Do you consider yourself to be a leader? Whether or not you realise, we all lead in some way, shape or form. Some lead in their workplaces, while others lead small-groups or whole ministries at Church. Still others find themselves with the often overwhelming task of leading a young family of small children (just ask my wife who’s at home right now with our 15 week old baby!). All of us have influence over the people God has placed around us: that makes each one of us a leader! One thing that all leaders share in common is that feeling of sometimes being in over our head. Have you ever felt like you were stretched right out of your comfort zone, like the feeling of being in deep water? As a leadership coach, trainer and speaker, I have the privilege of sharing with many people who lead in various capacities. It is normal to feel overwhelmed when taking on new leadership responsibilities, and I love to challenge people to keep growing in order to become all that God has called them to be and reach their full potential.
Years ago, when I volunteered as a surf life-saver, I would patrol the beach and look on to see people of all ages who were in all different stages of confidence and competence in the ocean. From the toddler who dipped their toe in the water, and wondered what’s happening as they got water splashed in their face… to the person who found themselves out past the breakers for the first time… that slightly terrifying, though exhilarating feeling is a part of all our life experience when we realise we can’t quite touch the bottom.
At different stages of our leadership journey we can feel a bit overwhelmed and at times we just want to retreat to the safety and comfort of the shore. The best leaders however make the daily decision to step up to the new challenges, rather than retreat or quit. If you want to be a fruitful leader, you can grow by choosing to make the following commitments:
1) Lead Yourself Well.
Those you lead are always watching to see what standard you set for yourself. Whether it’s a question of attitude, timeliness, confidence, conviction or productivity, people are always watching and you are their best example of the standard you want them to follow. Fruitful leaders know that their actions speak louder than words, and more is caught than taught when it comes to leadership. John Maxwell’s law of the picture says “people do what people see”.
2) Invest in Your Own Growth.
In the same way that an athlete commits to training in order to excel during competition, fruitful leaders look for opportunities to develop their skills and enhance their leadership through learning from others. This may include specific books, podcasts, blogs, conferences, networking events and formal study.
3) Seek Mentors.
I say mentors plural as there is not one all-knowing person who can possibly help you navigate through all of the unique challenges you will face as a leader. Over the years, I’ve sought out the advice of many people who have particular gifts that make them ideally suited to speak into a particular situation. We can turn to different people for advice in different areas, such as finances, relationships, health and spirituality. When we draw form the experience of others, we are more able to successfully face life’s challenges.
4) Pray.
Invite God into your situation and hand the challenges over to Him. In Ephesians 3:20 we’re reminded that our God “…is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us”.
When I look back on my leadership journey so far, I’m reminded that it was through times of feeling like I was in over my head when God grew me the most. I encourage you to push on to deeper waters in your own leadership journey.