Reflections on Leadership: Lessons from the Journey

Reflections on Leadership: Lessons from the Journey

Leadership, especially in the complex and ever-evolving landscape of church and homelessness services, is as much about the heart as it is about strategy. As a Salvation Army officer, I’ve found that the intersection of spiritual leadership and effective management requires constant reflection, growth, and humility. The truth is, I don’t always get things right. Mistakes are part of the journey, but each misstep offers an opportunity to learn, to improve, and to better serve those entrusted to our care. While I’m far from the perfect leader, I’ve gleaned several key lessons over the years that shape how I approach my responsibilities.

1. Keep Jesus Front and Centre

At the core of everything we do in The Salvation Army is Jesus. Without Jesus as the foundation, our efforts, no matter how well-intentioned, lack the spiritual depth needed to truly transform lives. This isn’t just about prayer or devotion but allowing Jesus’ compassion, grace, and purpose to guide decision-making, particularly in moments of tension or uncertainty. As the old saying goes ‘What would Jesus do?’

2. Kindness and Respect Are Non-Negotiable

In the chaos of service provision, especially when working with people who have vulnerabilities, it can be easy to lose sight of the simple truth: people matter. Every interaction with staff, volunteers, and clients must be infused with kindness, respect, and dignity. Whether in moments of celebration or conflict, our words and actions have the power to uplift or tear down.

3. Seek Out Those Who Will Challenge You

Effective leadership isn’t about surrounding yourself with people who agree with everything you say. A diverse team, one that includes those who will question and challenge your decisions, is crucial. It is in that tension—those differing viewpoints—that the best outcomes are often found. Leadership is a collective journey, and growth comes when we allow space for honest dialogue.

4. Be Visible and Speak Into What Matters

I’ve learned the importance of being visible to my team and those we serve. Leadership from behind a desk doesn’t inspire confidence or trust. Being present in the service, engaging with staff and clients, and speaking into issues that matter to them fosters a sense of shared mission and unity. People need to see you care about what they care about.

5. Authenticity, Integrity, and Accountability

Being authentic doesn’t mean being perfect; it means being real. Authenticity in leadership allows for vulnerability, which in turn builds trust. Integrity—doing the right thing even when no one is watching—is foundational. And accountability, both to those we lead and to our mission, ensures that we remain faithful to the call placed upon us.

6. Always Ask “Why?” 

In the rush of daily tasks, we can become so focused on doing things the way they’ve always been done that we forget to ask, “Why?” Why is this process in place? Why are outcomes what they are? By challenging the status quo, we remain innovative and responsive, avoiding mission drift and ensuring that our services stay aligned with our goals.

7. Clarity and Expectations 

Ambiguity is the enemy of effective teamwork. In every aspect of leadership, from goal-setting to daily tasks, it’s crucial to ensure that expectations are clear. When a team knows exactly what’s expected of them and understands the objectives they’re working towards, they are empowered to succeed.

8. Risk with Purpose

Taking risks is part of leadership, but risk should never be for the sake of risk itself. When we take calculated, mission-driven risks, we open the door to innovation and growth. But when risk is reckless or without purpose, we jeopardise the stability and trust within our teams and services.

9. Work-Life Balance Matters

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that leadership isn’t about burning out for the cause. We work to live, not live to work. In a demanding role, it’s easy to let work take over, but prioritising family, personal wellbeing, and spiritual health is essential for long-term effectiveness. If we neglect ourselves, we can’t effectively serve others.

In Conclusion  

Leadership is a continuous journey of learning, adapting, and growing. It requires a balance of humility and strength, spiritual depth, and managerial skill. Most importantly, it requires a heart aligned with Jesus’ mission and a commitment to serving others with integrity and love. As I continue to lead in this vital ministry, I do so knowing that every day is an opportunity to do better, learn more, and bring hope to those who need it most.

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