29 Leadership Principles I’ve Learned Thus Far

At the end of the week, I will be turning 30. For some of you, this may still make me a mere pup and for others you may feel I’m well on my way to the grave. But either way, I do feel as if this season of life has caused me to be a bit more reflective than I usually am. I’ve spent the last few days evaluating where I’m at and what I’m doing, what God has in store for me, where He is leading me, and what He is teaching me. I’ve also spent some time reflecting on what I have learned thus far specifically regarding leadership.

Thus, in honor of the last few fleeting days I have in my twenties, I’ve come up with a list of 29 leadership principles that I’ve learned so far. In no fashion do I believe that I have arrived at the leadership pinnacle. However, I do feel strongly about what the Lord has taught me along the way. I haven’t mastered all that is on the list, but these principles are at the forefront of my “leadership radar.” Sometimes I apply these principles to my life successfully and sometimes I don’t.

These principles are universal and yet extraordinarily personal to me. Some of them are original to me and others are from various pastors and authors. Either way, they resonate within the core of the leader I’m striving to become. This list certainly isn’t comprehensive nor is it exhaustive of all that God is challenging me regarding leadership. It probably could have been closer to 100 leadership principles as opposed to 29. But, you’ll have to check back in 70 years for the release of that list.

1. Family always comes first.
2. The best gift you can give people is a healthy, energized, fully surrendered, and focused self.
3. Humility is the hallmark of a spiritual leader.
4. Leaders must challenge the process because system will unconsciously conspire to maintain the status quo and prevent change.
5. Less is more.
6. Leadership comes from the front and the middle of the pack.
7. Hide the Word of God in your heart.
8. When little priorities demand too much of us, big problems arise.
9. A leader needs to be able to lead in all directions - north, south, east, and west.
10. Serve God and serve people.
11. Creative freedom emerges from order and preparation.
12. Our problem is not too little time, but making better use of the time we have.
13. It’s not about me.
14. A leader communicates vision by embodying it, personifying it, and by living it out.
15. The local church is the hope of the world.
16. Everyone influences someone. The question is what you will influence them to do.
17. People are your most appreciable asset.
18. Be slow to speak and quick to listen.
19. Great leaders know how to delegate.
20. The foundation of leadership is discipline.
21. Jesus never advocated playing it safe.
22. Replace yourself.
23. Build margin into your calendar.
24. Good is the enemy of great.
25. An indicator of success is the fun factor. If you don’t have it, then something may be wrong.
26. Think Big.
27. Vision is the art of seeing things invisible.
28. The true test of a person’s leadership is the health of the organization when the organizer is gone.
29. Prayer is foundational.

Below are some recommended reads about leadership. Some of the principles came from these books.

Bill Hybels, Courageous Leadership Oswald Sanders, Spiritual Leadership Andy Stanley, Visioneering John Maxwell, Developing the Leaders Within You Ed Young, The Creative Leader John MacArthur, The Book On Leadership Bob Briner, Men In Leadership