Leadership isn’t just about what you do - it’s about how you make people feel. The best leaders don’t just manage tasks or lead from a distance; they make it personal. They slow down, stay present, and intentionally invest in the people around them.
Jesus modeled this kind of leadership best. He knew people’s names, shared meals with them, and took time to listen and care. In John 13:34-35, he said, “Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” Great leaders reflect Jesus by leading with love, making others feel seen, known, and valued.
Ultimately, what sets leaders apart is the conscious choice to engage in relationships, being personally invested in people’s lives. We know this because lots of us can point to a relationship that changed the trajectory of our lives for the better: a family member, a mentor, a teacher, a coworker. Whoever it is, there’s usually a person behind the things that propel us into living out our potential.
And as followers of Christ, this in turn opens people up to explore faith and follow Jesus.
20 things great leaders do
If you want to be the kind of leader people trust and follow, the kind that makes an eternal impact in the lives of others, these 20 small but powerful habits will set you apart:
1. Express love openly. Encouragement should never be held back. Great leaders call out the good they see in others, offering words of appreciation freely and often.
2. Smile a lot. Your expression sets the tone. A genuine smile makes you more approachable and reminds people that you care.
3. Make all the friends you can. Leadership is about relationships. Don’t just lead people – know them. Stay connected, build trust, and invest in friendships.
4. Pray for people when they ask. It’s easy to say, “I’ll pray for you.” But great leaders pause and pray right then and there, making the moment personal and meaningful.
5. Practice the 30/30 principle. The 30 minutes before and after a gathering at church might be the most important part of the day. Show up early, stay a little later, and be available for conversations that matter.
6. Walk slowly through the atrium. People over tasks. Instead of rushing from one thing to the next, be interruptible. Slow down and make space for connection.
7. Be prompt with your responses. No one likes to be left hanging. Leaders who respond quickly – whether it’s a text, email, or message – show people they’re valued.
8. Write personal notes. In a world of texts and emails, a handwritten note feels like gold. Taking the time to write something meaningful won’t go unnoticed.
9. Laugh more. Leaders who take themselves too seriously miss out on moments of joy. Don’t be afraid to have fun!
10. Connect people with others. Great leaders don’t just build relationships – they help others do the same. Pay attention to who should meet who and make those connections happen.
11. Remember names. Few things make someone feel more seen than being called by name. Work at it – and if you forget, just ask again!
12. Find resources to grow relational skills. None of us get relationships right all the time. The best leaders are lifelong learners, always looking for ways to grow in how they connect with others.
13. Focus on their interests. People need to feel known. Ask about what matters to them and remember the details. It makes a bigger impact than you think.
14. Choose personalized follow-up. Whether it’s a text, a coffee invite, or a quick call, choose what will make the person feel most valued (even if it’s not the most convenient option).
15. Spend time during the week with volunteers. Great leaders don’t just connect with people on Sundays. They take time to invest in volunteers throughout the week, showing they care beyond the role they play.
16. Spend time during the week with attendees. People aren’t projects – they’re people. Make time for conversations outside of scheduled gatherings to let them know they’re seen.
17. Don’t rush. When we hurry, we miss opportunities to connect. Slow down, ask an extra question, and be fully present in the moment.
18. Create margin to make it personal. Connection doesn’t happen by accident. It takes intentionality. Create space in your schedule so you have the time to show up for people.
19. Look at core tasks and ask, “How could I make it personal?” It’s easy to go through the motions. But what if every task was an opportunity to invest in someone? A small, intentional touch can make all the difference.
20. Use processes as tools to build people. Structures and systems are important, but they should always serve people – not the other way around. Look for ways to use existing rhythms to empower and activate people toward their purpose.
Leadership that leaves a legacy
At the end of the day, great leadership isn’t about position or authority. It’s about how you love and serve people. It’s about making it personal. Whether you’re leading a team, a Group, or just one conversation at a time, these habits will help you be the kind of leader people are drawn to and impacted by. What’s one habit you can start practicing today?
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You have influence – right where you are. Leader Track will help you discover how God has wired you for a unique purpose and how to use your strengths to make a difference. Whether inside the church or out in the world, your impact matters. Expand your influence and sign up for Leader Track!
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LCBC stands for Lives Changed By Christ. We are one church in multiple locations across Pennsylvania. Find the location closest to you or join us for Church Online. We can’t wait to connect with you!