Part 2 of 4: Zero-Based Competencies in Leadership Development
By Partner Phil Stevenson
This is the second part of a four-part series, being published in subsequent months. Stay tuned for additional articles! View Part 1 Here.
In August of 2025, I wrote an initial blog for the Barnabas Brief on “Zero-Based Leadership Competencies.” “Zero-Based” competencies are foundational to any leadership development process. All leadership development must begin with these.
I identified six: Interpersonal relationships. The ability to communicate. Personal development. Servant-leadership. Self-awareness. Personal responsibility.
Here is Part Two of the “Zero-based Competencies.”
Interpersonal Relationships
All leadership begins with the ability to get along with others. John D. Rockefeller was credited with saying, “The ability to deal with people is as purchasable a commodity as sugar or coffee. And I will pay more for that ability than for any other under the sun.”
The ability to get along with others influences every area of your life. The better you are with relationships, the more successful you will be in anything you choose to do. You will do better in business. You will do better in community connections. You will do better in any leadership role you find yourself.
A key element in developing healthy interpersonal relationships is to show interest in others. You will want to strive to be the most interested, rather than the most interesting, person in the room.
The Barnabas Group is focused on this. We want to create a culture where we cultivate relationships built on investing in the success of others.
The Ability to Communicate
Communication has two essential components: What is said. What is heard. In reality, it is more about what others hear than what you say.
People will not follow if they do not understand where you want them to go. People will not act unless they understand what you want them to do. People will not respond without knowing what is expected of them.
The ability to communicate is built on four “C’s.”
Clarity
Consistency
Conciseness
Content
Work at developing your communication skills. The ability to communicate enhances the ability to lead. People rally behind that which they can understand and grasp. Communication is the leader’s method of providing understanding and the handles to hold onto.
About The Author: Phil Stevenson
Phil retired from ministry leadership within the Wesleyan Church in July 2023. In his 48 years of ministry, he has pastored three churches. He served in various denominational positions, including District Youth President and Director of Church Planting for the Pacific Southwest District, Western Area Youth Director, District Superintendent of the Wisconsin District, and Assistant District Superintendent of the Pacific Southwest District. At retirement, he was serving as District Superintendent.
Phil has an undergraduate degree from San Diego State University in Psychology, a graduate degree from Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego, California, and a Doctor of Ministry from Talbot School of Theology.
He has written seven books: The I in Team: The Leader’s Impact on Effective Systems (2025), You Can Do More Than You Think You Can (2024), The Ripple Church: Multiplying Churches, Five Things Anyone Can Do To Lead Effectively, Five Things Anyone Can Do To Start a New Church, Five Things Anyone Can Do To Help Their Church Grow, and How to Become a Ripple Church. He co-authored, with Dr. Gary McIntosh, Building the Body: 12 Characteristics of a Fit Church.
He and his wife Joni, live in Roseville. They have three grown kids and 8 grandkids.