Authenticity is a necessary trait for leaders these days…
People are less likely to follow people they don’t feel are transparent or real…
Here’s a word of advice to leaders…
In your attempt to protect your reputation…
Don’t hide your true identity…
The fact is that your painful past and failures…
May be used to heal someone else’s brokenness…
Encourage them to keep trying…
Or, simply help them trust you more…
If you want to protect your reputation…do it with the one you’re shaping for the future…
Your past is your past…you can’t change it now…
Let it be used to help others…
By the way…this advice work for pastors too…
That’s even a Biblical concept…
He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.
2 Corinthians 1:4
Be honest…do the people you lead know the real you?
How do you ensure transparency in your leadership?
An old friend of mine says unless the pastor is the chief repenter the people won’t learn to repent! I try to be quick to say sorry, quick to admit fault and failure, and quick run to Jesus. It is quite a painful way to live and I often don’t feel like it, but I hope in God’s mercy it helps others.
That's a great line Chris!
That's possible when the leader
— Practices servant leadership
— is open to being vulnerable
— is broad minded and not narrow minded
I hope so. If not they are getting to know me. I've been pastoring now for 2 months for a re-start church in Louisiana. I do my best to just be me at all times. (as cheesey as that sounds) I think people appreciate a pastor/leader just being real…even if that is a tad goofy.
That's great Michael! Stay with it. I did a re-start church…fun times! You are probably a breath of fresh air for people who love that church. Praying for you in that!
'Cheesy' is a good thing! Cheesy is real. Often times life really relates back to cheesy and goofy!
Good luck on your re-start of your church….and praying for those in your area affected by floods.
Thanks Melissa. I agree.