6 LESSONS IN LEADERSHIP

The Advantages of Teamwork
Many of us are called into leadership positions, but do we really know what being a LEADER means? The definition of a leader is:

1. One that leads or conducts; a guide; a conductor. 2. A chief; a commander; a captain.
3. One who goes first.

Firstly, you CANNOT be a leader if you have no one to lead. By the world's standards, when we think of a leader we think of one who leads a group of people or one who has governing authority over a group in that he/she can issue instructions or commands and make rules or set policies that the group must follow. Should the Church use the same standards as the world? Of course not! We must get into the word of God and find out what He says about a matter and follow the many examples that he gives us. Several leadership lessons can be learned from the many leaders mentioned, both good and bad, all throughout the Bible. Let's take a look at a few of the leadership lessons Jesus gives us beginning in Matthew chapter 4 when he first began his ministry and began choosing his disciples.

The first thing he did was to instruct them to follow him. To follow means to go after or behind; to walk, ride or move behind, but in the same direction. LEADERSHIP LESSON -- Leading with power and authority will attract those to you who are willing to walk behind you for a season, will be going in the same direction as you are, and will also share the same vision, goals, and beliefs. As disciples, they were learners of his doctrines, and as their leader, Jesus discipled them, or taught, trained, or brought them up to be who he called them to be. After a time of teaching and training by word and example (preparation), in chapter 10, Jesus promoted them to operate in leadership, by giving them the power and authority to do what they were called to do. LEADERSHIP LESSON -- Leaders should be able to teach, train, and prepare those whom God has called into ministry, and not be afraid to give them the authority to walk in their calling. This allows the work to continue, expands the ministry, and frees the leader up to move into the next phase of his/her ministry.

God not only teaches us about leadership through his Word, but also through his creations. There are some great leadership lessons to be learned from birds. Have you ever wondered why flocks of birds fly in a V formation? A study showed that birds flying in a V format had lower heart rates than birds flying alone and the V shaped formation reduces the air resistance that each bird experiences when in flight in comparison to a bird flying solo. Each bird creates a current with his wings that the bird behind him can "catch" so that he does not have to flap his wings as hard. This allows them to achieve a greater distance of about 71% when flying in groups than each flying solo using the same amount of energy. LEADERSHIP LESSON -- A good leader understands that much more can be accomplished by working as part of a team than can be accomplished by working alone. When a ministry team has a common goal and each member understands and operates in his/her position within the group, they make things easier for one another and they can get where they are going quicker and easier.

In the V formation, the bird in the lead position will experience a greater air resistance and will have to work harder than the others. However, when it is tired it falls out of position and goes behind into one of the V position lines, and another bird from behind will then quickly move forward into the leading position thus, maintaining the V formation. This cycle continues as they travel to their destination. Each bird gets the opportunity and responsibility to be in the lead position as well as enjoy the easier flight of the middle position. This means all birds benefit individually while working harmoniously as a team. Working as a team means less work for each bird. LEADERSHIP LESSON -- When a team shares leadership it is beneficial to the team as a whole as well as each individual member. Shared leadership allows each member of the team to share in the pressures of leadership so that the weight is not on one person, it allows each member to gain leadership experience, and teaches them to be watchers of one another so that in times of weariness and distress, they can quickly step in to take the load while other rests.

During the flight, if one bird should become sick or has been injured by some means, then that bird will fall out of formation. When this happens, two other birds will fall out with the wounded bird to help and offer protection and will remain with him until that bird recovers or dies before rejoining the others. LEADERSHIP LESSON -- Neither the leader nor the work will have to be stopped or slowed down if each member of the team is watching out for one another and WILLING to come to each other's aid. If each team member has prayer and/or accountability partners that they are able call upon in times of weakness, illness, and trials and testing, they won't have to suffer alone, and they can receive the help, comfort, and protection they need without negatively affecting the entire group.

The birds behind the leader honk, sing, chirp, quack, etc. from behind to encourage the bird in lead position to keep their speed. LEADERSHIP LESSON -- If a leader is leading well with the right attitude and spirit, his team will support and encourage him all along the way. Team members should speak words that will encourage leaders to keep pressing forward in spite of what may be coming against them. Their words let him/her know that the team is behind them all the way. We need to be careful what we say when we are saying things from behind. If we are not being supportive and encouraging, we are just making a bunch of noise that will distract the leader and eventually cause him/her to lead the team astray.

Some leaders believe that the team is only as good as it's leader, but a great leader knows that he/she is only as good as their team. Applying these six simple lessons to your team will result in progress, growth, accompishment, and the unity of your team.

Blessings,

Rudelle Thomas-Stewart

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