Leadership is with, for, and about people. One of the most important things for a leader to learn is how to deal with people.
I am amazed at the vast veriety of people in our world. From different cultures, races, creeds, geographical locations, and a whole host of other orientations, the range of people out there is extremely diverse. This variety is amazing. It also poses challenges for any would-be leader who has to learn to engage with people with such differing outlooks, perspectives, beliefs, attitudes, and world-views.
Leaders not only have to get along with people, but they have to get along side people. They have to find a way to connect, to find common ground, to find something they can share, and ultimately to find a way to influence that person.
I am shocked when leaders complain about the people they lead, or act disappointed when people don’t meet their expectations. Anyone could lead perfect people. But imperfect leaders are called to lead imperfect people. Leaders who expect their people to be perfect, or to be just like themselves, don’t understand the realities of life OR leadership.
Leaders lead groups of imperfect people who squabble with each other, get their feelings hurt, get offended, hold grudges, play mental games, pout, fight with each other, are spiteful, selfish, and do unfair things. All this should be expected. The quest isn’t for perfect people to lead, but for the leader to improve toward perfection so he or she can be more effective in leading people the way they actually are.
Don’t get me wrong. The goal is to help people improve, grow, and change. There is no excuse for misbehavior and the selfishness I’ve just described. But leaders must deal in the reality that with people comes challenges, and they must grow to be mature enough to endure it, thrive in that environment, and guide it all in a productive, vision-driven direction.
How do leaders do this seemingly impossible task?
Primarily by loving their people. By having an accurrate, realistic understanding of the fallen condition of humanity, and then being full of the love of Christ in dealing with those people, understanding that some of the same faults and shortcomings also reside within! This is done by having thick skin, being slow to anger, quick to forgive, and keeping one’s eye on the bigger picture. It’s also easier said than done.
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