Wednesday, October 23, 2013

PITFALLS FOR LEADERS

"WORK HARD AND BECOME A LEADER." PROVERBS 12:24

If you are a leader, try to avoid these pitfalls:

  1. Micromanaging vs. Leading.  Managing people requires an eye for detail, whereas leading involves vision-sharing, goal-setting and motivating.  And you must know the difference.  When you micromanage rather than lead, morale plummets because people need clear objectives and the freedom to figure out how to reach them.  Do not micromanage; it diminishes the sense of 'ownership' those under and around you need for good team dynamics and problem-solving.
  2. Confusing Individual Loyalty with Team Building.  It is good to work closely with key individuals, but it is also important for people to stay 'connected to each other' [Romans 12:5].  Make sure everybody gets to be on the team, feels valued and learns to interact with one another.
  3. Being Afraid to Try Things.  Stretching people into new areas means they will make mistakes.  While locking them into the same routine may keep them [and you] safe, it takes the motivational wind out of their sails.  Being a leader means risking other people's failures and biting your lip as you let them 'toddle' out into the unknown.  Like a parent who prays harder when their teen takes the family car out for their first drive, you must accept that some challenges which frighten you are liberating to others.  Solomon said, 'Work hard and become a leader.'  That raises a question.  If you are leading others, who is leading you?  The best way to lead, is to follow God and obey His Word!

No comments: