What Makes A Leader? Click | View Series

A Leader Sees the Vision

A leader is, first and foremost, somebody with followers. If nobody is following, you are not leading, no matter what outstanding leadership qualities you might possess. Many years ago, my daughter, Anna, had a sign on her bike that read: "Lead, follow, or get out of my way," and the way she rode that bike, I believe she meant it. People are more than willing to follow someone who knows where they are going.

What Is My Vision?

Some of the first questions a leader needs to answer are, “What is my vision?” “Where am I headed?” “Is it clear to me?” and “Does it excite and energize me?” A son once asked his father, "Daddy, when we get to where we're going, where will we be?" I am afraid that many present-day leaders can't answer that question, even though they are certainly busy and getting a lot done. It is very easy to work hard at delegating, managing, and being efficient, but not head towards a clear destination. Managers do things right, but leaders do the right things. Yet it is probably true that in all too many situations, we are over-managed, but under-led. Where are the leaders today who have a clear vision bursting inside of them? There was a pastor who remarked, "Everywhere Paul went, there was a revival or a riot; everywhere I go, they serve tea." The thing that’s often missing is clearness of vision. To be continued. Pre-order Pastor Dave's new book, Leaders Who Last.