Ten 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.

2) Set attainable goals. Do this every year and share your goals with your people.

3) Praise your people for doing good. Catch them doing something right. If all they hear is correction they won’t think they are doing anything right.

4) Seek to understand, then be understood. Put yourself in the shoes of your followers.

5) Delegate responsibility. Spread leadership around. It’s risky but not as risky as doing everything yourself.

6) There is a difference between delegating and dumping. Delegation is about developing people. Dumping is about getting through your to do list.

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

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

9) See people beyond where they are at. A good leader knows how to pull gifts out of people.

10) Communication is a two way street. Let people know what is expected of them and take time to listen. Build time for listening into your training.