Andy Stanley is one of my favorite communicators. I thoroughly enjoy his podcasts and respect what he has accomplished. When I read several blogs touting must-read leadership books, his was on there. I picked up a copy of Next Generation Leader and was not disappointed.

Andy looks at 5 Essential Traits for those who will shape the future. I will overview the 5 C’s:

Competence

Leaders must channel their energies towards those arenas in which they are most likely to succeed.

Andy says his biggest mistake early in leadership was focusing on things which were not his strengths. Playing to your strengths and delegating towards your weakness is wisdom.

He sums this principle up by saying, “Great leaders know when to follow.”

Competence is not required of leaders in areas, only the right ones.

Courage

The leader is the one who has the courage to initiate, to set things in motion, and to move ahead.  Read more... (472 words, 4 images, estimated 1:53 mins reading time)