Very few people, in the course of pursuing education, get leadership training. Even while I completed all necessary work during my graduate studies to earn my various degrees, none of the work at that time focused on leadership. Most pastors, principals, or presidents of colleges or seminaries were educated in a particular discipline or content area (social studies, New Testament, mechanical engineering) only then to be recognized as de facto “leaders,” who often learned more about leadership through observation than formal instruction.

I did not go to a school for deans or for presidents, nor did I take a mandatory course in academic leadership. So, I have done what most academic leaders do: make a lot of mistakes and try to learn from them. I’ve also found competent and large-souled people to prop me up! I guess such self-awareness could be considered the first lesson.

Scripture itself outlines some primary attributes that ought to mark the good leader. These include: would-be leaders first need to be servants (Matt. 20:26); they need to ask God for wisdom (James 1:5); they must stand firm in the faith, be courageous and strong and do everything in love (1 Cor 16:13).

On that foundation, I have learned a few other points along the way in my personal experience, which I would like to pass on. A leader ought to:

  1. Lay a foundation in prayer that is serious, faithful, and extensive. A leader cannot control everything; in fact, she or he can control very little. God is in control, and we are not. Prayer rightly places the leader under authority first, and this must not be forgotten.
  2. Create a healthy culture: Technique, skills, experience, and education all matter, but the bottom line is that the leader must focus on creating the right institutional culture. For me, that is a culture that faces the facts head-on and hires competent, intelligent, and kind people. It is also a culture where we expect people to work hard and show gratitude for their efforts, but also where employees are self-aware enough to take care of their bodies and souls.
  3. Understand finances: Very few pastors or presidents or school principals have training in finances. It is very important for every leader of an institution to have good, honest, and hard-working finance people around them who can articulate their knowledge and impart a reasonable understanding of it to non-numbers people, especially to the leader in charge.
  4. Think creatively: In our modern and post-modern world, with the many changes in technology and societies, it is imperative that the leader has imagination and can dream with others. I believe a leader needs about five to ten creative ideas for every one that will work (each aligning with the above-mentioned criteria).
  5. Clusters of advisors: A leader needs to have good consultants and trusted advisors around him or her, but more than that, it is important to have clusters of advisors. Some will be helpful with financial advising, others regarding the cultures and communications, and others for academics, etc. The art of knowing who to ask and when is an important art to learn.
  6. Exercise humility: The strong leader will be able to admit mistakes, apologize, and move on. A good leader makes many mistakes in leading to new frontiers and each mistake reveals new insights. Confession is good for the soul. It actually strengthens the soul and prepares the leader for new chapters in the life of the institution.
  7. Understand that every decision has consequences: Though we must acknowledge that some choices will inevitably cause pain, effective leadership requires moving forward with both strategic conviction and compassion, rather than allowing fear of criticism to paralyze progress. Sometimes bold decisions are needed and such decisions have known consequences that may be beneficial or that may hurt others; unknown consequences, likewise, may be beneficial or may hurt others. Good advisors will help the leader make such decisions, especially if there will be negative consequences, knowing that if we do NOT make this decision, the consequences may be far worse for the institution.
  8. Be faithful to the mission of the institution. If it is serving God faithfully, this overrides the preferences of any single individual. It is important to keep this in mind because in this fallen world, every decision will hurt someone. But such decisions are made for the singular purpose of promoting the health and sustainability of the institution.

In conclusion, the leader is called to serve the institution to further God’s mission, not to extend her or his power, influence, or reputation. If faithful to this call, servant-leadership will reap the benefit of joyfully seeing both the institution and those who serve there thrive and flourish.

Interested in learning more about leadership? Watch the short “Leading as Ligaments” video by Dr. Eun Ah Cho, Dean of the Gordon-Conwell Institute.

Dr. Scott W. Sunquist, president of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, is author of the “Attentiveness” blog. He welcomes comments, responses, and good ideas.