While many people lead, leaders are also necessarily followers on some level. In writing from the viewpoint of the Church, many pastors, ministers, and elders follow the leadership of a bishop, superintendent, or similar position. The hierarchy continues upwards in many denominations and sects of Christianity.
Although superiors have expectations of those who work for them, followers, especially those who are also leading people themselves, have expectations of those who they work for in the hierarchy. In other words, expectations work both ways.
Recently, I came up with a short list of ideals that leaders would want to see from the people who lead them from the next line in the hierarchy. It’s definitely not exhaustive and in no particular order, but I hope this list shows some of the main considerations any leader would want as they also follow. I believe these lessons apply just as much to a church organization as they do to any other organization in the world.
1. Treat people with the same dignity and respect you want to receive. The measure, judgment, and whatever else that you give will be the same measure, judgment, and whatever else that you will receive.
2. Give people opportunities and chances to take initiative.
3. Give people opportunities to earn your respect.
4. Look at people’s potential. Consider accomplishments, but also give weight to their potential.
5. Give people opportunities to be a part of the team.
6. Be humble.
7. He honest. Don’t blow smoke or hot air.
8. Lead, coach, guide, mentor, and invest time in those you are leading.
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