I think every leader needs three things. Sometimes they can abide in a single person. They rarely do. A good leader is made of the people she surrounds herself with. But not just that, but how well the people around them are orchestrated.
What are the three? First, everyone needs a producer. This is the one who defines and guides the whole project. This is the one with the master plan. This for the leader is -GOD!! Every successful person needs to be connected to the big story. And have found the way to connect their story to His story. In addition I think every leader needs a group of people who are fanatical about the big picture with them. These are the production team. The ones who have heard God with the leader.
Whatever your polity, that core group of leaders will determine how large the dream is and how well the plan is executed.
Every leader also needs a director. A strategic plan directs the path of an organization. This produces a core group of people who execute the vision. Sometimes we think of staff here. But vital lay leaders and staff actually are usually the board of directors. They are directing the scenes. They are the bosses of the vision.
But just as vital and frequently left out of a leader’s repertoire is the EDITOR. I want to spend a little time here. We hear often of the first two groups. But I have found little written about EDITORS in your life. Not enough leaders have editors. I have been extremely blessed to have editors around me in every ministry I have done.
An editor tells you how you are not sounding like you want to. They are translators to the group. They know what you are trying to do and have the gifts to tell you when you are not doing it.
If a leader doesn’t have a couple of good editors around them, their gift will only partially be presented. These are godly critics. Here are some traits of a biblical editor:
- They have the growth of the ministry as a point of loyalty
- They are sold on the bottom line and vision of the ministry.
- They are compassionate and honest.
- They think one step ahead
- They need to be honest more than they need to be liked
- They are able to tell you when you are on the right track
- They don’t have to have credit
- They understand you aren’t perfect and are ok with that
I think all these groups develop as you process the journey in your ministry. I think it takes at least three to five years to get all the teams in place. And then it is constant growth from there. But the editor had better arrive on the scene sooner rather than later.
Do I think editors should be proven I have been asked?
Of course.
Where do you find these people?
You don’t, they find you.
Do they have official positions?
Often.
