Speaking at Willow Creek's Group Life Conference this weekend, my wife Mindyaddressed the question, "What's the most important qualification for leading a small group?"  Not education.  Not skills.   Not training.  Not charisma.   No, her most important characteristic for leading a small group: "Leading from a healthy soul." 

What do you think?  I think she nailed that one.  Who wants to be in group led by a stressed out, self-centered, inconsistent, vision-impaired leader?   Not me.  Who wants to lead others when you're scared, angry, performing or pretending to be something you're not?  Not me. 

But I think Mindy's wisdom goes wider than the small group leaders  audience.  Who wants to be in an organization or endeavor led by someone with a  self-centered, sick or depleted soul?  Not me.   If leadership is really about postive influence of people to move in the right direction, then good leadership starts with the leader's own internal direction.  And I've asked this of myself, "How can I lead others if I'm struggling to lead me?" 

What's the most important qualification for leadership?  It's a healthy soul.  Whether you're CEO of a corporation, leading a team, pastoring a church, head of your own small comany or leading your own family, the health of the organization comes down to.... you.    To your own healty soul. 

What do you need to do to lead from a healthy soul? 

Prioritize responding to how you answer that question and this just may transform your organization for the better... not to mention tansform you!

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