4. Leaders need freedom. Leaders need the vision, but they do not need for you to lay out every single step along the way for them. Leaders must have the freedom to lead from their strengths, experiences and preferences—and it’s highly likely that all of those are different from yours. Give them freedom to make decisions, freedom to be creative and freedom to make mistakes. Freedom will lead to a better outcome and better leadership.
5. Leaders need feedback. Sure, leaders need space … but they don’t need you to be absent. Once they understand the vision, their goal is to accomplish that vision. And, it’s your vision. Also, good leaders crave feedback on their performance. They want to know what they’re doing well and what they could do better. They need to hear it from you and you need to know that they’re on track and moving in the direction that you expect. Leaders who lack feedback from the person that is leading them will find themselves questioning whether progress is being made and whether they’re valued as a leader.
Regardless of who it is that you’re leading—doers or leaders—leadership is never easy. But, when you’re a leader who is leading leaders, there are some specific truths that apply … and if you miss them, you may find that you aren’t able to retain leaders and that you’re missing the goals you have for your work, your family, your ministry, etc.
So, are you a leader of leaders? If so, are these truths that you understand and put into practice with those that you’re leading? Connect with me on Facebook and let me know which of these five truths you find that you struggle with the most and which one are you best at.
