Leaders see further than others

One of the characteristics of leadership is that leaders see further than others see. Jesus cautioned people to count the cost before before beginning a project (Luke 14: 28). How can you count the cost if you cannot see the end from the beginning? Many people can't, but leaders can. Leaders can see into the future and spot potential problems that might keep their plans from coming to pass.

When I served on region staff we were asked to develop some goals for the upcoming year. The goal-setting tool I used then, and still do, includes a section that asks what challenges might keep me from achieving this goal. Before I begin a project, I want to know what might come up that will threaten my success in reaching the goal. If I can spot potential problems in advance, I can work to alleviate them  before they occur.

This same principle holds true when communicating potential change to a group of people. It's not enough to know the what and why of the change, a leader must also know what potential challenges he or she might encounter. If the leader can address people's concerns before they even express them, he or she will avoid a lot of arguments of why the change won't work.

I read recently that the vision a pastor should have for a church should exceed his time there. At my first church I had a vison for a new fellowship hall that would offer expanded ministry opportunities. I further challenged the church to build the facility without borrowing any money. They agreed to build it without incurring any debt.  Little did I know that when the subfloor was laid I would be called to another ministry position. The good news is that the church completed the building, and it was built debt-free. I was delighted when I was invited to  speak at the dedication service for the new fellowship hall.

Will the leader identify every potential twist and turn when communicating vision to others? No, but if he or she cannot identify at least a few potential challenges it's probably not a good idea to move forward. They don't understand the vision well enough to lead it, and there is too much risk they will lead the organization into trouble.