“A leader who has no followers is merely taking a walk.”

I am in constant awe of leaders I see in ministry who have successfully influenced people in their church and are making things happen.

One pastor I know of has increased church attendance and increased financial giving. He has helped create dynamic liturgy with great music, hospitality, and wonderful preaching. He has helped spearhead innovative ministry programs and services that meet the needs of the members of the church. This is a church that people want to be a part of. People drive from all over to attend.

And it has a lot to do with his leadership skills and ability.

As I continue to study great leaders in the church, I can’t help but ask what it is about these individuals that make them stand out as a leader? Below, I offer a list, in no particular order, of things leaders do to be someone that others want to follow.

• Says hi to everyone.
• Is innovative and creative.
• Makes things happen.
• Talks about their kids.
• Has fun.
• Helps people win.
• Has a compelling and exciting vision.
• Shares the vision constantly.
• Walks the halls slowly.
• Knows what motivates their team.
• Takes care of their team.
• Goes out of their way to genuinely connect with people.
• Helps people become better than they were yesterday.
• Has a positive attitude.
• Makes training and formation a priority for their team.
• Is organized and efficient with their time.
• Is not afraid of conflict.
• Is not afraid to disappoint people at times.
• Fails often.
• Learns from their failures.
• Is growing daily.

Looking over this list, I can’t help but wonder which I do well and which I need to work on. For instance, I need to work on talking about their kids and families. Because I have a young daughter, I find myself being asked all the time about my daughter and wife. I’m always happy to share. Then I think to myself, “They have kids and family. I don’t know anything about them.”

Another one I need to work on is not being afraid to disappoint people. As a leader, sometimes I have to make tough decisions that do not make everyone happy. Yet, if I believe it is the best decision for my ministry, then I need to be okay with disappointing a few people. That’s hard to do for someone who is a people-pleaser.

Question: Which one do you need to work on? What would you add to this list?