Leadership Selection-TLD22

Between October to date, I have led an organization where its branches conduct the selection of new leadership. However, people look at different things when choosing leaders. Some reasons are sensible and selfless while others are ill motives and self-survival. In our country Kenya, the electorates have always lamented over the elected. Many feel wasted and misused during the elections and then abandoned after that. Usually, only a few take time to review their criteria for the leadership needed. The ability to choose men and women for a particular task is never an easy one.

Leadership is one key gift that many times is taken for granted. The Bible, where I draw a lot of inspiration from when it comes to leadership, is very particular with specific and pragmatic examples of how leaders were chosen.?

The aspect of choosing leaders who meet the Kingdom criteria is very important. Leadership selection whichever form it takes- election, appointment, interviews, etc- deserves careful and diligent consideration to ensure not just the criteria for selection but also the qualities and standards are realized.?

Leaders perform various functions like casting the organizational vision, building strong, energetic, and vibrant teams, setting goals, solving problems, and raising resources. Apart from delivering on such tasks, leaders also need to exhibit a character that is inspiring and full of integrity. Leaders also play a key role in influencing and building the cultural fabric of an organization. They set the pace and tone for everyone in the organization. Lastly, among many other points, leaders are critical in raising other leaders. It is the reason why a leader who is not a coach or a mentor may fail terribly if they do not mold others to not just pick over from them but also drive the organization to the next level.??

Qualified leaders are vital for the growth and prosperity of an organization or the community. Weak-willed leaders fail miserably as they grapple with failures, self-esteem, and blame games. They are unable to focus on the true north of the organization. Rather, they spend most if not all of their time in blame games, fighting inefficiencies and being unable to have a clear vision.?

When capable leaders get to rule, there is flourishing. The people rejoice over the results they see. They want to give their best. The leaders, because of their good qualities, keenly pursue what is beneficial to the organization.?

When looking for leadership, especially in volunteer-driven organizations then one needs to make a lot of considerations. Some of these include:

??Burden: Burden is a very powerful tool that ensures one does not drop the ball. It clarifies the purposes and drives the agendas involved. It is what makes a leader always do their best. The most potent inner tool is this heavy load called burden in the heart of a leader. Leaders without burdens are lazy, and forgetful and operate without care and concern for growth and progress.?

??Passion- Burdens when turned into heat energy produces passion that drives the self with fire. Passion is like jet fuel. It propels the leader to work and deliver. It creates deep interest in seeing the objectives accomplished, the team united and focused. It is infectious too and when utilized well the organization thrives rather than survives.?

??Availability: Many things demand a share in the leader's time. However, even though there is much more in the world of today to be done, a leader's diary will be filled with opportunities to be available for the organization they are leading. Plan meetings you will attend and contribute effectively to. Recently, at one of our team meetings, leaders agreed to a certain task. When we rolled the attendance list, we realized that a significant number were planning to be absent. Never agree on a date for a meeting while inwardly you know you will be absent.?

??Reliability: "An unreliable messenger stumbles into trouble, but a reliable messenger brings healing" Proverbs 13:17. People are looking to have leaders who are dependable and trustworthy. Their word is a sure bet. They mean what they say and say what they mean. You can agree on something and without much follow up find the work has been done with excellence. Many years ago, I learned this trait after I realized some leaders would fail us last minute. Some go mute, others switch off phones, and still others just keep silent. Be reliable.?

By Fred Wambia