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Selecting the Right People is the Key to Successful Leadership
Key ingredients for potential leaders.
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In a speech to West Point cadets following the Persian Gulf War, Gen. H. Norman Schwarzkopf put into perspective not only our strength in the military but also our strength in business, church and family. Addressing the young men and women who will play a leading role in our country's military future, Schwarzkopf said: "In the final analysis, you should never forget that the airplanes don't fly, the tanks don't run, the ships don't sail, the missiles don't fire, unless the sons and daughters of America make them do it. It's just that simple." Leaders must realize the critical need of selecting the right people is more important than ever, and people's importance is more powerful than ever. As Schwarzkopf also said, "If they fail, their leader fails." People are any organization's foundation. Think about it. In a family, without people meals are not prepared, money is not earned, bills are not paid, love and care are not given, safety and security are not provided. In a business, without people sales are not made, production does not occur, research is not conducted. In a church, without people classes are not taught, committees do not function, programs do not run, services do not take place. Unless men and women make it happen, it does not happen. It is just that simple. Putting the right people in the right place at the right time is a critical component of leadership. Select the right people and churches, businesses and organizations thrive. Select the wrong people and the door swings open for problems that stifle growth and productivity and hurt credibility. Often in selecting people for jobs, we make a lot of assumptions. An effective leader needs to minimize those assumptions by employing a selection process that puts the right person in the right job at the right time. How do we select the right people? Here's what to look for: People who are called. Called people are motivated by something deep within themselves, not by the accomplishments of outward adornments. Called people are purpose driven. There is a deep purpose about their lives that flows from a divine perspective. Called people are not trying to promote themselves but a higher cause. People who are called discover something bigger than themselves—a mission, a challenge, a goal, or a movement, that draws them into an arena. Called people have a sense that God's hand is upon them whether they are engaged in a secular or a Christian vocation. They know that God has directed them to whatever type of service or work they provide. They experience a "have to" feeling. In other words, they do not feel a sense of choice in the matter. Consequently, they do not quit, and could not quit if they wanted to. People who have character. Character is a high standard of living based on a personal morality code that doesn't succumb to a moment's whim or the majority's dictates. Character is to personal integrity what health is to the body. People with integrity have nothing to hide and nothing to fear. Their lives are an open book. |             |
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