6 Characteristics of Old-School Leaders
Whatever you are, be a good one. —Abraham Lincoln
I love that quote from Abraham Lincoln. Consider for a moment what that means when it comes to leadership. The best leaders over a long period of time are leaders that learn to adapt, change, and grow as a person and leader.
Leadership principles and practices have to change overtime simply because, organizations and people change.
Leaders that get caught in an "old-school" way of doing things find themselves losing influence and causing more tension than is necessary. This happens in both the corporate sector and churches.
Below are six characteristics (or mentalities) of OLD-SCHOOL leaders...
Boxes are uncomfortable and meant to keep things in. People don't want to get put into a box and therefore, they won't. People want opportunities to grow and to mature as a person and as a leader. There was once a day when you could pay a decent wage and, through policies and rules, control an employee’s actions. Things are different now...and that mentality isn't an effective way to lead the next generation.
Yield Sign
Young leaders today want an opportunity to explore, take risks, move quickly, and to make a difference in the world - and the sooner that can happen the better. Successful leaders learn to tap into and ride this energy. Slowing young leaders down or keeping them distant from what's really going on- just won't work.
Traffic Controller
Information is all around us today. And as a result information has become King. Just think about what you can find in a matter of moments from your phone. Today's up and coming leaders demand transparent and current information. This includes what is stirring in the leaders mind and most importantly where the organization is going.
Money is King
This is the idea that merely a paycheck is enough motivation. Given enough money, that might ring true for some leaders (let's be honest). But today’s young leaders and young workforce demand to know they are doing good work. They want to know that what they are doing is leaving a mark and adds value to the team.
Work is Work
Old School leaders make the work environment strictly about business. The problem is the younger generation wants to mix worlds- business with pleasure. Just take a look at places like Google and how they build buildings or create work space. Young leaders want to give themselves to a place they believe in and at the same time have fun working at. (Think cereal bar or ping pong tables)
Slow Adapters
Specifically in the realm of technology. Today's generation of young leaders is the most technologically savvy generation to date. They love to have creative freedom to use technology to produce efficiency at the highest level. "Because that's the way we have always done it" won't work and can actually do more damage when working with young leaders.
It's Cultural (pt. 2)
One of the most effective ways to articulate a company/church's culture is by crafting culture statements. What is a culture statement? A cultural statement is simply a statement that expresses your church's mindset - or the way we do things. The goal of a culture statement is to communicate the values, the philosophies, the ideologies you live by.
What makes a good culture statement? The best culture statements give a clear picture of what it is like to be apart of or be on staff of a certain organization.
Here are some of my favorite culture statements I have come across over the years...both church and corporation statements:
As you can see...culture statements can be a useful tool both inside and outside your church. Furthermore, good culture statements bring energy to the people of the organization: staff and volunteers. Another bonus is that good culture statements help evaluate fit, goals, and policies.
Lastly, remember that a culture statement represents the "brand." In a church setting you have to be willing to ask who are we? What is our brand? Why do people come and stay? These things will help capture the culture of your brand.
What makes a good culture statement? The best culture statements give a clear picture of what it is like to be apart of or be on staff of a certain organization.
Here are some of my favorite culture statements I have come across over the years...both church and corporation statements:
- We never play it safe, we follow Jesus.
- Found people find people.
- We live generously knowing we can't out give God.
- We live on the solution side of every problem.
- We listen, we care, we serve
- We check our egos at the door.
- We do the right thing.
- We practice open and real communication.
- Love first, lead second...but we always do both.
As you can see...culture statements can be a useful tool both inside and outside your church. Furthermore, good culture statements bring energy to the people of the organization: staff and volunteers. Another bonus is that good culture statements help evaluate fit, goals, and policies.
Lastly, remember that a culture statement represents the "brand." In a church setting you have to be willing to ask who are we? What is our brand? Why do people come and stay? These things will help capture the culture of your brand.
It's Cultural
When coaching church planters, I spend much of my time talking about the vision, values, and culture of the church. In the early stages (pre-launch) these conversations often lead to sermon series, web, and printed communication pieces. When pulled together with a lot of time, prayer, and purpose these statements serve the church, the board, and the staff in providing a grid for making decisions.
Most people understand the importance of writing out vision statements and value statements. But most often the culture piece is left out. Never underestimate the power of culture. As the pastor/planter, you are the chief cultural architect for the church and what it becomes. As a result, you have to spend time thinking intentionally about the culture you want to see in the church. If you need a little motivation in this area remember the fact that "culture eats vision for breakfast." Most people won't come back because you have a cute and clever vision statement on the wall. They come back because they like who you are and they want to be apart of what they see and experience. In other words, they like the culture. Culture is everything.
Here are some important questions to consider as thinking through the cultural question.
These are a few questions that are good to wrestle with as you have the culture conversation. Practice writing them out in concise statements with the intention of getting to 5-7 statements that define who you are and where you are going.
In my next blog, I will write out some of my favorite cultural statements I have seen.
Most people understand the importance of writing out vision statements and value statements. But most often the culture piece is left out. Never underestimate the power of culture. As the pastor/planter, you are the chief cultural architect for the church and what it becomes. As a result, you have to spend time thinking intentionally about the culture you want to see in the church. If you need a little motivation in this area remember the fact that "culture eats vision for breakfast." Most people won't come back because you have a cute and clever vision statement on the wall. They come back because they like who you are and they want to be apart of what they see and experience. In other words, they like the culture. Culture is everything.
Here are some important questions to consider as thinking through the cultural question.
- What does our culture say about us?
- What do we want out culture to say about us?
- If I were new, would I like our culture?
- How did our culture become our culture?
- Who does our culture speak too? (Church people? People looking for answers?)
- Where are we going and why?
These are a few questions that are good to wrestle with as you have the culture conversation. Practice writing them out in concise statements with the intention of getting to 5-7 statements that define who you are and where you are going.
In my next blog, I will write out some of my favorite cultural statements I have seen.