3. Connected to the Vision
Choose people who share your passion for the direction you are headed, who add to the existing team, and who bring a unique contribution that enhances the possibility of seeing that vision develop. You want vision-makers, not vision-breakers. Never invite people into the inner circle who have serious questions about your direction with the hope of helping them come around.
4. Connected to Others
Choose people who are able to influence others, those connected to others who also want to make a difference. In his excellent book, The Tipping Point, Malcolm Gladwell devotes a chapter to “The Law of the Few” where he speaks of “connectors.” It’s worth the read. Much happens in the world through a few who are well connected to lots of others. Gladwell says,
Connectors know lots of people. They are the kinds of people who know everyone. All of us know someone like this. But I don’t think that we spend a lot of time thinking about the importance of these kinds of people. I’m not sure that most of us really believe that that kind of person who knows everyone really knows everyone. But they do.
Now, I don’t think everything Gladwell says is “gospel truth,” but there is enough truth here to get me thinking about the importance of influencing the influencers and connecting with the connected.
I am more prayerful and careful about choosing people to have around me than ever before. I have seen a lot of mayhem and carnage that prevents me from moving too quickly in the leadership selection process: elders, associate staff, executive team members, etc. As a life coach for pastors around the country, I am spending more and more time discussing the fine points of making prayerful choices, taking your time, doing your homework, and not being in a big hurry. The wrong people have the potential of short-circuiting your leadership effectiveness, providing migraines on a regular basis, and aging you quickly. I have both experienced and witnessed it (minus the migraines).
May your leadership circle be populated with good people who bring out the best in you and your leadership and bring glory to the Lord Jesus Christ and his kingdom.
