Jesus talked in Luke about the importance of choosing who leads you: “…the student who is fully trained will become like the teacher.” That means you will become a mini version of whoever you let lead you.
Choosing a leader is important. This is true for a boss, a pastor, or anyone you plan on joining ranks with as they lead the charge. So these are five things I think you need to see in your leader – things that will lead you to becoming the best mini version of them that you can be.
1. Quick to Apologize
Leaders will make mistakes, because leaders are people and there are no perfect people. So you can’t focus on finding the perfect leader; instead look for someone willing to quickly own their mistakes, apologize for them, and move forward. This shows a humility that’s vital for a good leader.
2. Actively Teachable
Leaders shouldn’t be wishy washy. They don’t have the liberty of listening to every bit of criticism. But that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be teachable. Look for a leader who seeks out mentors and is constantly reading material from a variety of leaders. Your “education” as a follower will only go as far as their ability to learn. So make sure they’re learning.
3. Visionary
If your leader frequently makes democratic decisions, they aren’t so much of a leader as a thermometer. Majority rule doesn’t work for leadership. Instead, look for someone who has a burden for something important and is charging fast ahead on that path.
4. Gentle
At the same time, you shouldn’t see a wake of dead bodies behind your leader as they seek the vision God has given them. If you see tons of hurt and wounded people behind your leader, there’s a good chance you’ll join that casualty count at some point.
Now, it’s impossible for a leader to avoid hurting everyone as they move forward. You’ll always find a few people behind the leader who are nursing their wounds. But if wounding people seems like a pattern in the leader’s life, be careful.
5. Acknowledgement of Imperfection
Finally, I’m convinced nearly any successful leader has to have a bit of narcissism in their personality. There will be character flaws in any leader. Be wary of any leader who pretends that isn’t in their life.
I’m not saying your leader needs to unapologetically embrace their narcissism. But they should be willing to capitalize on the benefits of those extreme personality traits, as well as work toward maturing the negative aspects of them.
Again, there’s no perfect leader. But if you become like the leader you follow, it’s important to choose your leaders carefully. And when you find that leader, join full-force with them and move forward. It’s one of the greatest things in the world to jump on the team of a leader who’s going places.
