As a leader, you should listen to your team before you decide, not after you decide. The people working closest to an issue may see things you don’t see, so give them room to disagree, ask questions and bring ideas—even when you already have an opinion.
But listening does not mean every decision becomes a group vote. There are moments when, after hearing everyone out, you have to say, “I’ve heard you, but this is the direction we’re taking.” That’s part of leadership too. If you’re responsible for the outcome, you cannot continually hide behind the team’s opinion whenever a difficult decision has to be made.
One thing I’ve found important is knowing what kind of decision you’re making. Some decisions genuinely need the team’s input because they affect how people will work. Some decisions require specialised knowledge from particular people. And some decisions belong to the leader because they are tied to the vision, values or overall direction of the ministry.
Jesus Himself didn’t operate by taking a vote from the disciples before every move. He listened, taught them, answered their questions, and sometimes simply told them what they were going to do. Good leadership is not “my way or the team’s way.” It is knowing when to open the room for voices and when, after listening carefully, to carry the responsibility of making the final call.
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