Leaders Attract Leaders

Leaders Attract Leaders

By: Dr Chuck Stecker

 In the past few years several pastors who are great friends of mine and are men I regard as exceptional developers of leaders have all shared a common thread regarding leadership development.

  

“Real leaders not only attract followers, but attract other leaders.”

            Far too many men try to tell others they are leaders and want to be given leadership positions and opportunities. One pastor shared that when a person tells him he is a leader and should be given leadership, the pastor smiles and asks him who he is leading now. Another pastor told me that he does not look for leaders as much as he looks for groups to see who they are following.

            Additionally, when I regard someone as a leader, I look at the other leaders who are attracted to that person. It is not complicated. Leaders attract leaders.

            Characteristics of a leader:

1.      Leaders look to other leaders as examples. This is not confined to personal relationships but also by following what is written about them as well as what is written by them. Several men, who I have never met, have mentored me and will continue to do so.

2.      Real leaders intentionally spend time with emerging leaders because we learn from them in the process. InterGenerational relationships are critical to all leaders.

3.      Listening is a learned skill for great leaders. Listening is harder as you move up the leadership ladder because everyone is expecting you to have great input to every situation.

4.      Leadership begins by following a leader and looking for opportunities to serve. When you serve a leader with integrity, others want to follow you.

            Finally, it is not necessary to tell anyone you are a leader. It will always be far more obvious than you imagine. If you are a leader, you will be around other leaders and you will be leading others - even if it is taking out the trash or lending a hand by opening a door or volunteering to do the most seemingly menial task.

Serve your way to leadership, others will follow, and you will attract other leaders.

A Thanks to the many pastors who are leading leaders; Gary, Jim, Terry, Andy, Chris, Joseph, Dyran, John, Craig, Joel, Tim, Phil, Toby, Ross, David & Dave, Mark, Kurt, Eric, Jerrel, Ken and many others.