What Does God Teach Us About Leadership?

If you find yourself in a leadership role, be it as a parent, at work, or within the church community, are you using your position of authority in a positive manner? The goal is to build others up, and using these four benchmarks can help you discover how to make your leadership style more closely resemble God’s. Lead by ExampleIt’s a simple but true statement: our actions speak louder than our words. Are you exemplifying the behavior you expect your children or subordinates to follow?? Eliminate hypocrisy from your characteristics by following Jesus’s footsteps to show who you are, and not just tell who you are.Fight the Temptation of EgoIt is one thing to have confidence in yourself and your actions, but it’s another thing entirely to lead through pride and allow actions to be dictated by your own ego. When you sacrifice good for self-gain, you are not establishing yourself as a good leader.Let the Light Shine ElsewhereThe best leaders do not lead for the sake of attention or to receive  any affirmations. Understand that your work isn’t about you. It’s about the group, team, family, or community that you’re helping lift up. Any work achieved through teamwork should be credited as such.Leadership is ServiceAs a leader, it’s important to remember that, at the end of the day, God is the ultimate authority and the most important figure. Your title and the titles of other worldly leaders are not important. Keep in mind that you are not a leader for yourself, but for those you are leading.While thinking about these four things, read Matthew 23:1-12 and reflect on Jesus’s teaching about the scribes and the Pharisees. Reflect on your own authority in light of this gospel and ask yourself, “Is God my ultimate authority, and do I set a leadership example as such?” Take your reflection to prayer and ask the Lord for assistance in whatever virtues you need to improve upon.  At our Polk County schools, we foster an atmosphere of care and an environment of high expectations and effective discipline. To learn more about our schools in Polk County, contact us at 407-246-4800.