At 34 years old, I still feel like a young leader. I mean… 34 is young, right?
But I began leading (a church) at 24 and here are 5 things I wish I would have been told:
1. Stayed grounded in Jesus
Ups and downs will come. Failure and success will happen. In seasons of failure, Jesus will give you the ability to stand. In seasons of success, Jesus will keep you on your knees. Stay connected to Him. Daily. In His Word. In Prayer.
2. You are not an expert
Never think and (for heaven’s sake) say out loud that you’re an expert. Why? You’re not! Maybe when you’re 50 or 60 you’ll be an expert. Even then, don’t think or say it. The people I consider experts… I respect greatly. Why? Because they’d never consider themselves an expert.
3. Say ‘thank you’ often
If someone gives you a chance, say thank you. If someone gives you their time, say thank you. Someone higher in the org chart even listens to you speak, say thank you! And don’t just say it or text it, send an actual thank you in the mail. Thankfulness is good for the soul and others will remember you for your thank you’s. P.S. You’re not entitled to anything! Nothing. The simple practice of saying thank you will kill the feelings of entitlement inside of us.
4. Let your actions speak for you
Have some success? Crush a project? Nice job! But don’t brag about it. Instead… hustle. And hustle. And hustle some more. Let your actions speak. Your results speak for you. Not your words. Don’t talk about yourself. Lots of people talk, good leaders spend time doing.
5. Go above and beyond
Don’t do what you’re told! Huh? Do MORE than you were told. Anyone can meet the bar, but few go above and beyond. Meet expectations and then some. Blow people away by consistently following through and going the extra mile. Crush it!
What do you wish you would have been told 5 years ago? 10 years ago?
Adam Weber is the lead pastor of Embrace. More at adamweber.com
