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

Usually a leader is centered on one of three areas:

• Self
• Activity
• God

Each of those shapes your leadership style, influence, accomplishments and legacy. Here’s how:

A Self-Centered Leader

The self-centered leader wants to make sure everyone knows they are the leader and that the power and authority belong to them. They have the tendency to be close-minded to the advice of those around them 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 that they will go ahead and do what they want and 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 and they are always right.

An Activity-Centered Leader

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 that of other leaders. If it is big and happening somewhere else 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 about their idea that their followers are afraid to question them, or the group has bought into the misguided passion of the leader.

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

The God-Centered Leader

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 his/her 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 through their lives, how they treat others and all that they do.

Reflecting on your leadership roles at home, work, church, etc., how would you say people experience you? What kind of leader do you think you are, self-focused, activity-focused or God-focused? Have a conversation with at least one person from each of the areas of your leadership, and ask them what kind of leader they think you are? Use the information gathered from the self-evaluation and responses from the conversations to help you clarify your focus.

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.