"Must Haves" in Leadership Development
by Rev. Cindy Halvorson, MDiv, DMin
Do you ever watch HGTV? I suspect when you read that question some of you cheer, while others of you roll your eyes. Bear with me, please, even if you’re not a fan of HGTV.
There are several shows that have some sort of variation of a similar storyline: a person/persons are looking for a home. They have their list of “must haves” and a budget. The show involves finding the “must haves” within the financial constraints. I applaud the intentionality with which the clients are encouraged to make their list of “must haves.” Making a list of “must haves” helps to direct the realtor and aids the client in making a suitable choice.
Making our own list of “must haves” in various areas of our lives would likely benefit us in making suitable choices. What if you looked at your leadership talent and skill-based portfolio and created an intentional list of “must haves” for your leadership style? Taking an intentional approach requires strategic thinking concerning the current needs and circumstances of the situations where you are called to lead.
What are your “must haves?”
Is your leadership style yearning for intellectual stimulation or emotional enrichment? This is not as much of a dichotomy as it might appear. At times, both can be fulfilled simultaneously.
Does your range of leadership proficiencies thirst for relational reinforcement or technical strategies?
Which is more needful in this season, enhancing a strength or shoring up a skill that is lacking?Be careful with this one. Often, we fixate on our inadequacy; and yes, sometimes we need to shore up our limitations. However, research has shown that fortifying our strengths is a better use of our time and energy. Think carefully. Is there a way that your strength can compensate for a limitation?
Taking an honest inventory of your leadership proficiencies requires courage and time to contemplate. Sometimes we are lacking both. Sometimes we hide behind our schedules because we are uncomfortable analyzing our current skill level and how those skills align with the “must haves” needed for a situation. And yet, for many of you, looking at the list of “must haves” is likely to encourage your heart and quiet the voice in your head (or your organization) that implies you are lacking in some area. None of us have all the talents and skills necessary to move forward in these changing times. And yet, all of us have some. I urge you to find the time to truly gauge your situation and your “must haves” for your current leadership needs. AND, please, let us know how we can bolster you, as a leader. Our world needs you!
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