Monday, March 14, 2011

Leadership?

I was aimlessly browsing the shelves at Family Christian the other day, waiting for some other members of my family, when I came across some interesting books. Has anyone else noticed that birth order is all of a sudden kinda important? It is interesting, to me at least, how many traits can be predicted just because of when someone was born in relation to their siblings (or lack of). For example, did you know that 21 of the 23 first astronauts were first born children? Or that over 1/2 of the Presidents of the United States were first born?

So...apparently I'm supposed to be some sort of natural leader. Ok, I'll admit it, I do like being in charge. :) That confession was rather pointless, eh? Most of you have probably figured that out by now... 
Usually, it's a good thing, when others don't want to step up. There's lots of times though when we're supposed to be a TEAM and I kinda try to take over. And sometimes when it's okay to "step up and take charge", the pressure is...unbelievable. Yeah, this is not an easy thing.

That being said, I have some questions for y'all. Pleeeease comment!! :D

Do you prefer to lead or follow? Why?
When in a leader's position, do you tend to listen to others well? Why or why not?

Do you have any tips for effectively leading - being in charge without being overbearing, making the experience enjoyable for all involved while keeping the standard high/getting the job done well? 



1 comment:

Amy Dashwood said...

I commented on this post a few days ago, but Internet Explorer was being really weird and it signed me out and I lost my comment. :( I can't remember everything I said, so I'll just try to start from scratch.

I'm an oldest child too, and I think that definitely contributes to one's level of bossiness. I tend to take charge when I'm with my siblings. :) I do this when I'm with my close friends as well, but not to the same degree of bossiness as when I'm with my brother and sisters. But when I'm with people I don't know very well, I tend to retreat a little more and let someone else be in charge. I think it's far easier to be in control when you know the people you're interacting with.

That said, I definitely am not the best example when it comes to leadership. It isn't just telling people what to do and delegating chores; it involves guiding and helping as well as directing. I think being willing to listen to what others have to say, to overlook a less-than-stellar job, and to consider others' needs as well as your own is the most important thing. (Not that I'm an expert or anything!) As my siblings will tell you, I have a long way to go!

In short, I think Philippians 4:13 is the key to good leadership. Although it's far easer to say that than to do it...

And now that I have written a comment long enough to be a blog post in itself, I'll sign out.