Leadership is tough. Real Leaders know that and don’t shrink back from the job. Whether it’s in business (been there), coaching (still there) or teaching (always there), when you’re the leader everyone has an opinion about how you’re doing your job. Whenever someone criticizes your leadership you know that at the very least you’re doing something. The only leader that never gets criticized is the one who’s doing nothing. Make a change, try something new, or stop doing something and somebody is going to criticize your decision. Just get used to it.
So if you’re going to be the leader here are some things you’re going to need to stay in the game:
- Determination – it inspires people. Others want to know that you’re determined to accomplish your goals and that you’re not going to quit the first time trouble comes your way. Guess what? If you’re the leader you’ve got to have goals and be committed to see them through to completion. This builds confidence in those who are following you.
- Consistency – it’s the glue that keeps them team together. Plans change, feelings change, team members change. A strong leader is going to know the objective and keep pushing forward when things get tough.
- Passion – it’s the fuel that drives you. Leadership is hard. Leadership can be exhausting. Leadership can be lonely. You have got to love what you do and have an inner fire that burns brightly to keep going. When you’re passionate about something you will do what it takes to succeed.
Leading a Ministry can be a difficult assignment. It is not for the faint of heart or for the easily discouraged. When God calls you to do something he will give you the skills to get it done. That doesn’t mean it’s going to be easy. Remember “we battle not against flesh and blood but against principalities of darkness.” If you’re not being criticized, or in some fashion hindered, you may not be accomplishing anything for the Kingdom. So, what are your leadership struggles? What keeps you awake at night?
