COMMENTS about this page: This is an outline I have used here in the US and overseas in working with mission leadership. There might be some thoughts you can use. This has worked well with me.

I SEE THE LEADER! Can you spot him?

How can we tell who would make a good leader? What are some simple characteristics we can spot in someone that would indicate he would make a pretty good leader? This is a thumbnail sketch of a potential leader. NOTE! We are assuming that the person we are looking at is walking close with the Lord and has a good spiritual track record. A good testimony. Ten leadership qualities to watch for ...

People friendly: A person who has a liking for people and seems concerned about others over himself. Has a sense of humor. Is sensitive to the needs of others. Keeps confidences. He enjoys being a team-player. Has a lot of friends that love and respect him.

Energy: A person on the move. Alert, always thinking. Good running mind. Enjoys work. He is not only self wound but winds others. A positive person, not a negative person.

A communicator: A person who communicates well. Seems to know what he wants to say and says it well. He thinks ahead of his mouth.

Intelligent and wise: A person who is basically smart and also wise in his out-look. he catches on fast. He shows a common sense approach to problems.

Creative: A person that seems to find a way, even if it may not be obvious. He has ideas and makes suggestions. Builds on the ideas of others. He keeps focused. Where there is a will there is a way ... he has the will and creatively makes the way.

Responsible: A person that has proven to be responsible. Thinks before he acts. Thinks before he speaks. Finishes what he starts.

Decisive: A person that finds it easy to make decisions and stand behind them.

Teachable: A person who is teachable and willing to take advice. Not threatened. He is able to be objective. Seeks to learn from anyone. Initiates his own learning. Reads, looks and listens. Keeps himself mentally fresh.

Thick-skinned: A person who isn't super sensitive. Not defensive in nature. He can take criticism and seems to roll with the punches. He doesn't allow himself the luxury of personal pity parties. Doesn't seem to internalize problems.

Humility: A person who is genuinely humble. He is able to see and admit when he is wrong and will apologize. Does not seek position, power or control. He is one who would wear authority well.

NOTE: Unfortunately having good leadership characteristics does not guarantee that one will be a successful leader.

RED FLAGS! Can you spot them?

Even with the best of leadership potential sometimes there are red flags that will quickly disqualify the candidate! Look closely at the common red flags that shoot down many good leadership candidates. If these flags are up and waving, the candidate is out.

Immorality: The candidate seems in a constant struggle in the area of personal morality. He is often found too close to the line. On occasion he behavior is obviously abnormal to a Christian ethic. Red flag!

Pride: The candidate is great but does have a problem with ego. He likes to be seen. He likes to be heard. He needs to be important. Major red flags!

Authority: A candidate that is effected by his authority. He uses it often. (Authority is a lot like carrying a pistol. It's there. It's seen, it's power is understood, but it is to be rarely used.)

Power: The candidate enjoys his power. He seems to enjoy his control over people. Major red flag!!!

Temper: The candidate does have a temper. Under certain stresses and conditions his temper comes out. This may be revealed in the sports activities he participates in. Red flag!

Lying: Sometimes people question this person's integrity. The candidate is sometimes loose with the truth. On occasion he stretches it to his own advantage. He has a deceptive side to him. On occasion the end can justify any means. Red flag!

Testimony/Perception: It seems unfair but history repeats itself. So do we. Ultimately a person will become who he really is. If a person hasn't proven to be a good leader on other occasions, placing him into another leadership position with the hope he will change will most likely prove disappointing. Red flag!

NOTE: Be sure as the Bible points out, that you don't place a young inexperienced man (no matter what his qualifications may be) into an important position of leadership. You will fight a biblical principle here. Youth has to be tested. Experience is not only a great teacher it's a great revealer.

NOTE: Having good leadership characteristics does not guarantee that one will be a successful leader.