March 27, 2012 6:01 am

Outdated Leadership Style?

Posted In: Leadership

People have changed. Organizations have changed. The church has changed. 

While the fundamental doctrine of the church has not, and does not change, it is quite obvious that the culture of the church does change. The changing culture and times places a demand on the leadership to make adjustments as well.

Is your leadership style outdated?

It is true in numerous organization especially in the church. The highest positions of leadership are held by those who have proven track records and greater accomplishments. This of course is a positive attribute, however it is also try that many of these leaders developed their leadership style many years even decades prior to coming into the leadership position they now hold i.e senior pastor or organizational official.

What are some specific traits of an outdated leadership style?

  • Keeping people in a box - there is too much opportunity in the world today. People desire the opportunity to grow. There may have been a day you could control church members actions, that is no longer the case.
  • Information Control  We live in an information age. Information is power, people know it and have become used to quick access to information. Todays wise leader freely provide relevant information concerning the future of the church and the current events. Todays leader must give the people insight as to what he/she is thinking and feeling about important issues.
  • Holding back aspiring young leaders. - Enforcing a waiting period on young leaders under the concept of 'paying your dues" only frustrates todays young leaders. They want to take risks and persue opportunities NOW.  Today wise leader will tap into this vast resource of energy and provide appropriate opportunities to even the youngest aspiring leaders.
  • Using money as the only motivator - I have never forgotten what I once read about Steve Jobs the CEO of Apple Computers. He was speaking with the CEO of Coke many years ago and in the conversation offered him of job at Apple. The CEO of coke responded with a reasonable question "Why should I leave coke where I am the CEO and come to work for your company?" TO which Jobs replied " do you want to sell sugar water you entire life or would you like to change the world?" The CEO of coke went to work and Apple and the rest is history! TOdays workers are looking for more than financial compensation. They need a sees of vision, destiny and belonging.
  • Keeping things "Strictly Business" - The letter of the law kills! There is always a place for professionalism and excellence, hover, in todays environment this must be balanced with a sense of excitement and fun. The average worker wants to enjoy their work. Good leaders learn how to provide an opportunity for clebration individually and as a group.

 Here are 12 killers of good leadership:

  1. Defensiveness – Good leaders don’t wear their feelings on their shoulders. They know other’s opinions matter and aren’t afraid to be challenged.
  2. Jealousy – A good leader enjoys watching others on the team excel.
  3. Revenge – The leader that succeeds for the long-term must be forgiving and knows that “getting even” only comes back to harm them and the organization.
  4. Fearfulness – The good leader remains committed when no one else is and must take risks no one else will. Others will follow. That’s what leaders do.
  5. Favoritism - Good leaders don’t have favorites on the team. They reward for results not partiality.
  6. Ungratefulness - Good leaders value people, knowing they cannot attain success without others.
  7. Small-mindedness – Good leaders think bigger than today. They are dreamers and idea people.
  8. Pridefulness - Pride comes before the fall. Good leaders remain humbled by the position of authority entrusted to them.
  9. Rigidity - There are some things to be rigid about, such as values and vision, but for most issues, the leader must be open to change. Good leaders are welcome new ideas, realizing that most everything can be improved.
  10. Laziness – One can’t be a good leader and not be willing to work hard. In fact, the leader should be willing to be the hardest worker on the team.
  11. Unresponsiveness – Good leaders don’t lead from behind closed doors. They are responsive to the needs and desires of those they attempt to lead. They respond to concerns and questions. They collaborate more than control. Leaders who close themselves off from those they lead will limit the places where others will follow.
  12. Dishonesty – Since character counts highest, a good leader must be above reproach. When a leader fails, he or she must admit their mistake and work towards restoration.

* Ron Edmondson Leadership

 

 

 

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