Featured Blog: Three Skills and Qualities for Young Leaders

As a lead pastor and a student of leadership, I've seen many leaders good and bad. I also am quickly moving from "young leader" to "middle age leader" and so it causes me to reflect on what I've learned from my time as a young leader.

The church tends to be a great place for leaders. There are prime opportunities to learn and to practice. Also, leaders in the church are leading people to truly positive, life changing areas and making lasting impact. So, here are a few quick words of counsel to young leaders wanting to make an impact and influence others for good.

First, let's define our terms: leadership is about influence. I've seen many people who have been great "leaders" yet held no official title or position. These people have influenced groups of people in a direction.

The second aspect of being a leader is that you have a place to go. If we aren't leading people somewhere or don't have somewhere to take people, than we should think a little longer about whether or not we should be a leader.

Thirdly, a leader is someone who people follow -- if you're an influencer. have a good direction but no one actually follows you, than you're really just going for a walk - you're not leading. So with those terms defined, what counsel would I give young leaders?

1. Be teachable - I'm amazed how many young leaders (and even me when I was younger) try so hard to prove they can do it without assistance for others. That's actually a stupid plan.

In my current role, I have a lot more respect for those who are asking questions, seeking to learn, wanting to grow than those who act like they know it all and can handle anything. I've also found that really high caliber leaders will give away lots of great counsel and direction if you just ask. I've made a decision a few years ago, I will not hire someone who is not teachable. Sure skill and confidence are important, but if you don't couple those with teachability you will have a hard time.

2. Be aware of yourself -- Do you know how you come across to people? Are you aware of your strengths and weaknesses? Do you know how you typically react in challenging circumstances? Do you know how others are affected by your words?

Good leaders becomes students of themselves. They are in tune with what is going on inside their hearts. They ask questions to understand their blindspots. And they are actively working on their character, personality and relational intelligence. One of the best skills that will help you with this one is taking time to reflect, journal, and pause long enough to understand.

3. Be a person of honor -- Honor is a skill that seems to be quickly disappearing in our culture and a young leader who learns how to honor will quickly gain advantages and effectiveness.

We honor authorities over us, we honor our boss, even though at times we may feel we could do it better or are more in touch with what is needed. We also honor the past and the legacy before us. If we don't learn to honor we will always be questioned and we will wonder why few want to follow us.

By working on these three areas, young leaders will grow in wisdom and effectiveness. Feel free to share your thoughts on leadership and what you've seen in your world on this topic by commenting here.