2. Avoidance
The leader who ignores problems invites trouble to the church or organization. Problems never go away on their own. They fester and eventually explode. It may take a long time for them to be exposed, but they will eventually catch up with the leader. Yet, I have seen some leaders survive a long time while avoiding the real problems.
3. Indecisiveness
Every decision a leader makes is subject to opinion, and there are always at least two. Most of the time, many more. But leaders are called to make decisions when no one else can or will. Indecisiveness stalls progress and frustrates people. Yet, I have talked with countless staff members of very large churches who say their senior pastor can’t or won’t make decisions.
4. Control
Inflexibility on the part of a leader limits the church or organization to the level of performance solely of the leader. That’s always bad. Even if the person is a genius, there’s a lid placed upon the organization or church’s future. People feel squashed of their potential and underappreciated, producing half-heartedness and poor morale. Who needs that? But there are still growing organizations with controlling leaders (I didn’t say healthy … growing).
5. Pride
Perhaps the worst trait I’ve personally observed is the arrogance of a leader. It turns people away in disgust when they hear a leader brag on all his or her accomplishments. The braggart feels good personally, but is never as popular as he or she perceives. I’ve found if a leader is really good at what they do, they won’t have to tell others about it. And yet, know any arrogant leaders who apparently lead “successful” organizations … even churches?
That’s my list. Again, these are all bad leadership traits, in my opinion and observation. Some will argue that you couldn’t have these and lead successfully. That would depend, I suppose, on your definition of success, but, regardless, they are still bad traits … I would even say … the worst.
