Leadership is an Art – 3
Here’s a final thought from Max DePree’s classic leadership book, “Leadership is an Art.”
“In addition to all of the ratios and goals and parameters and bottom lines, it is fundamental that leaders endorse a concept of persons. This begins with an understanding of the diversity of people’s gifts and talents and skills.
“Understanding and accepting diversity enables us to see that each of us is needed. It also enables us to begin to think about being abandoned to the strengths of others, of admitting that we cannot know or do everything.
“When we think about leaders and the variety of gifts people bring to corporations and institutions, we see that the art of leadership lies in polishing and liberating and enabling those gifts.”
One of our primary leadership functions is the development of those we lead. This development must be intentional, seeking to maximize a person’s contribution to the mission. This development must be individualized, with forethought given to opportunities and personal needs.
Are you developing those you are leading or just hoping that with the passing of time and more experience that they will be developed as better leaders? It has been said, “Experience is not the best teacher, but it is evaluated experience that truly develops leaders.” Give feedback to those you lead and they will be better leaders.
Developing Kingdom Leaders - Tom Yeakley 