Hey Gang,

Being the pastor of a large and rapidly growing congregation, I seem to always be looking for potential leaders.  Some I have tried to help have grown wings have soared and some have sunk.  The better the team you build the farther the church or organization can grow.  My friend John Maxwell said, “Great leaders seek out and find potential leaders, and transform them into good leaders.”  This is a big part of the leader’s job.  Andrew Carnegie said, “Men are  developed the same way gold is mined. Several tons of dirt must be moved to get an ounce of gold. But you don’t go into the mine looking for dirt.”  So what does the gold look like? Especially undeveloped gold?

TEN CHARACTERISTICS OF A POTENTIAL KEY PLAYER:

1. Character.  This is the number one ingredient.  You can teach skills and many other things, but you can’t teach character.  This is one of the  non-negotiables. If you let this issue slide by you will be sorry!

2. Influence.  They should be able to influence their peers and others around them.  Remember leadership is influence nothing more, nothing less.  Look closely to see if they are already influencing others.  The position does not make the person, the person makes the position.

3. Positive Attitude. This is also huge!  It is hard to teach attitude.  It is more caught than taught. 

4. Excellent People Skills.  This is another deal breaker.  It is hard to get people to follow you if your people skill are bad.  People will quit following you even when you pay them after a while.

5. Recognized Gifts. People that you think are potential eagles must have gifts that are evident to the people around them.  What gifts do they have, and what gifts do you need?

6. Proven Track Record.  Your past performance is the best indicator of future performance.  What have they done?  What teams have they lead? What is their record?

7. Confidence.  I don’t mean pride or a mega-ego. They need to have confidence ’cause a lack of self confidence will kill leadership.

8. Self-Discipline.  This another huge issue.  A lack of self -discipline will destroy workers and a team.  This is a commodity that is in short supply.  Look at the area closely.

9. Can They Communicate?  This is another make or break issue!  If someone can’t communicate they might as well work alone.  It is hard to lead or make a big impact alone.

10. Are They Discontent With Status Quo?  Too many people are just O.K. with the way things are and will never rock the boat.  To be a potential great leader one must be somewhat discontent with the  way things are.  Great leaders are always looking for a better way to do things. They are open to new ways, ideas, and possibilities.

Maybe you are in the same spot as I am and need to  find great new leaders or potential leaders.  This list is a great place to start.  Maybe as you read this you want to be a great leader and you would love  to be found and used to your potential.  How do you stack up to the list?  Are you most of those things?  How  many of the ten characteristics define you?  This is a big deal as people are looking at you and  doors are opening all the  time for people who are ready.

Love ya,

Pastor