INSECURE LEADERS ABOUND!

We live in a world of insecurity. It is everywhere — in business — in the marketplace — in the school system — in our government — and yes, even in the church. So much is happening in rapid succession that we can’t seem to get a break. One thing comes and before we handle that - another comes, and another. We are overwhelmed with stress and as a result we do not feel secure — thus, insecurity abounds.

This spills over into every facet of our society. Look at the business world — where managers and CEOs of corporations are here today, and suddenly gone tomorrow. There is little training (at least it isn’t apparent) for these people — they are reactive — not proactive. None appear to be secure. Turnover comes often. Business managers seldom are true leaders because they only enforce what they’ve been told. A true leader steps up and leads. Oh, how we need leaders today - people who are not afraid to dream and to live the dream - people who are secure and not afraid, looking over their shoulder. These are the people you want to stand by — to follow. Often, instead we are left with managers who only enforce a rule or a procedure, without even checking to see if their employees even know the rule or the procedure.

Look at the churches in America today —- men and women who are called to lead, instead are reactive and insecure. They hold the reigns of influence tightly in their hands, without even releasing or trusting others around them. Yes, you can spot an insecure leader — they stick out in the crowd. In this post, I want to give you three signs to look for in an insecure leader.

Before I give you the three signs, I want to remind you of a couple of laws of leadership. Many of you my know that I am a part of the John Maxwell Team, and certified as a Leadership Trainer and Coach. My mentor, John Maxwell wrote years ago a classic best-selling book, “21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership”. Let me remind you of Law #1 and Law #12.

Law #1 — The Law of the Lid

Basically, this says that the leader IS the lid of the advancement and progress of anything they lead, be it a company, a group, or even a church. In other words, if you want to take your team to a higher level, the leader must first go there. You can never lead anyone to be more than what you are yourself. If you are small, you can only lead small people. Ever wonder why some companies or stores stay the same — why do some churches stay the same in size and content? The answer is — look at the leader! Are they growing — are they learning — are they increasing themselves? Like water always seeks a level — so every company or group will never exceed for long past the abilities of their leader.

Law #12 — The Law of Empowerment

Basically, this says, that good leaders release others around them to succeed. Insecure leaders only hold back — tightly refusing to release those around them to exceed. One can never advance in a company or church where the leader will not release them to advance.

Remember what Paul the Apostle said in Philippians 2:3, “Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.”

Look in the mirror. Are you selfish? Are you always trying to impress others? Are you humble? Do you think of others as being better than yourself?

Since leadership is merely influence and everyone has influence — thus, you are a leader, and somebody is following you. What kind of leader are you?

Okay, I promised to give you three signs of an insecure leader:

1. They think of themselves as the “authority” -and no one else knows as much as they know - so they are secure in their authority. They talk with absoluteness in their leadership —- it’s as if no one can lead like they can. The have an “air” about them — no, not confidence but it borders on arrogance. Watch out for that “expert”!

2. They try to control everything and everyone around them. Sometimes their “control” is subtle — they are attempting to manipulate people and circumstances to put them in the best light in every situation. They are seldom vulnerable and open.

3. They refuse to release others around them to become what God has called them to do and to be — they never want to develop their talents — for fear they will be replaced. So, if you are a gifted and talented person, you won’t survive under their leadership. If you work for such a boss, you are limited at your advancement — you will be crushed, and you should prayerfully get away from that type of environment.

Let me close with a quote from John Maxwell, “A leader is one who sees more than others see, who sees farther than others see, and who sees before others do.”

Being a leader is an awesome responsibility. And every one of us is a leader in some area. Here’s the question: Are you secure? Or, are you showing signs of insecurity.

God give us secure leaders today in our world — in every area of society — and especially in the church world.