A vision without strategic goals is like an F/A-18 Hornet strike fighter jet with no engine. It looks impressive but will never leave the ground. Every vision has logical goals to move a group one step closer to fulfilling the vision. A leader is one who humbly guides followers to develop, implement, and evaluate goals.
Here is a point in which some leaders stumble. Should we focus on the goals or the people? Goals are essential. People are essential. Yet, it is possible to become so consumed by the goals that the leader neglects the growth of the people. Christ-honoring leaders balance the task vs. people orientation and create a team that gets things done. The key characteristic to goal fulfillment and people development is the same- humility.
Pastor Gene Wilkes defines this humility in a banquet metaphor of the head table and the kitchen. “When given a position, we happily accept the status that goes with it and somehow we believe that we no longer need to go near the kitchen. People who follow Christ’s model of leadership would never be embarrassed to find themselves among the kitchen help.”
I love spending time with a man named Bob Bailey. He is a real example to me of a Christ-honoring leader who seeks to serve others. He brings encouragement and honesty to every person and situation. He leads with precise vision and willingly shares leadership with others. He and his wife, Diana, are working to fulfill the dream of opening a “House of Hope” in our community. “The purpose of House of Hope Piedmont is to share the love of Christ while reconciling teens and their parents and to get families back on the right track in life.” (You can visit their website at www.houseofhopepiedmont.org)
Bob reminds me of another great leader who worked “behind the scenes” to encourage and lead God’s people. In the New Testament, we read of a humble leader who followed Jesus. Barnabas was a man who became a “living sacrifice” in fulfillment of the vision to reach the world with the Gospel of Christ. He also knew that sharing the leadership would be critical to the mission. “So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people.” (Acts 11:25-26a)
The leader humbly guides the direction, focus, and accountability for those who are involved. A leader’s communication skills and the ability to pay attention to details become critical. Interest, enthusiasm, and productivity wane when goals are not met. The vision is now in jeopardy of becoming unrealized. Completion of strategic goals and objectives motivate and drive a team toward the fulfillment of the vision.
The question for this distinctive is simple: Are you willing to do what the group needs in order to fulfill the mission? People who are unwilling to “get their hands dirty” or “too good to wait tables” have no place in ministry leadership. Strategic goals are met when teams work together, doing whatever it takes to complete the task. When we work together on God’s team, we bring Him glory and He works through us to accomplish what could never be completed on our own.
A few days ago on this blog, I defined the kind of leadership that God honors. A leader is someone who can articulate a God-given vision for ministering to people. By being trustworthy, a leader encourages others to embrace the vision. Through inspiration, a leader empowers followers to use God-given spiritual gifts to fulfill the vision. Humility allows the leader to guide others through a strategic progression of goals. A genuine love for others causes a leader to replicate leadership through intentional mentoring relationships. These aspects of integrity and their corresponding actions are both the litmus test and the definition of leadership.
Read the previous posts:
Everyone Leads Others, Somewhere (Leadership Overview)
Can You See to Lead (Leadership Distinctive- Vision)
Trust Me… (Leadership Distinctive- Encouragement)
How to Get People to Follow You (Leadership Distinctive- Inspiration)
Tomorrow, I will unveil the final distinctive, the one that makes the difference for the long-term success.
Your thoughts are welcome in the “Comments” section below.
Shepherding Well 
My definition of a good leader is what I call the 4 A’s of Leadership.
Ask Act Assist Appreciate.
Ask someone to join a team or ministry. Very ofter someone hesitates to join, but when asked they become great team members.
Act on a “yes” and be sure to include the new member in your project.
Assist the new member by letting them know exactly what is expected.
Appreciate them. Sincere appreciation is always welcome.
Marti Jennings
Marti,
That is a great and simple procedure for mobilizing people. Thanks for sharing.
We must go to people and invite them to join the team. That is the best way to recruit and place a volunteer. Letting them know the expectations is also critical. Truly and openly showing appreciate makes them want to continue on the team.
I like the 4 A’s.
– Jeremy