Over the past few posts in our 11 Ministry Priorities to Lead Us Forward series, we’ve been unpacking what it means to lead in a way that is both intentional and impactful, by exploring a set of five Ministry Priorities grouped under the banner Action-Focused Leadership:
Priority #4 … A Connected Team … We lead best when we lead as part of a connected team that is not only about sharing the workload but is built on the diverse skills, perspectives, and experiences each member brings to the table
Priority #5 … Excessively Accessible … Following the example of Jesus, we need to be leaders who are approachable and responsive through serving others, bearing burdens, showing hospitality, providing encouragement and support, and meeting practical needs.
Priority #6 … Informed to Encourage Action … Sharing clear, timely, and purposeful information – while staying informed ourselves – so that those we lead are equipped, confident, and ready to act with clarity and purpose.
Priority #7 … Consultative but Decisive
Priority #8 … Strong Support Structures
As we continue this journey, we now turn to a principle that sits right at the tension point of team leadership: being CONSULTATIVE BUT DECISIVE.
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“Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many advisers bring success.”
Proverbs 15:22 (NLT)
“If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.”
James 1:5 (NIV)
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EVERY VOICE MATTERS … GIVE ‘EM A SAY
At its heart, Boys’ Brigade leadership is relational. We are not running programs in isolation – we are leading boys, partnering with parents, and serving alongside fellow leaders. That means people matter, and people need to feel heard. Giving people a say does not weaken leadership – it strengthens it.
When leaders invite input:
- Teams feel valued and respected
- Ideas are sharpened by diverse perspectives
- Ownership increases across the group
- Buy-in replaces resistance
Moments of consultation communicate something powerful: “You matter. Your voice counts.” When people feel heard, they engage differently.
Jesus modelled this consistently. He asked questions. He invited responses. He involved His disciples in the process. Even when He already knew what He was going to do, He still drew people in – not because He needed the information, but because they needed the involvement.
As leaders, we do the same. We don’t just make decisions for people—we engage people in the journey.
Consult Early, Consult Often…
If consultation is valuable, then when and how often we do it matters. Too often, leaders fall into one of two traps:
- Consulting too late (when decisions are already effectively made)
- Consulting too little (only when forced to)
Healthy leadership flips this:
- Consult early … Bring people into conversations before decisions are locked in. Early input creates better outcomes and avoids unnecessary friction down the track
- Consult often … Build a rhythm of seeking input—not just for big decisions, but as part of everyday leadership. This creates a culture where communication flows naturally and expectations are clear
Consultation is not an event – it’s a posture. When done well, it creates clarity, unity, and shared direction.
…BUT Don’t Shy Away from Making the Call
Here’s the tension: consultation is essential – but indecision is costly. At some point, a leader must lead.
One of the greatest frustrations in teams is not bad decisions – it’s no decisions. When leaders hesitate, delay, or avoid making the call:
- Momentum stalls
- Confidence drops
- Confusion grows
- Opportunities are missed
This is where the second half of this priority comes into play: be decisive.
After listening, weighing input, and seeking God’s wisdom, leaders must step forward with clarity and conviction. Not everyone will always agree with every decision—but people will respect clarity far more than uncertainty.
Good leadership is not about making perfect decisions every time. It’s about making timely, thoughtful, and purposeful decisions that move the team forward.
Holding the Balance
The challenge – and the opportunity – is holding these two together:
Consultative … inviting input, listening well, valuing people
Decisive … stepping up, making the call, moving forward
Lean too far one way, and leadership becomes either overly controlling (decisive without consultation) or paralysed (consultative without decision-making).
But when these are held in balance, leadership becomes:
- Inclusive and clear
- Relational and effective
- Thoughtful and action-oriented
This mirrors the leadership of Christ. He listened, engaged, and invested deeply in those around Him – yet when the moment came, He acted with authority and purpose.
So, What Does This Look Like This Week?
As you lead, consider:
- Who can I invite into the conversation that I might normally overlook?
- Am I consulting early enough to genuinely shape the outcome?
- Is there a decision I’ve been avoiding that now needs clarity?
Leadership is not about having all the answers – it’s about creating the environment where the right answers can emerge, and having the courage to act when they do.
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Being Consultative but Decisive is not a contradiction – it’s a calling.
It’s about leading in a way that says:
“I value your voice”
“I will listen well”
“And when the time comes—I will lead with clarity”
When we do this well, we build teams that are not only heard – but also led.
Reflection Questions
What’s ONE way I can better invite input from those I lead?
What’s ONE decision I need to stop delaying and move forward on this week?
Let’s continue to exercise action focused leadership!
JASON KNIGHT
President, The Boys’ Brigade Queensland