  Yet, those of us in ministry and particularly college ministry are expected to be leaders.  Some leadership ability is innate...just a gift from the Lord, but some leadership is learned and being willing to be a leader.  No matter your skills, gifts, or experience as a leader, you can choose to grow in that role.

CHARACTERISTICS OF A LEADER:

1.  INTEGRITY - A leader models and demonstrates what he or she says.

2.  PERSONAL DISCIPLINE - An effective leader studies, prepares and has a commitment to excellence.  A leader cannot expect more from those they are leading than they demonstrate in their own life.

3.COURAGE - Sometimes a leader must make an unpopular decision or confront situations when necessary.  It takes courage to do it and then to stand with the decision as criticism comes.

TASKS OF A LEADER:

1.  TEAM BUILDING - They realize he or she is not a one man show and they help others buy into and share ownership.  If others own, they will invest more to keep it from sinking.

2.  TASK FOCUS - It is necessary to identify what needs doing and keep the main thing the main thing.  When there is more to be done than can be done, which do we do?  The loudest noise is not always the most important.

3.  TEAM MEMBER DEVELOPMENT -  It is helping each person develop and enhance their God-given gifts and abilities.  A question to ask is, "Are your co-workers or team members better as a result of being under your leadership?"

What is YOUR STRENGTH and what is YOUR WEAKNESS and are you addressing or maximizing either in any way?

Who is a leader from whom you can learn?  Watch and benefit from what you see in them.


Arliss Dickerson is a part time college ministry consultant for Lifeway Christian Resources and the author of five books on college ministry in eBook and print at amazon.com (type in Arliss Dickerson).

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