Friday, May 20, 2011

Winning The Confidence Of Those You Lead

The lowest form of leadership is positional leadership. Just because you have been placed in charge of a
a ministry doesn’t make others automatically follow you. If you want others to follow you, you must win or earn their confidence. Volunteers won’t follow you just because you have a title they must feel that you are worth following because you are good for the organization.

Here my top ten list to win the confidence of the volunteers you lead. #1 Believe in yourself. No one wants to follow an insecure leader. At the same time you can put too much confidence in yourself. I know lots of Children’s Ministry leaders “I’d like to buy them for what they are worth & sell them for what they think their worth.” The key here is to be confident that Jesus has called you to be a leader. #2 Be upbeat and not discouraged or overwhelmed. Here’s some advice I’ve learned the hard way. Things are never as bad as you think, & you are not as wonderful as you think you are either. Be passionate and enthusiastic. Remember Nehemiah 8:10… the joy of the Lord is your strength.” If the task is too big for you, don’t let anyone know that, no one wants to rally around a defeated leader. #3 Carry yourself like a winner. Always look your best and dress for success. Know how to clean up well when you need to and don’t be silly. #4 identify your present leadership level. How would rate yourself as a leader? How would your volunteers rate your leadership? If you are a five, sevens and eights can’t look up to you. You must grow as a leader. Ask yourself these four simple questions and your on your way to your next level. What level are you now? Where do you want to be? What do you need to do? What steps can you take to begin? #5 Become a student of leadership and keep growing in your abilities. Always be reading. Listen to leadership teaching and mentors. Discuss what you are reading & learning with others leaders. Ask questions from people your recognize as an excellent leader. #6 Be an example of Godly Character 1Tim. 4:12 tells us “Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. Being an example will cause you to be someone worth following regardless of your age or experience. #7 Earn the confidence of the level of leadership above you. If those above you believe in you it will speak volumes to the volunteer. #8 Set the example of hard work. People who work hard always get my attention and respect! #10 Bear fruit. The more good changes and right decisions you make will cause everyone to see the benefits of your leadership. No one can argue with fruit and accomplishments.

5 comments:

  1. I love your posts. I enjoyed hearing you speak at the Orange Conference....thanks for sharing all your wisdom.
    Hey, where is #9???

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  2. here it is...
    #9 Have your family in order
    1 Timothy 3:5 If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God's church?

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  3. I'm a recent college grad not majoring in ministry and I am entering kidsmin at my home church as a staff member rather than a summer intern (where've i've been before). My boss and children's pastor passed along this blog as some good preparatory reading and so far, he has been spot on. I enjoy and am learning a lot from this blog and this post especially because I will be entering a leadership position, managing volunteers that are older and more experienced than me. Thanks!

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