Some people say leaders are born while others insist they’re made. I think it’s both. Some are born with the temperament, aptitude and physical qualities that make them natural leaders. Others become leaders through discipline, hard work and sometimes necessity, shaping their skills through education and experience. There are also those who have been gifted by the Holy Spirit to lead (see Romans 12:8).

In another sense, we are all leaders because we influence those around us. So, what kind of leader are you? What kind of leader do you want to be? Do you have a desire to be used by God in influencing others in a godly way? We can always improve our leadership skills; after all, our Lord Jesus is the only perfect leader. Here are a few suggestions to help develop your leadership skills.

1. Choose to be an example to others.

Leadership begins with lifestyle. You can’t lead right if you don’t live right. I remember a famous missionary once said, “You can go no further in your outreach to people than you go deep with God.” People respond better to example than demand. As a pastor, I’m exhorted by Peter who said, “Not as lords over God’s heritage but being an example to the flock.” (1 Peter 5:3) The Apostle Paul instructed Timothy that his example involved the way he spoke, the way he showed love to others, the way he displayed his faith, and by living a pure life. (1 Timothy 4:12) Good leaders choose to lead first by example.

2. Challenge others graciously.

We all need challenges--something to motivate our best efforts. Most of us can recall someone in our lives that brought out the best in us by presenting us with a challenge. This kind of motivation helps people get the focus off themselves and on to a worthy purpose. Jesus did this when he called his disciples. He presented them the challenge of sacrifice of leaving all to follow him. He challenged their faith by giving them difficult tasks (see Matthew 10:7-8). He challenged their small-mindedness by presenting a global vision.

3. Choose to affirm others.

Great leaders also have the ability to instill confidence in others. In 1958, the Green Bay Packers were the worst team in the NFL. In 1959, Vince Lombardi became their coach and turned them into the best team in the league. They won five national championships in a row and the first two Super Bowls. Much of his success was through affirmation: he made his players believe that they could be champions.

Effective leaders treat people the way they want them to be

We can affirm others through simple things like eye-contact, giving them our undivided attention, and spending time with them. These subtle actions communicate that they matter to you, whereas avoiding eye contact and being distracted says they are not valuable. Effective leaders treat people the way they want them to be. Jesus dubbed Peter a “rock” even though he was more like shifting sand. He knew the potential in him that no one else could see.

4. Choose to trust others.

Leaders delegate responsibility and the authority to carry it out. Good leaders never micro-manage. There was a survey of grandparents who were asked, “What would you do differently if you could raise your children again.” The number one answer was, “I would do less for my children and teach them to do more for themselves.”

However, people will make mistakes requiring honest feedback from the leader. Jesus on occasion had to correct his own followers. Good leaders do this in a positive manner, never through personal criticism. Leaders know the value of “speaking the truth in love.” (Ephesians 4:15)

Remember, you’re a leader because you are influencing others. The question is where are you leading them? I hope these simple principles will help you hone your leadership skills so as to lead others toward God and a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ and others.