#1 - They come to you with problems…AND the solutions as to how to solve them.
Any fool can see a problem…but it takes a leader to examine WHY the problem is there and then WHAT to do about it. One of the greatest things about the team of people I serve with is most of the time when someone presents a problem they already know how to solve it. (AND…when they don't, they admit it instead of trying to fake their way through it!)
I’ve said this before…but one of the best questions a leader can ask the people he serves with when a problem is presented is, “what do you think should be done about it?”
#2 - They are more upset about a mess up than you are.
When someone on staff here at NewSpring Church drops the ball I rarely have to get upset because they OWN what they do…and so they are as bothered about the mess up than I am on most cases.
Passion for what a person does is essential if they are going to be an excellent leader. AND…you can’t PAY someone to be passionate…either they are or they’re not!
#3 - Being around them actually fires you up.
People are contagious…attitudes and all.
One of the things I love about the team I serve with is that being around them and discussing church, ministry and life in general STIRS my passion for what I do.
People WILL contribute to the fire inside of you…they either throw water or gasoline on it…and one of the most common traits about leaders is that they are always throwing gas on other people’s fires.
I know some people think they always need to be “the devil’s advocate” in a meeting…which basically presents two problems…
- First…the devil doesn’t need a freakin’ advocate…he’s doing pretty well all by himself.
- And second…we aren’t exactly supposed to be working for him!
Now…the truth SHOULD be told when a bad idea is brought up…which leads to the next one…
#4 - They don’t retreat inside their shell when conflict arises but rather embrace the tension in the room and will speak the truth in love until a resolution is reached.
One of the BIGGEST problems in church would today is UNRESOLVED CONFLICT among staff! A disagreement will take place…and because a person would rather just “make nice” than work towards a solution, they will lie and say that things are fine and agree to an idea or philosophy that they do not completely buy into.
But…a leader will speak his/her mind…even if they know it is not going to be popular…and even if they know that in the end they will probably lose the argument…they would MUCH rather have a clear conscience than be a coward.
When conflict arises in a room, I believe a GREAT solution is right around the corner. All people need to do is realize they are on the same team, working for the same goals and then be willing to speak truthfully in respectful ways so that the best idea can be presented and then implemented.