I love to surround myself with leaders. Often, when we think of leaders, we consider those with great experience in the field in which he or she is leading. They are the experts, they have experience, they’ve been tested, and they are ready to lead followers. Of course, those are not bad characteristics for a leader, but there is one trait that I look for in a young leader even before knowledge or experience.
Thats because I believe:
A teachable heart trumps expertise
I’d much rather have a developing leader than one who thinks they have all the answers but has stopped learning.
How about you?
What is one trait you think is essential in a new leader?
I am currently in a succession journey & the thing I love about my associate senior pastor who is my successor is his teachability, its so appealing& makes this transition journey so much easier
Thanks John! Love that you are being intentional here.
I agree. I believe a teachable heart is the trait leaders need. In fact, I look for that even in individual contributors who don't have a leadership role. To be teachable means you are humble enough to learn.
I agree Laurinda!
I think it is a servant mentality. A good leader will serve his organization, serve the people he/she leads, will invest time in getting to know and understand people, as well as plans. A servant mentality will allow a leader to make the tough sacrifices, to go above and beyond, to be humble, and to earn respect.
Thanks David. Good comment!
Traits that I think are essential in a new leader:
— Intergrity (Honesty/Transparency/Purity/Credibility – whatever it may be termed)
— Humility
–Capacity to generate and sustain trust
— Receptivity to criticism
— Willingness to take calculated risks
— Persistence
— Perpetual Learning
–Commitment and consistency
Good ones!
Twitter: mrsmilton0304
says:
My first thought was have an open heart. I remind myself constantly to be open to people, ideas, adventures, etc without passing judgement. Above all else, love God and where He has planted you in this season. Great post Ron and very relevant for me right now.
Thanks Theresa!
Go for it! This will be a great experience!
Twitter: eccle0412
says:
Perfect tming! I am beginning a new job tomorrow. After 3 years at home with young teens, and returning to college for a new degree, God gave me a great leadership opportunity.
Grateful for finding so many helpful informers on blogs (here) and books. Have been curious what is next. Now excited to put it all in practice to benefit others and influence.
Thanks to all for your input!
Not to know any better. That's a trait that I believe a new leader has to have. This helps in chasing the dreams and vision that God has laid out.
That's good…Thanks Michael. Young leaders take risks without the programmed fears!
Twitter: jonathanpearson
says:
passion. Passion for what they lead & the direction they're goin.
I love the passion of new leaders!
Humility, to often a leader forgets where they came from, why they are there; they become enamored of the attention leadership gets them. They become self important forgetting their responsibility to the one's they lead. A keen sense of humility helps keep one grounded. It keeps them open to learning. It reminds them of their solemn responsibility to the one's they lead.
That's true Michael. Good reminder.
Twitter: mrsmilton0304
says:
Great reply! Ego can knock us on our hind parts.