CYM to CEO: 7 lessons in leadership

In June 2005, I moved from youth nights to websites. From skits and music to code and graphics. From teens and volunteers to prospects and team members.

But from Youth Minister to CEO, I found that one thing didn't change:

The leadership principles that form the foundation of fruitful youth ministry are the same ones that are instrumental in growing a successful business.

Josh Simmons, GabrielSoft Founder and CEO

Here are the 7 lessons in leadership that I learned as a youth minister and I still apply as CEO of GabrielSoft:

1. Pray - "…because without me you can do nothing" (John 15:5). This is just as true in business as it was in youth ministry.
2. Be passionate - Passion inspires. Passion is contagious. Passion sells. Lead, serve, and sell with passion!
3. Be authentic - Be real. Be authentic. Be transparent. If you don't, your teens will see right through you. So will your team, prospects, and customers.
4. Be relational - The most effective form of ministry is relational. The most effective form of business: foster relationships through unbelievable service.
5. Be creative - We live in a noisy world. If you want to capture the attention of teens - or prospects - you have to be creative and unique in your approach.
6. Build an all-star team - The secret to growing a successful anything is to recruit an awesome team that is passionate about your cause.
7. Persevere - Ministry is hard. So is business. So is life. Discover and stay connected with your "why" and you'll have the motivation and inspiration to persevere.