You Know You're Not Leading When

You Know You're Not Leading When . . .

I've had some conversations lately that have caused me to ponder, deeply reflect, and wonder. How do many people, each leaders in their own sense, define leading/not leading so differently?

Ever catch yourself not leading? I have and would think most leaders do at some point in time. I wonder what would happen if when we find ourselves not leading the way we believe God has called us to lead, we ask ourselves, "What does it look like for me to really be a leader in this situation?”

We’ve all seen the lists; you know you’re a redneck when, or you’re a nerd when, or you’re a English major when, or you’re a musician when…well, here goes:

You know you are not leading when . . .

· You wait for someone to tell you what to do rather than taking the initiative yourself
· You ask for way too many opinions before taking action
· You spend too much time talking about how things should be different
· You blame the context, surroundings, or other people for your current situation
· You think what you say doesn't matter
· You choose not to speak the truth in love
· You talk to others about the problem rather than taking it to the person responsible
· You aren't taking any significant risks
· You are more concerned about being cool or accepted rather than doing the right thing
· You seek consensus, rather than casting vision for God’s preferable future
· You accept status quo as the way it's always been and always will be
· You start protecting your reputation instead of opening yourself up to opposition
· You procrastinate to avoid making a tough call
· You don't feel like your neck is on the line for anything significant
· Others? I’m sure there are.

There is a time to lead…embracing the journey…pursuing the dream.