click here to get your copy, http://goo.gl/6TKvC
21. You’ve been around a lot of great leaders, practically what are a couple traits you have found they all share?
Well, I would say that the great leaders I look up to all model the 8 essentials in their leadership. Specifically I find that they are courageous and principled. Humble risk takers who live and lead with complete integrity and are constantly pushing to climb the next hill. Great leaders know who they are. They are comfortable in their own skin, and able to motivate those around them and create vision that moves people to action.
22. Share some of your favorite stories from spending time with those leaders?
I get to be around Andy Stanley quite a bit because of Andy’s involvement with Catalyst events. Andy is the real deal. What you see on stage is the same as off the stage. Same thing with Craig Groeschel. He is authentic, principled and passionate about following Jesus. I remember the first time I met Chuck Swindoll- someone I had listened to on the radio for years. He was so down to earth and approachable. The notion of authenticity and humility is something I find that really resonates with all of the great leaders. It was an honor the first time I met Dr. John Perkins, and since then developing a friendship with him. Giving him the Lifetime Achievement Award at our Catalyst event in Dallas was one of my favorite moments ever at a Catalyst event. And as I discuss in the book, my time at Lost Valley Ranch being mentored by Bob Foster for 5 years was truly formative and defining for me in my spiritual life and leadership.
23. What are some positive trends you’re seeing in the Church and ministry environments?
Collaboration, idea sharing, unity, excellence, and authenticity. I think we are at an unprecedented time in history where churches are partnering and willing to work together more than ever before. A focus on neighborhoods and the local community is also a major positive trend happening in the church right now. Known as being missional, it’s the idea that the church is invested in not just bringing people into the church, but actually sending people out into the communities to be salt and light. Another trend is authenticity among leaders in the Church. Sharing struggles and showing vulnerability.
24. Can you give us a brief overview of a couple of the essentials you prescribe in the book?
A principled leader is one who is disciplined, has integrity, and remains humble. Who you are becoming as a leader is more important than what you are doing. What matters is what’s on the inside. A hopeful leader is a visionary leader who is able to move people into the future with passion. That’s a tough question, but I believe being an authentic leader is one of the most important. Over the years, I’ve realized a great lesson about leadership: I’m at my best when I’m simply being me. It’s taken some time to figure that one out. Every leader I know faces the temptation to project a persona other than their true selves. They think that in order to maintain the confidence of their team or followers, they must appear faultless, flawless, and ever wise. Yet I believe that what everyone around around you wants is an authentic leader, not a perfect one. A leader who is willing to admit their mistakes. A leader that a team can trust and follow. The real you. That can only happen if I embrace who I truly am rather than trying to be someone else. The other essential that stands out for me is being Capable as a leader. Excellence is a non-negotiable and one we have many times not led with in the Christian community. As Catalyst leaders we have to make excellence a non-negotiable. Put into practice competence, excellence, and a standard of reaching for perfection. Chase after a level of excellence that will stretch you and astonish others. Capable leaders are willing to set standards that scare them. A true change maker strives to be the absolute best in the world at what they do. They hustle, they are hungry and are committed to getting better every single day. Being the best requires focus, determination, intentionality, hard work, perseverance and making sacrifices. The stakes are high. And we all know when our performance is not our best. Make sure your standard is not just being a bit better than average. Or merely being better than your competitor. You must always strive to be the best you can be. Without a standard of excellence in your work, you have no hope for becoming a true change maker. A Catalyst leader is capable. Make excellence a non-negotiable.
25. We hear a lot about the characteristics of successful leaders. What if you don’t espouse those- what steps can you take to change yourself before you can change others?
Start with one area of your leadership. Work on that first. Improve in that area. Set a goal to get better daily. Ask those around you to help you. And ask them to point out the areas of your leadership that need improvement. Give them permission to challenge you and help you get better. Understand your blind spots and the areas you struggle. You have to truly know yourself before you can lead others. Greatness starts with you. Everyone wants to be great but few are willing to work really hard to get better. Understand it starts with you. You have to lead yourself first. Before you can release your true self you have to recognize your true self.
Here is a link to the website also,
http://catalystleader.com/
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