Leading Up

A few weeks ago, I had the honor of attending an event where Jeff Henderson, the Campus Pastor for Buckhead Church was speaking.  He challenged everyone in the room to lead up, meaning leading the person that is in direct authority over you.  Most of us don’t think about that type of leadership.  Here are a few ideas that he shared:

1.  Be true to Scripture.

Pray for your leader.  This will put your heart in the best position to lead up.  It will also increase your humility!  How much time do you spend per week praying for your leader?  Not a new insight, but a great reminder.

2.  Be true to your Leader.

Know your leader.  Become a student of them.  Are they detailed or big picture?  Are they energized by being alone or by being around people?  What are their strengths?  How do they communicate best.

When you meet with them, don’t just present problems.  Also present solutions.

Ask your supervisor, “As you look at our ministry/business, what keeps you up at night?”

3.  Be true to yourself.

One of the best ways you can lead up is to know and improve yourself.  This doesn’t happen by accident and you must be intentional. If you do not grow, the organization will eventually outgrow you.  What are you doing to improve yourself.

I am grateful for the time I was able to spend with Jeff.  These things have motivated me to increase the ways I am leading up.