Leadership comes in all kinds of shapes and packages. Based on life experiences, personality bents, and training, we lead according to how we have been shaped as a person. Leadership is not based on position – you and I have seen many with a position who provided little if any leadership. Leadership is about inspiring people to follow you. Based on that statement, there are three types of leadership.
- “I’m the boss” type leader – You may be the type of leader that is very driven. You set goals and reach them. You strive to accomplish much. And questions by those under your authority are not welcomed nor asked for. You get a great deal done, but those working for you feel like cogs in a wheel and unappreciated.
- “Go with the flow” type leader – You are a people-oriented person. You want to make them feel valued and important. Confrontation is not an active part of your vocabulary. You nudge for things to happen, but don’t fight for them. You want people to want you as a leader. You take a while to get everything done because you don’t want to push anybody.
- “I’m Still Trying to Figure it out” type leader – You are the type of leader that is in the formation process. You know that you have to lead, but don’t want to fall into the previous two categories. You are developing the “in-charge” element without being bossy, and the “listening” element so that people on your team feel valued.
When I think of a leader, here is what I look for – a person that knows where they are going, and is taking steps to get there. I look for someone with a team mentality, that they alone cannot accomplish their goals, but are willing to surround themselves with capable people and allow them latitude to move. I look for someone with integrity, one that says what they mean and mean what they say. I look for someone to be straight up with me, not cagey and elusive. And when I examine all of these things that I look for, I sit back and say to myself – you be that person, and with God’s help, I will!
