Our world is in desperate need of leaders. As one generation of leaders, great heroes, pass
off the scene we see a leadership void approaching. Are there sufficient
leaders, to fill it? When we scan the horizon, we see fewer people
willing to step up and step out with the courage and conviction to lead. Why? Because leading is hard. It comes at a cost. At L.E.A.D., our passion is to educate and
disciple aspiring leaders. We want to
inspire others to see leadership as a worthwhile calling, then to equip them
with the tools to make a difference in their, and our, world.
Leadership matters. In fact, leaders make a world of
difference. They restore hope and faith
in others who in return are released to do all that they have been called
to. When someone does all that they’ve
been called to, they are leading; faith and hope is then restored in others and
the impact grows.
But here’s the crucial concept. Not everyone is a leader. Nearly everyone has roles of responsibility
and influence but this does not mean that they are leaders or lead. We define leadership a
bit more narrowly than most, this is intentional.
We have seven foundational principles for leadership. In our definition, we are all on a continuum
for each principle. Leaders are those
that rate highly in each area.
1.
Leadership is discipleship. To lead, we must first be able to be led; we
must be lifelong learners. We must put into practice that which we have learned
and then, teach others through our actions and our love.
2.
Leadership starts with character. It requires that we have and exemplify deeply held beliefs
and values; foundational morals and principles that guide us. From these, we must have a vision for what a
better tomorrow looks like and the conviction and courage that we can and must achieve it.
3.
Leadership is humility. It requires a compelling modesty focused on
the mission and not on self or ego.
4.
Leadership is costly. Put simply, leaders sacrifice for others.
5.
Leadership is love. It is others focused. It seeks to build up, not use or tear down,
others.
6.
Leaders take responsibility. They don’t pass the buck or blame. They step up and own issues.
7.
Leadership is spiritual. Our decisions and actions and decisions have
a deep impact on the emotional, psychological, and spiritual well-being of
those around us. Leaders are acutely aware
of, and seek to nurture and develop those around them.
At L.E.A.D., we focus on both
education and discipleship. We want to
develop strong leaders that impact their, and our, world. To do so, simply filling them full of the
latest academic studies, seminars and books is insufficient. It’s important, but only one part of the
process. They also need coaching, love,
and real opportunities to succeed and fail.
This level of development can only come through a hands-on personal
approach. They need to be students of
leaders, their lives, and their love and attention. They need real opportunities to succeed and fail; and when they do fail, encouragement to get up, learn, and try again.
Finally, we don’t see leadership
as an isolated function or role. We need
strong leaders in our families, our churches, our organizations and our government. As life-long learners ourselves, we will seek
to share the highlights of our studies and experiences. To educate through case studies of current
and past leaders, both good and bad. We
don’t intend to push our own re-packaged form of leadership, rather to simply,
and freely, share that which we are learning.
We want to come alongside you as you learn and be an encourager on the
way. Why? Because leadership matters. In fact, it makes a world of difference.
