My friend Jayson Teagle graduated from Elon University and went to work at Giant Impact, a strategic partner of mine. As we’ve worked together, I’ve gotten to know and appreciate Jayson over the past couple of years. He is a dedicated student of leadership (“I can’t sleep at night because I’m so fascinated by the variables that make a great leader.”) He has a broad bandwidth. He reads voraciously, listens to and interviews many leaders and has presented seminars for Equip internationally.
After a really great dinner conversation recently, I decided to ask Jayson for his “biggest insights” about leadership. He took several days before he thoughtfully responded by email. I’ll share, in part, what he shared:
“There is a direct correlation between the success of leaders and their ability to manage their hearts.”
“The next-generation leader who does something significant will be categorized by one word: simple. We are consumed by massive amounts of inputs. The more inputs, the less outputs.”
“The next-generation leader’s biggest obstacle will be his or her own selfishness.” (I told Jayson that is true for all leaders.)
“Environment dictates behavior.” (I’m of the mind that perhaps “dictate” is a big extreme and that environment enhances or detracts behavior.)
“I am innately drawn to leaders who have an overwhelming sense of humility. It is contagious. I won’t follow anyone with a hint of an ego.”
Jayson and I share a God-centric worldview, so I’ll conclude with two comments specific to that:
“There will never be a major movement of leadership for global good unless God is involved.”
“The biggest thing bothering me today is how Christian leaders in business pray for clients, revenue, business growth but not the presence of God. It is arrogant to think that OUR businesses are so God-honoring that He will bless them.” Amen.
I appreciate Jayson for his candid insights and have learned from him.
Here’s an idea: ask a next generation leader what they’ve learned. It will benefit you both.
I have no sense of being a Christian leader or a business leader but I AM a Christian and I run a small (micro) business which is as God-centred as I can make it. Bless you for sharing this post.
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