Just because you have a leadership position doesn’t mean you are leading.
That’s a sobering thought.
All of us who carry the responsibility to lead must be honest about the question, “Am I actually leading?”
It’s surprisingly easy to work hard, be super busy, even feel exhausted but not actually be leading… and not realize it.
Here’s 12 quick tests to know you are leading:
You don’t do all of these every day, but they are all part of your leadership life.
If you are leading . . .
- You are out in front, and you know where you are going.
- People are following you.
- Not everyone likes you.
- You are bringing change.
- You are experiencing resistance.
- You are making decisions.
- You are making mistakes.
- You are solving problems.
- You are making progress.
- You are taking risks.
- You always need more resources.
- You are not afraid to measure results.
To which ones would you say: “yup that’s me”?
What if you can’t say yes to many of these?
If you are leading but have someone on your team who isn’t, how do you coach them? (See the 5 points in the second part of this post.)
The truth is that not every leader gets up every day and continues to lead. I’ve watched this for decades now. Sometimes, and surprisingly often, a leader stops leading. It’s not usually an abrupt thing and rarely a conscious decision, but slowly their leadership engine revs down to an idle.
Let’s make it more personal.
It’s possible for you to work hard, remain busy, even shepherd the people well, but without forward movement.
Bottom line:
Activity has replaced accomplishment, and programs have overtaken progress.
Top ten reasons leaders stop leading:
- The cumulative impact of complaints and criticism.
It’s easier to pull back than keep taking the hits. You need not respond to every complaint or criticism, but they all take a toll. - Attempting to do too much and doing it alone.
Doing rather than leading; and leading in isolation is truly unsustainable. Effective teamwork is essential. - Years of work resulting in a soul-level tired.
We all get tired but when it settles into the marrow of your soul, it’s tough to keep going. If you are “bone tired” it requires deep work, not a quick fix. - Fear of failure, hesitant to try.
Playing it safe can make it seem like failure is avoidable. All successful leaders experience failures. They learn from it and keep going. - Resistant to new ideas and unwilling to change.
It’s impossible to lead and make progress to an envisioned future without embracing and leading change. - Lost faith in your calling and God’s plan.
If you are unclear about God’s calling or His guiding presence, it’s very difficult to continue leading long term. - No longer growing personally.
None of us can lead farther than we have personally traveled. What are you reading, who is coaching you, and what leadership lid are you breaking through? - Personal struggles.
We all face difficulties from time to time but sustained personal struggles in your marriage (family), health or finances can deter you from leading. - Lack of a clear and compelling vision.
It’s difficult to move forward when the direction is unknown or has not been made clear. - The number one reason leaders stop leading is discouragement.
Discouragement is the cumulative result of any number of these nine reasons at the same time. When prolonged, it only takes a few to become discouraged.
You can overcome discouragement by affirming your calling, expressing gratitude for all that is good, having someone to talk to, and daily choosing joy even in the little things.
Being aware of the reasons on this list and identifying any that you may be experiencing is the first step to overcoming them before they overcome you.
The good news is that any leader can start leading again.
How to Get Going Again!
1) Tend to your soul.
A soul check for spiritual and emotional restoration is important. You may need rest, wise counsel or both, and consistent prayer is always part of a peaceful soul.
It may be as simple as a day alone with God to get you back on track. It may require a few good doses wisdom and encouragement from a friend. It might, however, require a deeper and longer investment with a professional walking alongside you to get your heart back where it needs to be. Don’t hesitate to make the investment.
2) Renew your ministry calling.
Don’t make any decision about God’s call in your life until you’re restored in spirit and have gained a healthy perspective in your thinking.
Reflect on God’s call:
- What did He say to you?
- Did that change?
- Do you believe there is more He’s called you to do?
- Do you sense that God is with you?
It’s unlikely that God changed His mind. It is highly likely that God still has meaningful ministry for you. Affirming His will in the matter of your ministry calling is essential.
- What does God want? What is His plan?
- What do you want? Does your plan align with God’s?
3) Know who’s with you and you can count on.
No leader is designed to travel though life carrying leadership responsibilities as a lone ranger. We all need several close insiders (your inner circle) that we can trust and partner with in ministry. These are gifted leaders who care about you and will tell you the truth.
If your church is small, start with one person, but pray and look for one or two more. The group doesn’t need to be large, in fact if it is, you may be gathering friends and buddies rather than leaders.
4) Get out in front with one thing.
In order to lead, you don’t have to be an innovative wizard full of revolutionary ideas. But you do need to be out in front of the pack in at least one progress-oriented endeavor in your church.
It might be launching a new ministry. It might be an overhaul of an existing ministry. It might be cultivating a healthier staff culture. It could be a new outreach endeavor in your community, etc.
The point is, what are you leading? What are you moving forward? What one vision-centered high priority, that if not for you, it wouldn’t happen.
5) Aim for small wins to start.
Too often we fail consider our efforts worthwhile unless they involve a grand and magnificent undertaking. Most real and substantial progress is made one step at a time, in everyday meaningful ministries.
Aim for a small win and gain many under your belt. The cumulative effect of small wins toward momentum is far better than a singular herculean effort. When you lay it all on the line with one gigantic “Hail Mary” pass without solid momentum behind you, that’s not a wise way to start leading again.
Where do you need your next strategically wise small win that would help your church gain momentum?
If you have stopped leading, or know someone who has, I pray this article is helpful to you.
