Leading
By Vickey Pahnke Taylor

I was recently blessed to teach at a Youth Leadership Conference in southern Ontario, Canada.  It was, as in times past, wonderful.  What a great group of youth and leaders!  What great energy and time went into that conference.  What marvelous opportunities were offered to those in attendance.  I send a big loving “thank you” to the leaders who provided such a conference.  (Especially you, President McBride – not to name names, or anything….). 

As my husband and I traveled back home, we talked about the wonderful spirit we felt while there, and how great it is that we have, in our Church, the chance to learn about true leadership.

We hear a lot about becoming leaders in our church and in our culture. Because the true definition of ‘leader’ is so vastly different from the world’s definition, it would do us good to ponder over the qualities a genuine leader would have. After talking with a large number of young  people, from varied and distant areas, I have compiled a short list, so to speak, of what youth – and their leaders- are looking for in Leaders.

I have taken that list and researched the words of our prophets and apostles.  Here are a few thoughts from our general authorities, in their own words showing us how important this ‘short list’ really is.  The great thing is that, as we watch and follow them, they prove to practice what they preach and ‘lead’ by their own example!

1)  Be humble and meek

“ Holding the priesthood does not mean that a man is a power-broker, or that he sits on a throne, dictating in macho terms, or that he is superior in any way. Rather, he is a leader by authority of example.” (President James E. Faust)

Doctrine and Covenants          is clear on this issue. We do not ever, any of us, really gain any ‘power’.  We do gain opportunity to grow in understanding and wisdom.  We do have occasion to grow in responsibility. We do come to learn that we must relinquish any thought of ‘power’ in order to give proper respect and honor to our Father in Heaven. 

2) Be an example yourself

 “You cannot lift another soul until you are standing on higher ground than he is. You must be sure if you would rescue the man, that you yourself are setting the example of what you would have him be.” (President Harold B. Lee)

President Lee is clear in saying that we must be sure, first, that we are heading in the right direction and that we are living what we learn.

3) Be consistent

“Steady devotion is better than periodic exhaustion….Even rigorousness has its rhythm.”  (Elder Neal A. Maxwell)

There is security where there is consistency. And good leaders recognize that the race is not for the swift but for the constant.  It seems everyone benefits when our dedication allows us to pace ourselves and not run faster than we have strength.  Sometimes, that causes us to collapse mid-course!

4)  Be optimistic

“With God’s help, good cheer permits us to rise about the depressing present or difficult circumstances… It is sunshine when clouds block the light.”  (Elder Marvin J. Ashton)

When in positions of leadership, there will be times of stress, concern, and trouble on occasion. A good leader, according to you young people- and our Church leaders – is one who can keep looking for that sunshine even during the storms.

5)  Be loving  ~  Really loving

“Love is like the polar star. In a changing world, it is a constant. It is of the very essence of the gospel. It is the security of the home. It is the safeguard of community life. It is a beacon of hope in a world of distress.” (President Gordon B Hinckley)

Love cannot be faked. People  really do need to know that they are cared about.  If that is absent, no amount of administrative abilities can compensate.  The recipe for success is minus the most important ingredient of all if we cannot learn to truly love those we lead.  It takes us in the direction of better understanding the most perfect Leader – the Savior. 

“{Leadership} involves…a personal and sincere interest in the problems and concerns of those who are being led and, most importantly, a willingness to get on one’s knees and seek for greater power than that which one naturally possesses.” 

President Gordon B. Hinckley offered those nourishing words at April conference May 1983. President Hinckley knows and understands “leadership”. He knows that our opportunities to lead teach us these five- and many other- important qualities. It is our honor to be called to lead---- it allows us to serve. It allows us to learn. It allows us to become better and kinder and more like our Father in Heaven.