Most of the struggles we are facing as youth workers come back to leadership issues. We didn’t plan, correct, rebuke, consider or care about something and now it’s become a frustration. Investing in our own leadership development can mean a lot to your sanity. If you avoid leadership then you will struggle and ministry will be frustrating. If you invest in your own personal leadership skills then ministry can become a joy. Here are three ways to invest in your own leadership development:

1. Ask your followers where you are coming up short in leadership
I know this will be tough but if you can get their perspective it will open your eyes and help you develop self awareness. This humble action will also communicate that you are a learner and want to grow. Their insight will give you issues to work on and will make you a better leader quicker than any other thing you can do. A good question to ask followers is “where can I grow as a leader?”

2. Ask your followers what is your greatest leadership strength
This question will allow you to see what you can build on. Move toward your strengths, grow them and use them as often as possible. Leading by your strengths will help you grow as a leader.

3. Ask for help
Ask a leader you respect to start meeting with you and teaching you their secrets to leadership. Everyone who is a successful leader has insight into how you grow in leadership. The reason I know this is because leadership is born out of mistakes. Leaders remember the mistakes and can help you avoid them.