10 Leadership Principles

I have made lots of mistakes in ministry, but here are Ten Leadership Principles I have always tried to follow.

1. Set a quality example. 

Be what you want people to do. Do what you want them to do. Being an example is one way to lead others.

2. Set attainable goals. 

Do this every year for your KidMin. Where do you see the kids growth going? How will you get there? Where do you need help getting there? Share your goals with your volunteer team. Reach beyond where you are at, but be realistic.

3. Praise your people for doing good. 

Catch your volunteers doing something right. If all they hear is correction they won’t think they are doing anything right. Train yourself to see how others contribute. It means you cannot only be focused on what you are doing.

4. Seek to understand, then be understood. 

Put yourself in the shoes of your followers. It takes discipline and patience to do this one. Suggestions, ideas and communication allow others to have a voice. Seek to understand another’s viewpoint. Once you have ears to hear, its easier for others to hear you.

5. Delegate responsibility. 

Spread leadership around. It’s risky, but not as risky as doing everything yourself.  For your volunteers to grow, it takes giving them responsibility and letting them do it. Once you begin to do this you will have more time to focus and grow yourself. It begins by asking, people want to be asked.

6. There is a difference between delegating and dumping. 

Delegation is about developing people. Dumping is about getting through your to do list. Dumping is asking people to do something, but giving no direction, no guidance, no follow up. People know the difference. It does take time to put in writing what you want done, but then you have a solid reference point. I found that when I began to use a checklist when recruiting and training new volunteers my team got stronger.

7. Never ask people to do something that you are not willing to do yourself.

Leaders create their own credibility gap by their actions, good or bad. You are simply a member of the team with a different role. And just like a waiter in a restaurant or the valet that parks your car–everyone deserves to be treated with respect.

8. A good leader has the interest of his people at heart.

A good leader honors and connects with people, listens to what other have to say, promotes dialogue and says “Thank you” often. Before every request, decision or conversation take the time to think how you would feel in that other’s shoes.

9. See people beyond where they are at. 

Someone saw you beyond where you were at, gave you a chance and allowed you to grow. A good leader knows how to pull gifts out of people and how to develop them.

10. Communication is a two way street. 

Miscommunication can create frustration, stress and loss of morale. Great communication builds trust, prevents problems, provides clarity and direction, creates better relationships, increases engagement, promotes team building. The biggest asset to great communication is listening.

Thanks
Mark 
& The Super Church Team