There are many times in life where we are called to be leaders. Some people listen to this calling and some people don't. If you do listen to this calling, then you really need to be aware of what you are getting yourself into. Make sure you are the type of person that you want people looking up to for advice, mentoring, etc.
When you're new at being a leader, it can be very intimidating. Depending on what you are the leader for, you have big shoes to fill. You may be filling the position of a past CEO who helped end pollution in a certain rain forest. Or, you may be the leader of a school organization, which also has big shoes to fill, especially when the whole entire student body is looking to you for certain things.
Don't let any of that stuff intimidate you though, because you were called to be a leader for a certain reason. Whether God has this in store for you, or some one highly recommended you for the position, you have been chosen! I've put a short list of characteristics/requirements it takes to be a leader.
1. You have to be flexible.
This one isn't a choice, it's pretty important. You never know when someone is going to skip a meeting or not show up for an important event. You, the leader, are then looked at to have a back up plan or to fill in for this said person. Your needs don't always come first when you are working with a team, sometimes there will be choices you have to make that put you in a bad spot with your plans.
2. You should definitely be organized or have someone as an assistant to help you organize.
This characteristic is key when you have a team or company. You have to make sure you keep up with special documents or when and what your events are when you have them. You can't have a messy lifestyle and desk when you are expected to lead people.
3. Work, work, work, work.
I work all the time since I am a leader. I work constantly even when I'm not with my team or with my organization. I keep myself up to par so that I will not fail myself, God or my team as a leader. There are many different ways you 'work' as a leader, and some of them involve team meetings, group messages or focusing on making sure you are still in the position to lead.
Leaders in my book are people who have high moral conduct and are fit to lead people as a team, not just as a dictatorship. I have met many amazing leaders in my 20 years, but I have also met leaders that should not have been in that position. When you are called to be a leader, then lead. Lead people to Christ or lead people to a better job market. But, you have to make sure you lead them. Don't forget them in the dust or talk to them only when it is convenient to you.
