Standing on the Shoulders of Great Leaders
Any leader worth their weight in salt, understands that their leadership has been shaped by the leaders that they followed. I have been fortunate to have many such individuals that have impacted my life. This weekend I will be spending time with seven men that were first drawn together by Steve Moore, our college pastor. This year will mark the 35th (mostly annual) long weekend we have shared - encouraging, challenging, praying … Those men have been a lifeline for me.
These have been life long mentors.
But a more recent mentor for me is Fred Smith. Fred founded Leadership Network with Bob Buford. When I joined the team, Fred had transitioned to providing leadership for The Gathering so I didn’t meet Fred for many years. In some sense, because of his role in shaping Leadership Network, I was impacted even then. The last couple of years though I have had the joy of numerous conversations with Fred and a weekly deposit of his wisdom in his “Round-Table” email.
One of my favorite posts is entitled, “Organizing Genius.” In true Fred style, he does a masterful job of weaving history with contemporary thought to provide great actionable insights. The lead thought involves understanding the kind of leader that leads great groups that have outsized impact.
Following are four of the eight principles outlines. For the final four and additional background, check out the full article here.
Leaders hoping to create a Great Group recruit the most talented people. They love talent and talent loves them. They find each other.
Leaders of Great Groups are not great leaders alone; they are great leaders in a fertile relationship with other talent. There is one person who acts as “maestro,” or the “practical dreamer,” organizing the genius of others. “Within the group, the leader is often a good steward, keeping the others focused, eliminating distractions, keeping hope alive in the face of setbacks and stress.”
Leaders of Great Groups find ways to unite individual talent in a common mission. “This all important task acts as a social lubricant, minimizing frictions. Sharing information and advancing the work are the only real obligations.”
Great groups are engaged in “holy wars,” and members know they will be expected to make sacrifices. They collectively feel they are on a mission from God.
Pastor Smart Succession
I’m partnering with Dave in bringing the Pastor Smart Succession process to come alongside you and your church as you enter the succession zone. We walk with you each step of the way as you shape a “framed fit” for your future.
If you are beginning to think about what’s next, I’d love to connect and learn more and share more about how we can help. You can schedule a call here.
Leadwell Senior Pastor Finishing Well Cohort.
Also, if you are looking for a community of peers to navigate church, leadership and life with, consider applying for my Leadwell Senior Pastor Finishing Well Cohort. The 2024 Group Form launches April 23-25, 2024
We also have cohorts for Excutive Pastors and Young Senior Pastors as wel. All three are filling up quickly
Cohorts are by invitation only. If you are interested, contact me ASAP either via email at greg@ligongroup.com or by scheduling a call here.