An effective leader can lead people to go places where even the leader has not been before without coercing, convincing, manipulating, shaming, or in any other way trying to force the people to follow. This is especially important when launching any new project.
The story of Joshua leading his people across the Jordan River provides a great example of how to lead people to go where they have never been before. To read the story, click here (Joshua 3). Before launching any new project, strategy, or idea, leaders need to:
1. Learn to follow. The most effective leaders are also good followers. Joshua followed those who carried the Ark. He knew that the leader does not have to be in the limelight all the time.
2. Lead the people to prepare themselves. Joshua gave clear instructions to the people to prepare themselves for the battle that was about to come; then he followed to the letter the plan he had been given as he led the people to begin the long-awaited conquest of the Promised Land.
3. Let go of your ego. Joshua did not have to prove himself or defend his actions before the people.
4. Lead out in faith with confidence. Imagine being the first person to step into the water. Only the leaders’ feet got wet. They stood in the middle of the river as the people crossed over.
Hint to Leaders
Are you absolutely certain you are leading people in the right direction with the right plan? Are you courageous enough to lead your followers to commit to such a plan? What do you need to do to demonstrate that your own faith and confidence are well-placed?
Hint to Followers
© Dr. Larry Gay, October 2010
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