Leaders can influence in many ways. The leadership compass includes leading those South of us (under our leadership and supervision), those North (our supervisor and those who lead us), ourselves (the center of the leadership compass), and also those who are East and West of us. These are people who are colleagues.
As a local church pastor, I meet with other pastors. We are actually friends. We don’t see each other as competition, but partners in God’s work in this world. I look for them to influence me and they actually accept leadership from me. I am part of a pastor’s group that meets once a month. We pray, share life, and learn from each other. Each time we meet, a different member of the group leads. I also grab lunch of coffee regularly with other leaders and we encourage and bless each other.
I am thankful every time I gather with other leaders. I am learning to lead and bless East and West. This means humbly receiving from others. It also means generously giving to them. Don’t see colleagues as a threat, but as partners. Model what it means to bless, encourage, and offer leadership and you will be amazed what you receive in return.