An ancient Hebrew proverb with particular relevance for leaders says, “Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds” (Proverbs 27:3).
Good leaders care for the needs of those in their charge.
According to Tom Rath and Barry Conchie, authors of Strength Based Leadership, all followers have four basic needs.
Consider these four needs in the lives of those you lead:
1. Need for trust
Can they trust the leader? Has he/she demonstrated a lifestyle of integrity?
2. Need for compassion
Is the leader concerned about their needs and empathetic or merely concerned with the success of the organization, or the completion of a project?
3. Need for stability
Does the leader work to create a organizational atmosphere of stability, or does there seem to be constant chaos?
4. Need for hope
Does the leader inspire people to hope?
My guess is that these needs increase during times of increased stress. What should we do with this information? Here are a few thoughts.
Some points for application…
Whether leading volunteers in a ministry, or leading employees at a business, these are important categories to be aware of as a leader and as a follower. (Most of us are leading in some arenas and following in others.)
If as a follower, you feel that all these needs are not being addressed by your leader, take heart. Consider this: you can set a different tone for those under your charge.
Even if you are under a leader or supervisor who doesn’t meet all these needs as well as you would like, do your best to model these characteristics in your own sphere of influence.
You may be surprised how you can influence the organization as a whole even if you aren’t the senior leader.
Don’t wait until you are at the top of an organization to start leading. As John Maxwell says “leadership is influence,” so use whatever measure of influence you have to move your organization towards greater health.
Thanks to Tom and Barry for this helpful book. As we are mindful of the needs of those we serve with our leadership, and serve them well in the advancement of the mission at hand, we will be better leaders.
[For more on this topic, see Strength Based Leadership, by Tom Rath & Barrie Conchie, p. 82]