How Best Leaders Lead

The age old question asks:  are leaders born or made.  The answer is simple, "Yes."  Leaders are born and leaders are made.   That's why even if you don't feel like a natural leader, you can grow in leadership skill and confidence.

Recently, I came across a masterclass on leadership that I found helpful and shared it with Team Parkway.  The masterclass was created by Craig Groeschel is the senior pastor of Life Church, one of the largest and most innovative churches in the United States.  Craig is one of the most aggressive, gifted leaders that I have ever witnessed.  I know people on his senior leadership team and from top to bottom, their team thinks and lives differently and the masterclass helps us understand why and how.

Let me give you the snapshot.  Here's how the best leaders think differently.

1. They don't control, they empower. The best leaders don't try to micromanage their team. Instead, they empower their team members to make decisions and take ownership of their work.
2. They don't spend, they invest. The best leaders don't just think about the present. They invest in the future by developing their team members and building a strong culture.
3. They don't think problems, they think possibilities. The best leaders don't dwell on problems. Instead, they focus on finding solutions and creating new opportunities.
4. They don't motivate, they inspire. The best leaders don't just tell their team members what to do. They inspire them by casting a vision and creating a sense of purpose.
5. They don't focus on themselves, they focus on others. The best leaders aren't self-centered. They are focused on serving others and helping them to reach their full potential.

Groeschel argues that anyone can learn to think like a great leader. He provides practical tips and exercises that readers can use to develop their leadership skills.  Check out these masterclass videos and personal processing guides to discover how you can think differently.