Five Habits of Potential Leaders | Think Like a Leader

Summary

This video explores how to identify potential leaders in any context—whether business, church, or campus ministry. Drawing from the story of David in 1 Chronicles 11, five key signs of leadership are highlighted: leaders lead without titles, lead people with relational skills, do hard things, go first, and build something meaningful. These traits help identify future leaders who are already leading, connecting with others, taking initiative, and working through challenges. The message encourages looking within existing teams and recognizing those showing leadership potential.

Takeaways

• 😀 Leadership is about action, not titles; potential leaders lead even without formal authority.
• 😀 True leadership is fundamentally about leading people, not just managing tasks or organizations.
• 😀 Potential leaders demonstrate relational intelligence and the ability to connect with and inspire others.
• 😀 Leaders take on difficult challenges and do hard things rather than seeking the easy path.
• 😀 Courage is a hallmark of leadership; leaders go first and set the example for others to follow.
• 😀 Leadership often involves risk, and those willing to take risks may be future leaders.
• 😀 Building and creating structures or systems is essential; leaders not only act but also develop sustainable outcomes.
• 😀 Observing who people naturally follow can help identify potential leaders in any context.
• -
• 😀 Leadership development requires recognizing initiative, courage, and relational ability in others before assigning titles or positions.
• -
• 😀 Many potential leaders are already present in growing ministries, organizations, or teams—they simply need to be recognized and nurtured.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the conversation in this script?

The main focus is identifying potential leaders, specifically looking at the qualities and behaviors that indicate someone may have leadership potential, as demonstrated through the example of David in 1 Chronicles 11.

How does the speaker define leadership in the context of this script?

Leadership is defined as taking action and guiding people, not just holding a title or position. True leaders lead regardless of formal recognition, titles, or resources.

What is the first mark of a potential leader mentioned in the script?

The first mark of a potential leader is that 'leaders lead'. A person demonstrating leadership doesn’t wait for a title or position but takes initiative and acts.

How does the speaker explain the difference between leading people and leading projects or organizations?

Leading people is seen as the foundation of leadership. The script emphasizes that while projects, organizations, and institutions may be led, the core of leadership is the ability to guide and connect with people.

Why is 'doing hard things' an important trait for a potential leader?

Doing hard things shows a leader’s resilience and willingness to face challenges. Leaders who avoid tough situations may lack the qualities needed for effective leadership, while those who take on difficult tasks demonstrate strength and commitment.

What is the significance of leaders 'going first' according to the script?

Leaders going first means they set the example and take the risks before others follow. This is essential in proving leadership by showing initiative and courage, rather than waiting for others to act first.

What lesson does the speaker take from Peter Drucker’s story about World War I generals?

The lesson is that effective leaders are those who are willing to be at the front lines, both metaphorically and literally. The story highlights that many leaders in World War I failed because they stayed in the back, sending others to risk their lives.

What does the speaker suggest about leaders who are not necessarily the smartest or most skilled?

The speaker suggests that leadership doesn’t always come from being the smartest or most skilled. In their own experience as the senior pastor, they became a leader not because they were the best at everything, but because they were willing to go first and take the initiative.

What is the final mark of a potential leader according to the script?

The final mark of a potential leader is that they 'build'. Leaders don’t just take initiative or face challenges; they also focus on long-term, sustainable development by building structures and processes over time.

How does the speaker suggest that potential leaders can be identified in a growing ministry or organization?

In a growing ministry or organization, potential leaders can be identified by their ability to lead people, do hard things, take initiative, go first, and build something lasting. The speaker believes that potential leaders are already present and need to be recognized for these traits.