Leading From The #2 Position
Regardless of where we stand in the pecking order at home, at work, or at the church, we all serve someone. Many of us in youth ministry submit to a senior pastor or if you're a leader you might look up to your youth pastor. Through the years I've always sought to be the armor bearer for others and practice the principle Zig Ziglar always reiterated – "You cannot hold a torch to someone else's path without bringing light to your own."
Five common leadership mistakes of those in the "#2 position"...
- Number two people mentally check out, because they inwardly feel that if they are not on top, they can't truly lead.
Leadership is not a title, it is influence
- Number two people become complacent in the #2 chair, because they assume that they will learn to lead when they get to the top. They often say, "If I ever get to the top, then I'll work hard."
If you are not faithful with the little things, you will not be given any more...
- Number two people silently think, "If I were on top, everyone would follow."
If people don't follow you now...the reality is, they won't follow you then...
- Number two people believe that when they get to the top, they will no longer be limited. They assume "When I get to the top, I will no longer have to take orders, and I'll be able to do what I want to do."
In the leadership pyramid, the higher you go, the less options you have...
- Number two people believe inwardly that because the leadership at the top is poor, they cannot excel in their position.
Our greatest limitation is not the leader above us, but rather the leader within us.
The David-Saul Principle of Leadership is simply this: "To be successful, help those around you succeed."
What can you do to be better for the individuals who you serve? Ask them four simple questions...
- What is your heart?
Response: To provide in any way...
- What are your hopes, dreams, visions?
Response: To promote, look for opportunities to further their vision...
- What is your hurt?
Response: To protect, look out for them, help them guard their heart...
- How can I help?
Response: To partner and serve them in practical ways...
Regardless of where we stand in the pecking order at home, at work, or at the church, we all serve someone. Many of us in youth ministry submit to a senior pastor or if you're a leader you might look up to your youth pastor. Through the years I've always sought to be the armor bearer for others and practice the principle Zig Ziglar always reiterated – "You cannot hold a torch to someone else's path without bringing light to your own."
Five common leadership mistakes of those in the "#2 position"...
- Number two people mentally check out, because they inwardly feel that if they are not on top, they can't truly lead.
Leadership is not a title, it is influence
- Number two people become complacent in the #2 chair, because they assume that they will learn to lead when they get to the top. They often say, "If I ever get to the top, then I'll work hard."
If you are not faithful with the little things, you will not be given any more...
- Number two people silently think, "If I were on top, everyone would follow."
If people don't follow you now...the reality is, they won't follow you then...
- Number two people believe that when they get to the top, they will no longer be limited. They assume "When I get to the top, I will no longer have to take orders, and I'll be able to do what I want to do."
In the leadership pyramid, the higher you go, the less options you have...
- Number two people believe inwardly that because the leadership at the top is poor, they cannot excel in their position.
Our greatest limitation is not the leader above us, but rather the leader within us.
The David-Saul Principle of Leadership is simply this: "To be successful, help those around you succeed."
What can you do to be better for the individuals who you serve? Ask them four simple questions...
- What is your heart?
Response: To provide in any way...
- What are your hopes, dreams, visions?
Response: To promote, look for opportunities to further their vision...
- What is your hurt?
Response: To protect, look out for them, help them guard their heart...
- How can I help?
Response: To partner and serve them in practical ways...
Related Items
The majority of us are not in the #1 chair of leadership in all areas of our lives. We have a leader, boss, senior pastor or board we report to and, at times, wrestle with. While navigating those relational waters above us can get tricky, it's possible to lead well and influence countless people from our #2 positions.
In this Youth Leader's Coach, we begin by eradicating the misconceptions that hinder individuals from reaching their full potential in their current "middle of the pack" leadership positions. Then, we glean five life-changing leadership principles from David, the ultimate example of "Leading From The #2 Position" king.
So grab a cup of coffee and warm up your CD burner, this one you'll want to share.
Lovingly,
This iVolunteer resource is a COACHING RESOURCE for volunteer youth leaders who want to be the BEST they can be!
As a volunteer, it's sometimes challenging not being the "top dog." You might easily begin to think that you're not making much of a difference when you're not the one on the platform. You may wonder how setting up chairs every Wednesday night, or smiling at a few students and asking them some questions once a week can really be changing anything.
In this iVolunteer, "Leading Without A Mic," we'll take a look at the biblical example of David, who began his career as a "high school" volunteer in King Saul's army. David could have easily said, "I'm just a volunteer!" But, he knew it wasn't his title or amount of recognition that determined whether his life made a difference. Instead, it was the heart with which he served. So, listen in and be reminded that, "Leadership isn't a title; Leadership is influence."
Cheering you on,
