The Three Worst Mistakes of Leadership

Today and tomorrow are like leadership Christmas! It's the most wonderful time of year: Global Leadership Summit at Willow Creek! If you didn't make it to the event or a satellite, you missed out! Luckily, Jeff and I were there to glean some lessons for you!

One of our favorite sessions of the day was from Patrick Lencioni, and from what Bill Hybels said, he rates among the top speakers every year!

Patrick's talk was titled "The Three Most Dangerous Mistakes Leaders Make." Here's the list:

1. They Become Leaders for the Wrong Reasons

Patrick pointed out that when leaders lead for themselves, they inevitably destroy people and organizations in their wake. Patrick argued that leaders should instead lead because they believe in sacrificing themselves for others regardless of whether or not there is a "pay off" at the end. 

In other words, Patrick believes leadership is about others, not ourselves, and that the ultimate rewards of leadership shouldn't be expected in the here and now, but are eternal in nature. 

Whoa.

2. Leaders Fail to Embrace Vulnerability

Patrick said the old adage, "never let them see you sweat" is garbage. People know you're sweating before you even tell them, so why deny it! Leadership is about being open and honest with people and cultivating relationships with healthy give and take.

Someone in the audience asked Patrick if this was applicable for pastors as well, and his answer was kind of shocking:

Pastors should be extra vulnerable! Patrick (just like Jeff!) doesn't believe people will follow a plastic pastor. Get real with people and they'll get real with you!

3. We make Leadership too important!

This was... unexpected. Basically, Patrick argued that all leaders, not just pastors, had responsibilities first to their families and then to their organizations.

Hearing Patrick say this was like a breath of fresh air! Instead of holding up organizational leadership as the ultimate principle, Patrick understands that good leaders lead their families first. 

Leading your church is not the most important thing in your life. Your family is!

All in all, the Global Leadership Summit was AMAZING. If you didn't go, we would definitely recommend you register for next year! You won't be disappointed!