People need to know that you know what you are doing before they can follow you.

When Bill Hybels said these words at the Excellence in Leadership Conference of Daystar Christian Centre, I reflected deeply on them.

Leadership is about leading people. If no one is following you as a leader, you are merely taking a stroll. Someone once said.

Let’s reflect on some of Bill’s words at the conference:

What makes people follow a leader?

When that leader can show that he or she understands what they are going through.

When that leader can be NAKED and NOT ASHAMED before them.

Leaders that paint such a perfect picture of their lives will not be trusted by followers. When you make them feel that you CANNOT and HAVE NEVER MADE MISTAKES, they feel you are too distant from them. But when you tell them where you fell, they are able to relate better with you.

Don’t make your followers feel you are a robot with no feeling. People don’t trust machines.

Be vulnerable but don’t whine too much about the challenges encountered. Lead them to find a solution.

Show them your human side.

Remember, even Jesus wept