As a leader, are you aware that your style of leadership and the direction in which you lead your people is a reflection of your focus, or where you are centered?

Usually a leader is centered on one of three areas:

• Self
• God
• Activity

Where you are centered determines your leadership style, influence, accomplishments and legacy.

The self-centered leader wants to make sure everyone knows they are the leader and that they possess the power and authority. They have the tendency to be close-minded to advice and will sometimes dismiss or demote those who try to challenge their ideas. The self-centered leader will invite the views and suggestions of others only to appear as if they are open to alternatives. The reality is they will do what they want, how they want, even if they are made aware of potentially major consequences.

The self-centered leader tends to think their power and authority will shield them from such outcomes, or at least help them resolve any consequences of their actions. They are deluded by thinking they cannot fail. They are good at placing blame on others when things go wrong and taking all the credit with plans succeed.

The activity-centered leader is one who is always looking for the next big activity to lead. The next big wave is the next big thing for them. They are visionaries of the big ideas, whether their own or those of other leaders. If it is big and happening somewhere else, they are sure it can happen under their leadership.

Activity-centered leaders often don’t take into account the context, need and resources required when they ask others to follow them in implementing the next big activity. Also they are so passionate and self-confident about their ideas that their followers are often afraid to question or challenge them.

Unlike the self-centered leader who uses power and authority to get others to follow, the activity leader relies on passion and vision.

The God-centered leader is one who is focused on leading others to the honor and glory of God. They are not driven by the need to have their own way. Neither are they driven by activities. The God-centered leader is most concerned with where and how God wants her/him to lead those under their care.

The God-centered leader believes God speaks to all of His followers and is therefore open to the input of those under their leadership on the direction in which God might be leading. They value their followers and work to empower them so that as a team they can find where God is at work and join Him in that endeavor.

God-centered leaders do not have the need to make everything about them; neither do they need to be involved in the next big wave. They are satisfied to know with prayer and the input of those around them that what they are doing and where they are leading is what God asks of them. God-centered leaders have one goal in mind: to bring honor and glory to God in all that they do through their leadership.

If you were asked whether you are a leader centered on self, activity or God, what would be your honest, unfiltered answer?

If you would like help in achieving your goals as a leader or in any area of your life, call us at 208-880-0307 or email us at errol@errolcarrim.com to schedule a complimentary coaching session. To read Errol’s other posts, visit Christ-Centered Life Coaching.