My first leadership experience was as an 11-year-old in Boy Scouts. As a newly christened “Assistant Patrol Leader,” I led as I had seen others leading. Experience said the way in which you led other pre-teen peers was through yelling and screaming, using all of your newly learned expletives until finally the group accomplished the task. Unfortunately my model came through watching the 12- and 13-year-old leaders!
Some leaders never outgrow this style.
They refine it, dropping the cursing, but maintaining the control and the “no questions asked” style. Hollywood promotes this style with military drill sergeants and gruff police captains.
As we grow in our leadership, we realize the limits of this style’s effectiveness. We come to understand a need to value people, not absolute obedience.
Here are 8 traits of grace-filled leadership:
1. Emphasis on principles rather than rules.
Rules modify behavior, principles change hearts. Anyone can adjust their lifestyle for a season or adhere to a structure. Lives are truly changed through transformation rather than conformity. When we focus on principles, it teaches people wisdom that works in a multitude of situations.
2. Values people.
It is easy to view people as a means to success in our teams. If our people feel cared for and valued for who they are, not merely what they do; we will have their hearts and their loyalty. This involves listening to our people and finding ways to serve them; all motivated by a desire to see them succeed.
3. Pushes toward excellence, leaving room for failure.
As gracious leaders, we know our own shortcomings and failures. This gives us the ability to push people toward success while also allowing them to make mistakes. After all, people allowed us to learn some of our greatest lessons through failure. No one wants to work for a leader who demands perfection.
