LEARNING TO LEAD (2)

I have great confidence in you.

2 Corinthians 7:4 NIV 

When people feel 'used' they begin to drop out, but when they feel appreciated, ,they'll follow you anywhere. Paul, one of the finest leaders of all time, told the Corinthian believers, 'I have great confidence in you; I take great pride in you. l am greatly encouraged...my joy knows no bounds (vv3-4). He was their biggest cheerleader. He didn't just correct, he comforted. He didn't just sharpen, he strengthened - all hallmarks of great leadership. Good leaders:

(1) Are omniscient. They set an example by walking the walk, so everyone knows that what's heard at the bottom is practiced at the top.

(2) They voice their appreciation, relising that people need to know, they are important part of the team and the vision.  

(3) Always listen to suggestion, opinions, concerns and ideas. They don't prejudice, and they are not dismissive. Author Betty Bender said, 'It's a mistake to surround yourself only with people just like you. Throw off that warm comforter and replace it with a crazy quilt of different and imaginative people. Then watch the ideas erupt. 

(4) Don't see people as statistics. Businesswoman Mary Kay Ash said,' P&L doesn't mean 'profit and loss', - it means 'people and love.' 

(5) Explain why they like things done in a specific way. It lessens mistakes and resentment that can stem from feeling 'ordered around.' Salesman Clarence Francis said, ' 'You can buy a man's time and physical presence at certain places...But you can't buy enthusiasm, initiative, loyalty and devotion of hearts, minds and souls. YOU HAVE TO EARN THESE THINGS.'