From Leading Followers to Leading Leaders

An important shift that takes place along the leadership journey is the move from

In the early stages of a new company, organization or church the emphasis is on leading followers. Just getting people to show up, fill a slot and be present is success.

However, as an organization grows, so must a leader’s emphasis and priority shift from a “Whosoever Will” mentality to a “We need you exactly to…” mentality.

Here are a few things I’ve learned about making this all important mindset shift as a leader:

1.  Start seeing the Organization differently.

     In order for you to change your perspective from leading followers to leading leaders, you have to begin to see the organization you’re leading from a different perspective. It’s a little like parenting. At every phase of parenting I have this moment where I look at my child and think, “Wow, when did they get so big?!?” 

     And the same thing is true of our organizations. There comes a moment where we have to step back and see that the organization we’re leading is bigger now. And bigger is not better or worse, it’s just different. A bigger child requires different things from their parent. And a bigger organization requires different things from it’s leader.

2.  Start seeing People differently.

     As an organization grows, a leader must change their perspective on the people who fill the leadership seats. Good hearted, well-intentioned people only go so far when it comes to leading at a higher level. If someone is good hearted and insufficiently skilled, they’ll hold an organization back.

     As a leader, its your job to keep your eyes open for those people in your organization who have the skills and potential to lead at a higher level.

     It will also be necessary to move good-hearted, well-intentioned people who lack the skills and capacity to lead at a higher level into new seats on the bus that better fit their skill set. I believe this is one of the most difficult decisions a leader must make. But it’s also one of the most important to the long-term health of the organization.

3.  Start seeing Yourself differently.

     As an organization grows, a leader must begin to see themselves differently as well. With more at stake, a leader must know and understand the role they’re required to play and be willing to face their own insecurities and fears for the sake of the good of the organization.

     Leading at a higher level requires boldness, confidence and clarity that leading a smaller organization does not. The leader who is unwilling to see themselves through a new lens will struggle to lead well as the organization grows.

At the end of the day, developing the ability to lead leaders not just followers will set up our organizations for success long-term, and it all has to do with changing the way we see.

Just a Leadership Thought…

Matt Keller