Good leaders affirm the potential of those they lead. They bring out the best in them by showing them what they can be. That kind of affirmation gives people courage - the kind of courage that can propel them further than they ever thought possible.
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Your congregation is hungry to know that you believe in them.
I have a trainer, a guy who goes to Saddleback and used to be a fitness trainer for the Nebraska Cornhuskers and the Angels. I work out with him several times a week. He's a great friend, but I have one big problem with him. He keeps adding on more weight! He believes in me. That's what a good trainer does. He tells you that you can handle more weight.
And that's what a good leader does. Good leaders constantly tell people they can do better.
The truth is, everyone around you has tremendous potential. But we often miss it. Why? We're usually in a hurry. When I'm in a hurry, I don't stop to see other people's potential. Pastor, we're often on autopilot. We rush out the door and say, "Hey, how are you doing? Nice to see you." We don't even look people in the eye. We're not really talking to them. If you do that, you're going to miss a lot of potential in other people.
You can affirm people with just a look. When you give people your attention - your undivided attention - you're giving them the most valuable gift you can: your time. I remember one time I was reading the paper, and my daughter (when she was just a little girl) was trying to talk to me. Finally, she threw the paper down and grabbed my face. She said, "Look at me, Daddy!" I learned a lesson right there - love means looking.
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