~Five Absolutes of Leadership - by Jack Cunningham

by Jack Cunningham

Recently I read an article by John Maxwell in which he listed the following absolutes of leadership. I thought this was worth repeating here. Think about it.

     1.  I cannot lead people beyond their

          level of trust.

     2.  I cannot lead people longer than

          they are willing to follow.

     3.  I cannot lead people further than

          they are willing to go.

     4.  I cannot lead people faster than they are willing to change.

     5.  I cannot lead people higher than they want to climb.

President Dwight D. Eisenhower said, "In order to be a leader a man must have followers. And to have followers, a man must have their confidence. Hence, the supreme quality for a leader is unquestionable integrity. Without integrity, no real success is possible."

Billy Cole said, "The most effective church builders in North America are those who have taken the time to learn what makes North American's tick." An effective leaders has a world-view, or an understanding of the world, and yet is not personally worldly.

I think it is safe to conclude - if we are to be effective leaders we must understand the people we are leading.

(Jack Cunningham is the Director of Global Impact for the United Pentecostal Church International. He also serves as the District Superintendent of the Virginia District and is pastor of Bible World Church in Chesapeake, Virginia.)