Effective Leaders

For a long time I have believed the statement that success is very tolerant. Many people find success in a variety of ways – just look at infomercials. One fitness program works better for one person than it does for another. Or we may look at business and Network Marketing industries. Some people succeed very well in one company or industry versus others. These success stories come in all varieties of shapes, sizes, backgrounds, and strategies. One of keys, I believe, are implementing the behaviors consistently. People can find success in both Zoomba and Chuck Norris’ Total Gym because of the set of behaviors they have committed to in order to get the results they desire.


In terms of the effectiveness of pastors, I do not see any difference. Pastoral leadership requires a definitive and unique set of behaviors. As a result, to achieve ‘success’ or to be an effective pastor means we must commit to employing those sets of behaviors.


I think it is important to remember from the research that the information gathered in the table are averages. The average age of the effective pastor was 42. This means there possible would be some very effective leaders in their 50’s or 60’s as well as in their 20’s or 30’s. We should not think that we have to wait until we are in our 40’s that we will somehow attain effectiveness. In similar fashion, we ought to consider the other elements contained within the table (tenure, years of experience, etc.).


In the business world, I have met some effective leaders of every age and background. One of the basic mantras I have heard is “Know what works; do what works.” This speaks directly to skills and behaviors. We have to know what skills it takes in order to be successful and effective in our particular realms of vocation. We then have to commit to the behaviors – to work the plan, so to speak.