source: LifeWay
But how do you rate yourself? Can you determine whether you are a good leader? Most good leaders have or develop the ability to evaluate themselves and reflect in what is happening in and through the people around them. Many times that still small voice that whispers in our ears lets us know whether we are good leaders or merely filling positions. Rate yourself in each of the following areas. Rate from 1 as low to 4 as high.
1 2 3 4 1. When situations change or something is not going as planned, I am flexible enough to make changes.
Flexibility is an essential of leadership. Good leaders recognize when plans - even good ones - are not working. If something needs to be changed, good leaders make the change. Even when conflict arises in the group, good leaders can resolve conflict in win-win ways.
1 2 3 4 2. When opportunities present themselves, I can identify them and recognize ways to take advantage of them.
The information age presents us with new challenges regarding information. When opportunities present themselves, leaders not only recognize them but also know how to respond. When new information comes to light, you consider the information and determine how this information influences your situation and decisions. Then you respond and make necessary changes.
1 2 3 4 3. When information seems confusing or contradictory, you can sort through the confusion to find effective, sound solutions.
Good leaders can see through the mass of information and material to identify solutions and options that will please everyone - or at least most of the people most of the time.
1 2 3 4 4. When problems need solutions, I can see the whole as well as the parts and help identify ways to solve the problems.
Good leaders not only identify when a problem starts to grow, they also act promptly and decisively, and also can deal with issues and solutions. They know how to differentiate problems from people and solutions from taking sides.
1 2 3 4 5. When too many alternatives are presented, I can see the pros and cons of each alternative and help come to good solutions.
Everyone has an opinion. Someone has said that if you got two Baptists in a room, you are likely to have three different opinions on anything they discuss. Good leaders know how to make everyone feel good about the solutions. Sometimes there is no way to avoid someone not having their idea or options chosen, but good leaders help people feel that they were not rejected even though their ideas were.
1 2 3 4 6. When new alternatives are presented, I can sort through what needs to be added from the new and what needs to be retained from the old.
Sometimes our situations require changing the old with something that is new. Change itself is neither bad nor good. How we approach change and whether something actually needs complete or partial change can be what encourages everyone involved or splits a class or even a church. Good leaders can identify elements of the past that can support, affirm, or even enhance what is new.
1 2 3 4 7. When new ideas are needed, I can generate new ideas or adapt ideas presented by others.
Good leaders don't always have to be the right person; they just have to see what actions need to be taken and how they must act when action is required. Good leaders listen for good ideas, occasionally taking two or three good ideas and combining them for outstanding solutions. Good leaders also affirm others for their ideas and always give credit where credit is due.
How did you score? If you scored less than 14, you need to seek help from someone who can guide and mentor you to become more people-centered and creative. If you scored more than 18 you are among the better leaders. If you scored more than 23, you should be looking for someone who scored less than 14 and offer to help them discover how to become a more effective leader.
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