When I was growing up, one of our annual family gatherings was during the early Spring. We would all arrive at our family farm dressed in long sleeves and sturdy shoes. Each person had some sort of bag hanging from their pocket or fastened to their belt. We would spread out at the entrance of forest and walk in a line about 8-10 feet from each other. Slowly and carefully we would take each step until someone yelled “FOUND ONE!” Once someone found one, we would all merge together to see exactly what it looked like. We were seasoned experts but we couldn’t resist taking a look to know exactly what we were looking for. What my family was in search of was the mysterious morel mushroom. This was an eagerly sought-out delicacy that our family and others enjoyed.
Here is what it looked like:
When it comes to identifying people who can become leaders in your organization, knowing what to look for is key.
How do you identify potential leaders?
You may have a process or a system in place that allows for people to volunteer. For example, you may make announcements about opportunities to serve, but how do you know if someone is ready – and a good fit – to become a leader?
In other words, do you know what to look for in people to identify their leadership potential? Do you have a list of ‘leadership musts’ you follow?
Take one minute right now, grab a piece of scrap paper or a napkin and make a list of the top 3-5 characteristics you look for in potential leaders:
1. ____________________________________________
2. ____________________________________________
3. ____________________________________________
4. ____________________________________________
5. ____________________________________________
How does your list look? Do you think other leaders in your organization have a similar list? How would you and your organization benefit from having common list of things to look for in potential leaders?
When looking for people to become leaders in your organization, it all starts with what you are looking for. When you look at your list, how many of the qualifiers are about you (your availability, your leadership skillset, your personality and values)?
How many of the items on the list are about the potential leader (their emotions, their spiritual well-being, their availability)?
Considering these factors will help to determine the success of both you as the leader and that of the potential leader as they learn and grow.
Some people are born leaders and some are refined as leaders through patience, life-experience, coaching, and God’s provision. Think about how you became a leader. Who identified you as a potential leader? Who gave you permission? Who cast the vision? It took someone recognizing something in you to get you where you are today.
Know your Leadership Musts. Know that they lead to identifying potential leaders.
Because knowing what to look for in a potential leader is key for you and for them.
So, what are you looking for in a potential leader? What are your Must Haves? Comment below to let me know your thoughts .
In working with hundreds of churches, leaders and organizations we have refined a list of recommended Leadership Must Haves. I encourage you to learn what they are and join the conversation as an Intentional Institute Professional Member. Take a look at this free sample, here.
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