In his book The 360 Degree Leader, John Maxwell includes a brief synopsis of the two motivations that good leaders must balance.  The first is the motivation to fulfull their Vision.  The second is to see others succeed.

As a leader in the church commissioned with accomplishing the Vision through volunteers, these two motivations are realized even more fully.  In the church, I cannot lead through positional leadership - “you must do what I say because I am your boss and I control your paycheck.”  I must lead utilizing relational leadership - “I have earned your trust and respect now let me walk alongside you as we move into the future together.”

Relational leadership is about helping others succeed.  It is seeing the potential in people and helping them accomplish their realized and unrealized dreams.  It is adding value to their lives and celebrating their victories - both great and small.  And to be a great leader, you find ways to channel this individual success into organizational success.  You find ways to align individual’s dreams with your organization’s dreams.

When you are in a position where relational leadership is required, here are three questions those you lead are sub-consciously asking:

  1. Can I trust you?
  2. Do you have a passion for this?
  3. Do you care about me as a person?

If you are attempting to be a relational leader, those you lead must be able to answer “Yes” to all three of these questions.  If they cannot, you are running the risk of being out-of-balance in your two motivations and of losing your leadership influence.