In John Maxwell’s book, Leadership Gold, he states that leaders must first learn to be good followers. He quotes Bishop Fulton J. Sheen as saying, “Civilization is always in danger when those who have never learned to obey are given the right to command.” (page 14)
Maxwell goes on to say, “Only a leader who has followed well knows how to lead others well. Good leadership requires an understanding of the world that followers live in.” It would be advantageous for all of us to be aware of what those we lead are experiencing. Just a couple of years ago, I was a pastor. Now, as a district superintendent, I must never be so focused on being and doing the administration of my office, that I lose touch with what is happening in the pastorate, right now. There must be a connection between us and our followers. Try this; imagine that you are a layman in your church right now. What would you think of your leadership, vision, passion, and so on? Would you be happy with yourself, challenged by yourself, if you were a layman in your church? Does that make sense? I ask myself the same question. If I was a pastor on my district, what would I be thinking about the direction we are going? This helps me keep perspective on what I am doing and how I am doing it.
Be honest with yourself, and make good positive adjustments in your leadership. Be a good follower! It will help make you a great leader.
Pastor Mike
