Many ask the
question, “Where will we find leaders for the future?” but as important is the
question, “How will we develop those leaders?”
Of course, this is only partially the responsibility of those in
leadership roles today. The work of
leadership development is largely accomplished by the individual as he or she
accepts responsibility, engages in ministry, and learns from the
experience. We can provide encouragement
and resources. That’s where Andy Stanley’s
book, Next Generation Leader, comes in.
Stanley
identifies five characteristics that mark the woman or man who will shape the
future: courage, clarity, competence,
coachability, competence, and character.
Courage helps a person to harness his or her fears. Clarity empowers one to leverage uncertainty
in a situation. Competence comes from
discovering and playing to one’s strengths.
Coachability allows one to engage a leadership coach and learn from that
relationship. Character assures that one
will maintain moral authority.
Each characteristic
is explained and the author provides examples and lessons (often from painful
missteps) from his ministry. Stanley is
a leader who has learned from his own experiences and generously shares this
learning with others. Although I
especially respond positively to his comments about character, competence, and
coaching, each of the characteristics he identifies is necessary for a person
to become an effective leader.
Originally
published in 2003, Stanley’s book is still relevant. Although written prior to the days when he
acknowledged the role of women as ministry leaders, the concepts will be helpful
to all leaders—men and women, laity and clergy.
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