Excellence in Leadership requires:

Firstly a desire for achievement. This is fundamental if a person is to be a self-starter.

In Joshua 14:12 Caleb said, “Now thereore, give me this mountain of which the LORD spoke in that day.” The Christian leader’s highest ambition must be to bring honor and glory to Christ.

Secondly an understanding and acceptance of authority, plus sensitivity to using authority at just the right time. Too much authority at the top will cause frustration and rebellion at the bottom.

To get subordinates to act upon your desire, you need to demonstrate all four of the following qualities:

1. Authority of competence or functional authority - whoever can do the job best should take the lead in that area.
2. Authority of position. You are the boss - too much emphasis on this comes out of insecurity. Use it sparingly.
3. Authority of personality. Rockefeller said, “I will pay more for the ability to get along with people than any other ability.” Why? because if people don’t like you they won’t listen to you, work with you or follow you, unless they have to.
4. Authority of character - moral authority. Your words and life line up, its called integrity.

Three of the above can be and should be cultivated continually. Excellence in leadership is found only where a person will make those sacrifices necessary to improve and strengthen themselves.

Seven areas where all effective leaders must seek to improve.

1. Self-discipline. To lead others, a person must have self-control. Many people have unused gifts, both spiritual and natural, but they have issues with authority or self-discipline and end up quitting along the way. The effective leader is the one willing to work while others sleep, play, or waste time. He also constantly evaluates his strengths and his weaknesses, concentrating on strengthening good points and correcting bad ones is essential.
2. Creativity. He takes time for creative thinking and meditation. Creative thinking simply means the ability to do original thinking, not daydreaming. He takes time to think through and determine the best methodology to meet the goal. The dreams that I like come from deep imaginative thinking, inspired by the word of God and prayer. Dreams that will solve problems, win souls and expand Gods kingdom.
3. Delegation. He is able to work effectively through others. Dwight L. Moody said, “I would rather put a thousand men to work than do the work of a thousand men.” One of the keys to the success of the Victory Movement is what we call the Exodus 18 principle. Moses was told by his father in law, that if he did not change the way he was doing things, he would burn out, the people’s needs would not be met and no new leaders would be raised up. Moses listened to his advise, segmented the work, chose out qualified leaders and delegated the work to them. Moses had to learn how to effectively work through others and so can we.
4. Decisiveness. The ability to make a swift, clear decision when one is called for. A no decision is a no decision. It takes clear objectives, courage and wisdom to be successful in this area.
5. Persistence. It takes courage and commitment to begin a project and character and persistence to complete it.
6. A balanced life. Rest, work, play and food are all necessary for an over all healthy life style and long term success.
7. Faith and prayer. This will help us to have a more effective, accurate, disciplined, fruitful, prayer life.“Your faith grows exceedingly and the love of everyone of you abounds towards each other.” (2Thess 1:3)

Yours for an army of highly effective leaders who will build big people and great churches.

Dr George Hill
Apostolic Founder and President of Victory Churches International