You are Needed

I want to share my thoughts on leadership while using an Army guide to leadership as the framework. I will use the manual for its advice and fill in places with my thoughts and understanding. Take this for example, according to the FM 22-100, the Army needs leaders who:

Understand the human dimension of operations. Every aspect of leadership has a human dimension. No matter how hard you work to put the proper framework together for a system to work, humans are the deciding factor to the movement of the organization. When we forget about or forsake the human element for the “sake of the organization,” we soon find ourselves without people to lead.

Provide purpose, direction, and motivation to units. Just as in all leadership, leaders are looked upon to provide a purpose to the mission, to provide the direction to accomplish the mission, and to provide the motivation to persevere through the mission. In the church, a leader must at all times keep these three aspects of ministry in mind because without a purpose the people lose interest, without direction the people put undue stress on the organization by taking it in too many directions, and without motivation a church loses focus on the most valuable part of the Christian walk – God.

Show initiative. Leaders who show initiative will use their available resources to gain the upper hand in their planning. Sometimes church leaders forget that their leadership is most needed in the midst of limited resources. Having been a small church pastor, I know the difficulties of having very limited resources. Initiative takes you beyond limitations and into ability.

Are technically and tactically competent. Are you serving where you are best suited? Or better yet are you operating in your proper gifting? A leader who is good at motivating people but terrible at administration should not be spending a lot of time in administration. A leader hones their giftedness and staffs in areas for which they need help. This doesn’t mean we neglect education. A good leader spends time reading books, taking courses, seeking out other leaders, and going to conferences.

Are willing to exploit opportunities and take well-calculated risks within the commander’s intent. A leader will utilize timing! Timing is the greatest motivator and deflator. If the timing is right, then it becomes a huge momentum boost. Just because ideas are good does not mean the timing is right. Prayer provides the best thermometer for timing. As a Christian leader, I must make sure that each opportunity falls within the parameters set up by God’s Word. As a staff member, I must make sure I do not have an agenda that circumvents my leader’s agenda. Pastors have to make sure the people are on board.

Have an aggressive will to fight and win. On my wall I have a picture of a beautiful sunset (or maybe it is a sunrise). Under it is the caption, “Perseverance – A dream worth having is a dream worth fighting for.” When all is said and done, did I fight properly and for the right reasons? Did I use my day effectively or did I leave too many opportunities on the table?

Build cohesive teams. Team building is an important job for the leader. A good team functions together under the leader’s direction and will help keep the ship pointed in the right direction. A dysfunctional team will propel the ship forward while trying to steer the ship in multiple directions which takes away momentum and causes the ship to stall. Spending time with your team and putting team members in positions that fit their talents will help to build up a team. Unity is very important within a team and if there is infighting you will find that little gets done. Nobody likes traveling in circles, so work on your team.

Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. I am not the greatest of communicators so I have to work hard at it. That is why I spend so much time reading and writing. I am trying to become a better communicator. Effective communication leaves people feeling empowered. Good communication leaves little doubt in what is expected of them. Spend time learning to communicate, and you will find that you put out more fires before they ever start.

Are committed to the professional Army ethic. Ethics begin with the individual. An organization may have ethical standards but if the leader does not exemplify them, those they lead will not either. Besides, how can you hold someone to an ethical standard to which you do not adhere?