By James Castellano
The first three pieces of the Valid Leadership concept are essential to becoming an effective leader. There are no substitutes. These are your external leadership areas. These are displayed 24/ 7 to your peers and followers.
Vision is arguably the most important aspect of leadership. Vision defined as: a vivid, imaginative conception or anticipation. Without a vision there is no need for leadership. Vision has two parts:
1. Seeing and believing the vision internally
2. Casting the vision publically and blazing a trail toward it.
Successful leaders need the ability to see far ahead of others. Would you commit to follow someone who did not know where they were headed? Would you have a greater level of confidence following someone who only knew the next step, or one who had an entire plan mapped out? (Proverbs 29:18 MSG)
Vision creates excitement and excitement creates enthusiasm. Enthusiasm creates energy and energy creates inertia. It is much easier to lead enthusiastic people with inertia than those without any momentum. Leaders with vision create their own momentum.
The second piece of Valid is association. Who do we allow inside our circle of influence? This should be straightforward and not require much thought. It is amazing how we cultivate destructive relationships even though we know better. The old sayings, "if you lie with dogs, you get fleas" and "guilty by association" are dead on.
It's nearly impossible to stay positive when negative people surround you. It is equally as hard to stay negative when positive thinkers surround you. Certain groups will tear you down, while others lift you up. You will be the same person you are today in five years with the exception of the books you read and the company you keep. Proverbs 11:14 (NKJV) states, "Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety."
We reap what we sow in every facet of life and sowing good relationships with like-minded, positive people will reap huge dividends forever. This applies to both parties in any relationship. Pick your close friends and business associates vigilantly.
This does not mean we don't help those in need and spend time ministering to others, only that we must choose our inner circle wisely. Jesus had 12 disciples, but only 3 were considered his inner circle.
The third factor is Love. You must have a genuine love for people to be an effective leader. Management is developing systems and leadership is developing people. Trying to develop others without a sincere interest, an agape love, is impossible. How can you lead if you can't love others? Your love or lack of love for others is a huge neon billboard displayed on your chest. Your followers and peers can detect it easily.
A major key to being an effective leader is modeling appropriate behavior regardless of the situation. How do these three factors help?
1. Having an enormous vision allows you to see the big picture. Minor issues won't bog you down as easily when you have a grand vision.
2. Associating with the right types of people brings out the best in you. Solid teammates will make your job a bit easier and much more fun.
3. Loving others sincerely shows you truly care about them as people. When they believe you care about them, they will not let you down.
When you covenant with Vision, Association, and Love your leadership will expand to levels you never thought possible.
James authors the popular leadership blog, Leading The Way. You can participate in the daily discussions by visiting www.leadingisreading.blogspot.com. He also founded the concept of VALID Leadership and has published numerous Christian and secular articles.
