Eric Camp for MS House District 111

Leadership is a challenge regardless of how much experience you have in it. Leading people in itself is a challenge and especially as a leader in the church. Expectations most of the time are higher than what we are able to fulfill, therefore, frustration with those we are leading is birthed.

As a leader, I always have to evaluate my leadership and take a look in the mirror on what I am doing and if I am being effective. I have learned a few things in the 20+ years of church and corporate leadership that I want to share with you.

20 Ways to Know You’re Not a Leader

1. You’re waiting on a bigger staff and more money to accomplish your vision.
2. You think you need to be in charge to have influence.
3. You’re content.
4. You tend to foster division instead of generating a helpful dialogue.
5. You think you need to say something to be heard.
6. You find it easier to blame others for your circumstances than to take responsibility for solutions.
7. It’s been some time since you said, “I messed up.”
8. You’re driven by the task instead of the relationships and the vision.
9. Your dreams are so small, people think they can be achieved.
10. No one is following you.
11. You always have an excuse to justify mistakes.
12. You have to be the only one talking all the time. #LeadersListen
13. Procrastination is your middle name!
14. You get “too busy” to complete assigned projects and deadlines. #LeadersMakeItHappen
15. Passion is the name of a fruit to you. #LeadersArePassionate
16. You do just enough to get by. #LeadersGoTheExtraMile
17. You expect all honor, but don’t live a life of demonstrated honor.
18. You don’t have accountability. #LeadersFollow
19. You feel as if there’s nothing more to learn. #LeadersAreLearners
20. Your desire is to be known (famous) instead of keeping your eyes on the vision and mission of your influence.

There are leaders, and then there are real leaders. Some leaders think of themselves as leaders because they have a title. Others don’t need a title. They understand that leadership is really about influence anchored in integrity and humility.

You don’t need to wait for someone to give you a position and a private office to lead. If you want to be a leader in the future, start acting like a leader today.

How will you invest your influence?