“It’s Not About You!”

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Humility

In the book of 1 Peter, we read that we should “clothe yourselves in humility…God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble…” To be an effective leader you have to follow Christ’s example. Christ Jesus served those he led. He washed their feet. Fed them and gave them water to drink. Finally, He lowered Himself so that He could be exalted at the right hand of God. Leader, God has put you in this place for a reason.

Opportunity

I’m reminded of Mordecai’s response to Esther when she was afraid to speak to the King on behalf of the Jews. He told her that God put her in her position, close to the King’s ear for a specific purpose. If she wasn’t going to leverage her position, God would find someone else. We are not important in the grand scheme of life, yet God still wants to use us to accomplish His mission. You are in this place of responsibility “for such a time as this.” God in His infinite wisdom and grace has chosen you to lead. Do not miss the opportunity that God is giving to you. This is a blessing. No, it’s not easy, but it is your responsibility to lead your followers in the right direction. Cultivate a desire for service to others. Remind your team that humility is what reaps success, not pride.

Influence

The worst thing you can do is lead people in the wrong direction. Say a person has bad business practices and trains their employees to have these bad business practices as well. Are they not leading people? Can anyone be a leader without having good character? I’m torn with the answer on this because I know that leadership is influence, nothing more and nothing less. Everyone has influence, it is up to us how we share it with others. We know that eventually, this business will fail, and we see that there is a type of leadership that is not correct.

Character Drip

It has been my experience that no leader begins with the intention to lead people in the wrong direction. I think that every time a person of influence compromises their values they create a “character drip.” The more we compromise, the bigger the drip. Inevitably the drip can turn to a steady stream. This “character drip” can begin with the smallest desire to place personal needs over the needs of others. Good leaders get results and at times seek to take credit for all accomplishments. This attracts attention and others begin to follow suit.

Blinded Success

When we as leaders hear things like; “You’re Awesome,” or “I don’t know where this organization would be without you,” we begin to believe it. Pride creeps in and we begin to think that we are indispensable. Let not arrogance and pride settle into your heart. Be careful, as our success builds so can our ego.

[Tweet “Don’t let your success blind you into failure.”]

Leaders, we must have truth tellers in our lives to keep us grounded.

Are you allowing others to feed your ego and build your kingdom? Are you walking in humility and serving those God has placed under your care?