Pitfalls For Leaders

Work hard and become a leader. - Proverbs 12:24 NLT

If you are a leader, try to avoid these pitfalls:

(1) Micromanaging vs. leading.

Managing people requires an eye for detail, whereas leading involves vision-sharing, goal-setting and motivating. And you must know the difference. When you micromanage rather than lead, morale plummets because people need clear objectives and the freedom to figure out how to reach them. Don't micromanage; it diminishes the sense of 'ownership' those under and around you need for good team dynamics and problem-solving. President Eisenhower once said: "Pull the string and it'll follow you wherever you wish. Push it, and it'll go nowhere."

(2) Confusing individual loyalty with team building.

It's good to work closely with key individuals, but it's also important for people to stay 'connected to each other' (See Rom 12:5). Make sure everybody gets to be on the team, feels valued and learns how to interact with one another.

(3) Being afraid to try things.

Stretching people into new areas means they'll make mistakes. While locking them into the same routine may keep them (and you) safe, it takes the motivational wind out of their sails. Being a leader means risking other people's failures and biting your lip as you let them 'toddle' out into the unknown. Like a parent who prays harder when their teen takes the family car out for their first drive, you must accept that some challenges which frighten you are liberating to others. Solomon said, "Work hard and become a leader" (Pr 12:24 NLT). That raises a question. If you are leading others, who is leading you?

The best way to lead, is to follow God and obey His Word!

Note: The article is taken from The Word for Today", by Rhema Broadcasting Group in association with The Vine - www.thevine.co.nz.