Leaders lead, and not just at work
January 17, 2008
I have recently had the opportunity to serve on a board of an institution. I appreciate the honor of being asked,
Why?
1. When you are asked to lead somewhere, they don’t just need a warm body, or someone to read through reports, but someone to execute. Make decisions, give advice, comment, dream, plan, promote, inspire, share wisdom, agree, disagree. You get to add value to something not connected to you per se (your dream, job, vocation). Look for opportunities to serve.
2. This is a forum to stretch your strengths and weaknesses. Folks on boards and committees may not see you as the normal coworker, boss, or role you may have slipped into at your workplace. It could reveal a need to dust off how to connect with folks again, how to listen well, and how to be alert to group dynamics. Serve well, think and work hard, and then take your fresh self back to your own job/staff meeting.
3. Glean insights of good processes within the board. Perhaps you realize some steps to agendas that would be of benefit where you work, or perhaps the opposite, you realize how not to do meetings. Either way, just say no to boring, pointless meetings.
The world needs strong Christian leaders. Get out there!
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