Every leader has different skills that make that leader unique. However, at the core of every leader — a coach, a parent, a boss and a project manager — are necessary foundational skills needed to thrive.
#1: A leader is relationship-driven.
I fully recognize that not everyone gets refueled by relationships. As a closet introvert myself, I love my alone time. That’s when I truly get refueled.
However, every leader has to have a foundation of relationships in order to succeed. You can’t live on e-mail, or sit in an office, or only text your kids. We all have to learn to develop and build great relationships with those we lead and those we influence.
God created us in His image, Genesis 1:27 tells us. As a triune God — three in one — He is a God of relationship by definition. I firmly believe that’s a huge part of how we’re made in His image — as relational creatures. As the old adage says so well, “Relationships matter.”
#2: A leader is results-driven.
Just like introverts and extroverts, not everyone is driven by results. However, leaders have to work toward and move toward results. They can be results that aren’t always based on numbers or quotas. For example, a coach that develops his players, but doesn’t have a winning record, is still moving toward results. However, if a coach doesn’t win and the players don’t get any better, he’s not much of a leader or coach. Parents have to help their kids grow up and achieve results in the game of life. And, of course, businesses need results to stay in business.
#3: A leader is prayer-driven.
I feel like I bring this up in a lot of blogs, but it’s because I believe in it so much. The Bible verses expressing the importance and value of prayer are simply too numerous to not proclaim again and again.
Here are two verses to contemplate: You have not because you ask not (James 4:2). Call on me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know (Jeremiah 33:3).
#4: A leader is innovation-driven.
The last seven words of a dying organization are, “We’ve always done it that way before.” Leaders are continually dreaming of doing what they do better. You can’t parent the same way for preschoolers and high-school students. You can’t lead a person or a team the same way for 10 years. You can’t run a business without some element of new, improved and improving coming along every now and again. Leaders need to develop the skill of being innovation-driven to be successful in the long haul.
#5: A leader is problem-solving-driven.
One of the most important skills a leader needs to have is the ability to solve problems. Death, taxes and problems are the only sure things in life. Life just isn’t easy, is it? Leaders recognize this and aren’t frightened off by problems; they are energized to figure out a solution. Leaders don’t add gasoline to the problems — they add water and a solution.
What additional skills would you add? Let us know!
Eric Rojas loves his role as the executive pastor of Christ Community Church in St. Charles, IL, where he oversees a staff of 120 and serves alongside Senior Pastor Jim Nicodem. He has been on staff at CCC since 2000. During his 20+ years of ministry, Rojas has served in churches as a youth pastor, adult ministries pastor, small groups pastor, associate pastor, worship pastor and men’s pastor. He is a contributing author for Group Publishing’s Men’s Ministry in the 21st Century and has written for various magazines and websites. Rojas also serves the church-at-large through consulting and seminar presenting. He has been married to his wife, Rachel, for 22 years. They have 3 children — Luke, 21; Adam, 19; and Chloe, 17. A man of faith, Rojas believes that next year is the year the Cubs will finally win the World Series.
