When a man’s ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.

Proverbs 16:7

You haven’t heard from me lately, and I apologize for that. It has been 6 months since I posted an article. Wow, that is quite the sabbatical!

Many of you have been poking me lately, “we really miss your weekly insights on servant leadership and would you please start posting again”. And to be honest, I miss connecting with you as well!

So I want to pick up the pace, maybe not posting every week, but certainly more consistently than every 6 months. I can do better than that!

As an update I just finished with another phenomenal year of Leadership Roundtable in September. It is so uplifting to work with leaders who have a heart for the Lord and for leading at a “higher level”. Those of you throughout Central MN that participated this year – Thank You! You are all making a significant positive impact in this world.

I have posted the updated schedule for LRT 2020 on the Triune Leadership Services website. If you are interested in signing up for one of the LRT Groups next year drop me a note. For those of you that have completed a couple of years of LRT already, we have a really exciting year planned for the Advanced LRT Group next year!

Now to the topic of the day: What people want from their leaders!

I have been touching base with many people lately on behalf of coaching clients, to help my clients discern areas of improvement opportunity. Here are the most common themes I hear from people about what they are looking to see from their leaders?

Top 6 Attributes People Love to See From Their Leaders

1. Clarity

Be clear and concise on both your vision for the future and your expectations. People want to be “in the know”! They want to know where they are headed. They want to know what you expect from them so they can deliver. And they want to know what the rewards are for good work, and the consequences for sub-standard work. Clearly communicate with your team!

2. Relationship

Be present with your people. Don’t leave them wondering who you are. They are looking for you to care for them, and build a working relationship with them. Learn names. Acknowledge people as you walk around. Recognize that life is going on outside of work. Connect with your team!

3. Confident Humility

Be competent in your role, but lead with humility. Be decisive when necessary and illustrate your knowledge by the quality of your decisions. And recognize that no one is any more important than anyone else, and illustrate that by your actions with your team. Let each know how important they are, by involving them and get their brains in the game. Humble yourself and empower your team!

4. Encourager

Constantly look for and recognize the great work people are doing. Lift them up for it, show your gratitude, and clearly illustrate the positive difference they are making on the team. Encourage them not only for their actions and work, but just as importantly for who they are and the values they are portraying. Cheer your team on!

5. Courage

Make bold decisions. Creativity and innovation drives progress and performance. Have difficult conversations when necessary. People want to know where they stand, and where they might need to improve. Challenge your team for more!

6. Passion

Care about what you do. It will inspire people. Exhibit boundless energy and passion for your purpose, vision, and values and the work you do. Don’t be shy about your passion for what you are leading. Your passions will shine through and people will want to follow. Lift your team with your own energy! (Does P.J. Fleck come to mind?)

My research shows that focusing in these areas will enhance your leadership and people will be clamoring to join your team. Which of these attributes would you like to commit to improving?

Blessings,

The heart of a man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.

Proverbs 16:9