Recently during annual reviews with my team, I asked each person who reports to me to offer me feedback through the lens of “start, stop doing, and keep doing.” What am I not doing that you would like me to start doing? What am I doing that you wish I would stop doing? And what am I doing that is important to you that I keep doing? Through this process, I always learn a lot about myself, what matters to people on our team, and adjustments I should make in my leadership. I have a team filled with great leaders. They are incredible, and the feedback they gave me reminded me of five things about great leaders:
1. Great leaders love high expectations.
None of the leaders on my team placed “high expectations” in the “stop” category. It was only placed in the “keep doing” category. Great leaders love high expectations because they want to be a part of something significant. Because great leaders hate stagnation, they want to be pushed to do their best work.
2. Great leaders love to learn.
The most common response to the “keep doing” question revolved around leadership development, around challenges to the team and the books and articles I ask people to read. Great leaders love to learn because they know that as they are developed, the people they serve benefit.
3. Great leaders love to learn together.
Not only do the people on my team love to learn, but they also love to learn together. Great leaders love learning together because they know others have a lot to offer. Great leaders love community because they understand they do not have all the answers.
4. Great leaders want spiritual leadership.
Spirit-filled leaders are the best leaders because people benefit greatly from leaders who are filled with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Thus, great leaders want to be shepherded spiritually. They want someone to remind them of who they are and to point them to the great mission and the One whom they ultimately are serving.
5. Great leaders want strategic leadership.
Great ministry leaders aren’t expecting to get compensated for having group devotionals all day. They aren’t expecting you to facilitate their daily devotional. While they love spiritual leadership, they also want a leader who offers direction and a plan to get there.
