I have been in some form of leadership for over 50 years. It has been my privilege to watch some incredible leaders in action. I have made enough mistakes to understand failure. I have been bumped and bruised enough to carry the scars of leadership. I have enjoyed the celebration of leadership achievement. I have been changed by those whom I have led.
I have no idea where you may be in your personal leadership journey. Here are three keys I have discovered for leading well.
You have to adjust. Leaders have plans. Leaders develop strategies. Leaders set goals. However, when you lead well you should be open to adjusting when necessary. A long time mentor of mine, Bill Dave, told me, “Never sanctify a deadline.” He went on to say, “Things change. What you thought would pan out may not. Situations need to be adjusted to. You have to have the insight, intuition, and humility to adjust.”
You have to be committed to consistent growth. You need to consistently grow in four areas: Capacity (personally), Character (spiritually), Competency (leadership) and Chemistry (relationally). If you don’t consistently grow you will stay the same. If you stay the same you lead the same. When you lead the same you will soon cease to lead.
You need to multiply other leaders. Leadership is not about gathering followers, but generating other leaders. Mike Breen wrote, “For leaders, creating a healthy next generation is the most important challenge we have.” A quick hit leadership development process: Give them opportunity; Give them responsibility; Give them expectations; Give them accountability; Give them forgiveness; Give them no excuses. It has been said, success without a successor is failure.
These three may not be all that is necessary to lead well. In my experience I have found them to be foundational.