The Baptist Digest

Mistakes That Leaders Make

October 2007

The number one leadership mistake is that of top down autocratic arrogance. This “Top Down” mistake often shows up in abusive authority and egocentric mannerisms.

In my own experience perhaps the most blatantly irritating practice of autocratic arrogance has to do with seeking and sharing information. Knowledge in an organization is power. An abusive leader can use this power to dominate those he leads by keeping them guessing and in the dark.

Complete disregard for the opinions of those led is another autocratic arrogance leadership mistake. It usually surfaces as a request for input or feedback regarding an issue that has already been decided. Sometimes it surfaces as a request for update information and is often responded to with a curt “I knew that already” snarl.

This type of behavior from a leader is totally unacceptable, even in the “heat of battle”. Scripture tells us as followers of Christ that we are to forgive the sins of those appointed above us and pray for them. I advocate this also, however, I must admit that I probably won’t be as forthcoming with information as I had been.

As followers, we must trust God to correct the wrongs inflicted by arrogant leaders. He often does this by humbling the offending individual. We are not to gloat when this happens but to do our part in the restoration to fellowship of one who has succumbed to the sin of arrogance, lest we fall prey to the same.

Abraham Lincoln said, “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.” The danger of power lies in the fact that those who are vested with it tend to make its preservation their first concern.

Leaders must accept responsibility for who we are, what we receive, and who we lead, because God will hold us responsible for what we do with His gifts.

Leaders must hold dear the sacred responsibility to lead that we have been granted and resist the temptation to “shine” before our own eyes. When we try to out shine our Lord Jesus, we are doomed to blindness and failure. Remember these words

… let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race set before us …” Hebrews 12:1

For a comprehensive look at your strengths go to strengthsfinder2.0.com and take the self-administered diagnostic. Let me know what you think.

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I thought you might like this column I read at baptistdigest.com. "Mistakes That Leaders Make" The number one leadership mistake is that of top down autocratic arrogance. This “Top Down” mistake often shows up in abusive authority and egocentric mannerisms. You can read the rest here: http://www.baptistdigest.com/archive/column/mistakes_that_leaders_make/