Rev. E. Anderson
SEVEN ASSETS FOLLOWERS WANT IN A LEADER
By John Maxwell from the Maxwell Leadership Bible based on Gideon.
People always ask, ‘Why should I follow you?’ Leaders must understand that they themselves go on display before they ever get the chance to display their vision. Once followers gain confidence in the leader, they will feel confident about the vision.
Note seven qualities that attract people to a leader.
1/. CALLING.
Few things are as compelling as a leader’s clear calling. Beforehand, Gideon had lived in fear, doubted himself, and asked for multiple signs to confirm his mission. But once he embraced his calling, passion and boldness filled his heart.
2/. INSIGHT.
People respect a leader with insight, wisdom to see the issues, and vision to see what lies ahead. God gave Gideon insight into the weak hearts of the Midianites. By the time Gideon called his men to battle, he understood that God had assured their victory.
3/. CHARISMA.
eople flock to leaders who make them feel good about themselves. When Gideon invited the people of Ephraim to join in pursuing the Midianites, they reacted angrily. But Gideon helped them see the significance of their role by reminding them that they had captured and killed the princes of Midian – Judges 8: 1-30.
4/. TALENT.
Look no further than the entertainment industry for evidence that followers swarm around talent. While we don’t know much about Gideon’s natural abilities, the angel called him a ‘mighty man of valour’ and instructed him to ‘go in this might of yours’ – Judges 6: 12. More than likely, Gideon possessed both physical strength and courage.
5/. ABILITY.
People feel a natural attraction to someone who can get things truly done. Gideon did not attempt to get the Ephraimites on board until he had proven his own ability.
6/. COMMUNICATION SKILLS.
leader who cannot communicate his calling and vision has trouble getting anyone to buy in to his leadership. Whenever Gideon spoke to his people they understood him and eagerly followed.
7/. CHARACTER.
It takes character to win and maintain trust. Gideon started out strong, standing up when elders wouldn’t. He displayed courage in the face of incredible odds. But in the end, a flaw in His character betrayed both him and the people. After his victories, Gideon created an idol and erected it in Ophrah: ‘All Israel played the harlot with it there. It became a snare to Gideon and to his house’ – Judges 8: 27.
