7 Elements of Leadership
In his book, The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, John C. Maxwell notes that over the course of time, seven key elements reveal themselves in the lives of leaders, or those who have influence:
Character
True leadership always begins with the inner person. Think about the people you follow. I’ll bet they are virtuous persons, people of integrity. You probably follow them because you respect them for their honesty, courage, loyalty, trustworthiness, fairness, or compassion.
Relationships
Since one is a leader only if he or she has followers, this requires what? The development of relationships. Naturally, the deeper the relationships, the stronger the potential for leadership.
Knowledge
Information is vital to leaders. They need a grasp of the facts, an understanding of the factors involved, and a vision for the future. Maxwell adds that knowledge alone won’t make someone a leader, but without it, he or she can’t become one.
Intuition
Leadership requires more than just a command of data. It demands an ability to deal with numerous intangibles. Leaders tend to see things that others can’t, make changes, and move forward before others know what’s happening.
Experience
Think about it. Aren’t we all more likely to follow those who have experienced at least a little bit of life and who have faced the challenges that come with it? Experience doesn’t guarantee credibility, but it encourages people to give leaders a chance to prove that they are capable.
Past Success
Nothing speaks to followers like a good track record. Just here, I am remembering what the Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy about elders in the church: they must be men who are proven, who have reached some level of success, read: maturity in the Christian faith (See 1 Timothy 3:1-7.)
Ability
The bottom line for followers is what a leader is capable of. Ultimately, that’s the reason people listen to and acknowledge others as leaders. As soon as they no longer believe that leaders can deliver, they stop listening.
In light of these seven areas that reveal leadership potential, those of us who aim to influence others for the Lord might test ourselves with these questions:
Reflection
Am I giving attention to the development of my character?
Am I building relationships with others?
Am I growing in knowledge?
Am I quick to see what needs to be done and just as quick to act on this insight?
Am I learning from the past and making the most of my experience?
Have I experienced some success in meeting the challenges of the Christian life?
Am I becoming a more capable person?
Growth. Personal and spiritual growth. This, in a nutshell, may be the first step to becoming a person of influence!
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