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In Christianity, we find the story of Moses ascending to the mount and returning with the Ten Commandments carved in stone. The children of Israel were to follow these commandments in order to be successful. I have found through study that if you are going to become an effective, successful leader, there are ten commandments you must carve into the tables of your heart.
1.
Treat everyone with respect and dignity. If
you expect respect, you must display respect.
No successful leader demands respect – they earn it. The way a leader treats his people reflects
on his character. If he does not
respect them, he won’t have them for long and a leader without people is not a
leader.
2.
You must set the example for others to follow. Don’t expect your people to be on time if you are
always running 30 minutes late. Leading
by example is an important part of leadership.
Don’t tell them how – show them how.
If you want hardworking people, be a hard worker.
3.
Become an active coach. Don’t be known
only as the man on the sideline yelling at your players. An active leader is involved somewhat with
his people. He is not only known as the
man who gives orders, but also is known as the man who can give a hand when
needed.
4.
Be an honest leader. Honesty still is the best
policy. If a leader is dishonest, his people
will find out and then he will lose their trust. Dishonesty is not worth the price you must pay. Be honest in all your activities and in the
long run, it will pay off.
5.
Insisting on excellence. Don’t settle for second
best. Don’t accept half complete job
assignments – hold your people accountable.
If something doesn’t get done to the best of their ability, let them
know you appreciate their efforts, however, they can and will do better.
6.
The leader must build group cohesiveness and pride. Team spirit is a must. It is amazing how things can be accomplished if a group will join
together. Make each person feel just as
important to the success of the project as anyone else.
7.
Show confidence in your people.
If
they know you believe in them, then they will believe in themselves, thereby
producing greater results. If you have
no confidence in your people, they will lose confidence in you and you will
eventually lose them. Believe in them
and they will believe in you.
8.
Maintain a strong sense of urgency.
Know
the importance of having the job done when it is due. Put the pressure on. The
pressure will force concentrated efforts on their part, producing good work.
9.
Be available to your people. If they need to talk, you
need to be there for them. You need to
be visible so they know you do more than just sit there, doing nothing, and
taking all the credit.
10.
Develop yourself. It si very important that
you (the leader) never become status quo.
The average man will be the one that works in the factory, not the one
who owns the factory. Don’t ever quit;
continue on to great success. Always
try to be a little bit better. Being a leader
isn’t an easy journey, but it is well worth it.
Some of the things you can do in your own congregation to rectify any lack of loyalty are:
1.
Teach the difference between faithfulness and loyalty.
2.
Remind your people that, according to their new nature, they already
want to be loyal. Unless they are
outright rebels, disloyal acts come out of ignorance and/or weakness of the
flesh.
3.
Let them know, in light of their sharpened understanding, you are
expecting them to be loyal. They will
be what you expect them to be.
4.
Be careful about whom you appoint to places of responsibility. Look for loyalty, not just faithfulness.
5.
As a leader, practice those qualities of leadership that will help
people become more loyal to you.
Remember, you are representing Jesus to your people. We are faithful to Jesus because He is our
Master and Lord. We are loyal to Him
because He is our Brother and Friend.