What Does Your Leader Think?

A wise emerging leader listens to the comments, concerns and reproaches of their leaders.  It is a good question to ask, "What does my leader think about this next move into leadership?"  Many emerging leaders buck like teenagers at this point because they truly believe they are ready and sure but the leaders above them (and perhaps around them) don't.

Here are a few tips for the emerging leader who wants to guard against this blind spot:

1. If the leader above you says, "It is not for me to determine God's call for you...", you did not get a vote of confidence.
2. If you say, "Ultimately, I am accountable to God.  He is my leader.  He is the one who prepares and calls me...", be careful!  The statement is ultimately true but you may be making the mistake of the 18 year old who knows it all only to find out four years later that his father really had a clue.
   
3. If the leader around you says, "I think it is a great idea.  Are you sure that God has told you...or are you sure you are ready...", they may not simply be making conversation.  Those leaders next to you and above you usually know you the best and should already know the answer to that question before you ever tell them your idea.
4. If after being challenged to your call, you say, "My leaders just don't remember what it is like.  How did they get into leadership?  He is just trying to control me too much and doesn't understand...", then you might be making the teenage mistake of thinking that parents are dumb and don't care.  If, instead, you are right and your leader is flawed, you are not ready to lead because you have not been following a good leader nor have you done anything about it.  Find a good leader and follow them for awhile to make sure that you learn well.
5. If the leader above you says, "I don't think you are ready...", she  has taken on the greatest responsibility of a leader by risking a relationship to bring a potentially unwanted truth.  Listen to  her well for her voice risks all for wisdom.
6. If your leader disagrees and you say, "My followers, my friends ... everyone ... has heard that I should do this...", you have chosen the wrong audience for they do not live with you in leadership and only know what they see rather than the full picture.  Leaders don't follow the crowd or their followers.
7. If the leader above you says, "I don't know if this is the perfect fit for you ... or... we were really looking for...", he may be gently trying to show you that your gifts might not fit the task you think you seek.
8. If when your leader questions your call, you say, "but..I...me... but my...I...", you might be making the mistake of trying to convince yourself that your leader is wrong.
   

Knowing what your leader(s) think(s) is vitally important.  Romans 13 tells us to even obey the ungodly rulers around us for they will work to our own good in the end.  How much more should we treasure the advice of those who lead above us, next to us and before us.  Before you take on the next step in leadership - stop, listen and ask, "What does my leader think?"  You just might save yourself, your family and the time of many others that you wish to serve.