Leadership

I've been thinking a lot lately about leadership and what it means. I'm an intern right now, so the next step 'up the corporate ladder' would be staff...which would involve leading the DTS students in the Fall. But what exactly is leadership and how does one become a good leader? It can't possibly be just about power and telling people what to do, because that would make it a dictatorship. It can't be doing what the people under you say, because that would be unfair and biased. 
I set out to discover what this meant and to learn how to be an understanding and effective leader. My tool was a book called "Understanding Leadership" by Mr Tom Marshall. He writes his book from the perspective of the New Testament found in the Holy Bible (That Christians follow). 
When considering the leadership in America he states that America does have really good managers, but leadership and management is not the same. Managers govern resources but leaders guide people. Therefore, if you are not a people person and cannot be patient, then leadership is probably not your calling. It's important to remember though, that within a setting, such as an office or a church, a leader is not more important then say the janitor, but their roles are different. 
Leading a group is tricky but not impossible. You always have to consider the group, yes you are in charge of them, but you do not rule over them. You guide. Setting goals and keeping your group motivated is a must. These goals should include immediate ones where the result is noted and ones that are more long term so there is something to strive for. Do not let the goals become your focus and lose considering the people. 
You will know what captivates your people if you get to know them. You cannot get to know them unless they know you and trust you. This all involves a level of openness and vulnerability, but be careful not to be too open or else they will not see you fit to be a leader. It is all a balance and a balance that can be achieved by focusing on the perfect leader whom we have in Heaven. 
If you are curious about leadership and how best to be one, then I encourage you to read this book and take notes. I have plenty of them on post its and a scrap piece of paper. 
A few points to remember are:

• Lead with patience and love
• Don't be afraid to address criticism but do so without judgement on the person
• Remember that God always sets the limits to what happens to us