LEADERSHIP IS COMMUNICATING DIRECTION and INSPIRING ACTION BY BEING A SERVANT. THE GREATEST LEADERS HAVE NOT BEEN THOSE WHO CHOSE TO BE LEADERS, they have been those who were forced into it by accepting responsibility. 

THREE QUALITIES ARE REQUIRED to be a great leader:  

1.    LEARNING SPIRIT: Those who are puffed up with themselves will become blinded by pride.

2.    SERVANT'S HEART: Great leaders have been those who sacrifice their own rights, resources, and reputation for the benefit of those under their authority.

3.    SELF-DISCIPLINE: One who is self-indulgent, who lacks the courage to live a life based on principles and priorities, or who is simply lazy; will never be a great leader. 

HAVING THESE QUALITIES, LEADERSHIP INVOLVES THREE STAGES:

1.    SEEK and DEFINE A VISION: Seek and define your understanding of the purpose and meaning for your business (your life and family too). What is your calling? Where are you now? Who is under your authority (whom are you to lead)? What are your responsibilities? What should YOU be doing and what should THEY be doing?  What is the PURPOSE for your business? How can that purpose be defined in a concise way - such as a diagram or outline. This "vision" should inspire excitement and a sense of purpose and meaning that is GREATER THAN YOURSELF. The vision should not be defined in terms of goals or objectives, but rather in terms of priorities. Seek and define the vision and then review, and continue to refine your vision as you proceed and see more clearly.

2.    COMMUNICATE YOUR VISION TO THOSE UNDER YOUR AUTHORITY: This BEGINS WITH YOUR EXAMPLE! Those under your authority will follow what you DO (good or bad) much more than what you SAY. They will listen to what you say IF what you say builds on what you are doing. So, EXPLAIN WHAT you are doing, WHY you are doing it, and HOW they can be part of it. Show before you tell. Then tell, in terms of the opportunity they have to be part of it (the vision). Then, help them discover what their part is. And help them get as excited as you are (back to being an example).

3.    GUIDE THOSE UNDER YOUR AUTHORITY: A guide GOES AHEAD, but not so far ahead that he leaves everyone behind. Providing guidance begins with PAYING ATTENTION to those you are guiding. It means BEING AWARE of whether or not they are on the right path. Then, depending upon how they are doing, it means ENCOURAGING them when they are faithful. And it means CORRECTING them when they are unfaithful. Above all, guiding involves PATIENCE. People are not going to follow you if you are impatient, pushy, or leaving them behind while you charge ahead. This kind of patience requires special grace from God, it can’t be done in your own strength.

The single most important thing you can do to as a leader is to SET ASIDE SOME TIME to COMMUNICATE and GUIDE. Don’t wait until you’ve got it all together (you never will). Set a regular time (at least once a month) to sit down – perhaps over breakfast or lunch and share your vision, ask for accountability, and provide encouragement and correction. All of this can be done in small ways on the job – but it needs to be done in a concentrated way on a regular basis. Having set aside the time to meet will then motivate you to seek and clarify your vision.