“Every top athlete and athletic team has a coach.  In the world of athletics, nobody performs his way out of needing a coach.  In the world of leadership, however, we operate under the misguided assumption that because we are leaders, we don’t need to be led.  Once we are recognized for our ability to ‘perform,’ we think we don’t need outside input in order to enhance our performance.  Consequently, we measure our leadership against what others are doing rather than against our God-given potential.  And in the end we never become all we could have been…

Self-evaluation is helpful, but evaluation from someone else is essential.  You need a leadership coach.

We tend to measure ourselves against the people around us.  They become our point of reference.  A good coach will evaluate your performance against your potential…

Unlike a typical mentoring arrangement, a leadership coach doesn’t simply advise when asked.  A coach is going to be more proactive in his instruction and evaluation.  A coach is often on the scene watching rather than in an office waiting for a report.

In the world of athletics, the coach does not withhold his opinion until asked.  Neither does he sit back and watch his protégé make the same mistake over and over without saying something.  In the same way, a good leadership coach will do everything in his power to ensure progress…

Every follower is a volunteer.  Abuse your position as leader and you will lose those you lead.  Nobody has to follow.  You can’t force people, even subjects, to follow.  You might be able to force them into submission, but you can’t force them to become loyal followers…

When I make up my mind about something, I don’t really want anyone telling me it is not a good idea.  Every leader I know leans in that direction.  So God, in His wisdom, has placed men and women around us with the experience and discernment we often lack.

If we are wise enough to listen, they will help us go farther, faster.”

Andy Stanley, The Next Generation Leader