Leading like I want to be Led

It's taken me a long time to learn how to lead.

When I was co-captain of our high school basketball team, I feigned sickness on the day of our biggest game... because I knew we'd lose. I never regained my team's trust. When I was a collegiate pastor, I asked the group to wear a certain color T-shirt for an event... and I showed up in a different color. Their let-down was palpable.

Slowly but surely, by the grace of God, I've learned how to be a better leader. Still getting there... but I can easily sniff-out abuses by the people who lead me. I'm trying to lead like I want to be led...

1. I'm going to call you, not talk behind your back.
2. For every request I make, I'm going to invest in you first.
3. I won't ask your opinion without truly considering your advice.
4. I'll give you a vision you can understand and get behind.
5. I'll honor you with personal contact, not have my secretary do it.

Like Moses, leaders may carry a staff, but they still have to walk with the people.

Comments

[jenn schreck]

ben...

i love how you want to be led. i want to be led that way too....

miss you guys... ...a LOT!!!!!!

[Jeff]

I really appreciated this post. I've linked on my own blog.

thanks

[Andrew Conard]

Ben - Thanks for the post. I appreciate both the expression of humility in seeking to lead as you want to be led and also the points of leadership.

[Ben Arment]

thanks much for the feedback...

[Darren]

WHAT A JERK!!! Haha... you KNOW I'm just kidding, B. I appreciate your humility, man... you're an awesome leader, and I learn alot from watching you.

Keep on keepin' on, baby! ;-)