Leadership Styles

I recently attended a mentorship meeting where Leadership Styles were discussed. It wasn't a new idea, but the perspective on leadership has had my mind wandering ever since. Here's the basics: there are three different modes of operation for leaders. There isn't one better than another - it isn't a hierarchy - and all people can operate in any mode, especially if there are deficits. We are, however, naturally inclined toward one.

• Tactical Leader: a tactical leader is task-oriented. They are the ones that make everything happen. They get into a situation and start doing.

• Strategic Leader: a strategic leader is about strategy. They think critically, question everything, and are great at overcoming obstacles because they've looked at situations from so many perspectives.

• Visionary Leader: a visionary leader sees the whole picture. They are likely not focused on details, but they know what the end result should be, and are working/dreaming toward the expectation of that big picture.

Taken together, these three styles bring out the best in each other. One sets a destination, one navigates, and one drives the car. Again, one person can operate as all the pieces. I have successfully arrived at many destinations on my own. Yet the design of the system cries of God: we work better in relationship with others. While it isn't always easy (especially because we have different perspectives on the world), leaders need each other. Teams succeed where individuals often don't.

    And if [a]one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart. -Ecclesiastes 4:12

Naturally, I tend toward the Visionary Leader. I think I have felt so lost lately because I don't have a vision. I see a problem with many of the systems in my life, and I know I want to change them, but I don't have a vision of what that change will look like. I don't feel passionate toward anything right now. I haven't had time to spend alone with God to help me seek a clear vision, so I have ideas, but no focus.  That means each day, I work, come home, and wander, feeling entirely unfulfilled. 

I want to make changes to Education, Church, and probably most importantly, my Family. But without vision, I wander aimlessly, trying to put ideas into action haphazardly and unintentionally. I want a team and a vision meeting or two. I want to walk away from a meeting with a clear purpose: a mission and a vision that extend outside of the walls of my current situation. 

Sounds like I know my next steps (strategy). Now I just need to do it (tactician).