FEBRUARY 3 • TRUE LEADERSHIP
Leadership – At The Beginning
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind…
Romans 12:2a (a refers to the first half of a verse, and b the second half)
Now we begin the deeper journey into leadership. However, don’t discount the past month. Leadership requires us to build on what we learn and accomplish — not move on from it. We must apply the principles from the past and add to them new principles. Intentionality is crucial every day. Character is mandatory for being a good leader… and person. You cannot skip leadership lessons or levels — you have to build on them and practice them all or you will remain at your current level. That in itself is the great lesson — e.g., you cannot skip to Level 3 without being accomplished at Level 2 (etc.). If you don’t get permission from your people to lead them (Level 2), it doesn’t matter how productive (Level 3) you are. You won’t accomplish as much. You have to succeed at the current level before you move on — or at least before you get much effectiveness at the next level. Don’t discount this. Many Level 1 Positional Leaders have failed by skipping Level 2 Permission Leadership only to wonder why they are still stuck in Level 1.
So what is a Level 1 Positional Leader? Simple — someone gives you the position, “Royce, I want you to lead marketing.” “Tony, welcome aboard as the new pastor.” “Leah, you’re now in charge of the IT department.” It’s the only position you will be given — the rest, you have to earn. At Level 1 people will only follow you because of your title — you are now their boss because someone higher in the organization has given you a leadership position. You are working on their leadership accomplishments and their influence. In order to grow and do your best, you must start building Level 2: Permission. And Influence. Now you have to work on proving yourself at Level 1 at the same time. How?
At Level 1 you have to learn everything about the department and what it takes to make it successful. You have little influence and people are only following because they have to. You have their “hands but not their heart.” Tomorrow we will talk about what you need to do in Level 1 and how to transition out of Level 1 into Level 2. The good news? It gets easier!
Pray: Lord, help me to do well leading my team and open my eyes how to properly lead and love others.
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