Whether you’re running a business, running a home, or serving in a ministry, you’re called to lead others. Leadership is influence. If you have influence over anyone in your circle, you’re a leader.
Think back to the books you’ve read … courses you’ve taken … leadership seminars you’ve attended … the leaders you have observed at home, in church, in the marketplace, or in the community. Put all your experience and training together and consider this question:
If you could choose just one leadership skill to cultivate – one that would make you the best leader possible – what would that be?
Hold that thought. And read on.
Is Effective Leadership a Product … or a By-Product?
These days, leadership development is touted as a product. That’s why you may be tempted to think of becoming a leader as a series of steps or the sum of specific activities: “Learn to take initiative. Find 3 ways to motivate your people. Discover how to live your passion. Use these 5 steps to communicate clearly.”
The retail approach to leadership is particularly enticing if you are a new leader, intimidated about being a leader, or even if you’re an experienced leader but you’ve hit a snag. Leadership becomes more tangible when you view it as an item of merchandise.
Plus, leadership products are helpful. Many excellent trainers and programs can equip you with important skills. They are worth an investment of money and time.
The Most Important Leadership Skill
Yet there is one leadership skill that surpasses all others. Paul references it in 1 Corinthians11:1: “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ” (NIV).
Paul “follows” Christ’s model of leadership: intimacy with God.
Rather than viewing leadership as a product or method, Paul views leadership as the by-product of a lifestyle. An effective leader’s relationship with Christ, says Paul, is the cornerstone in leading effectively. All other leadership abilities flow from it.
Look at an overwhelmed, introverted Moses. His intimacy with God gave him courage and means to lead Israel out of slavery (Exodus 3) and through the desert for 40 years to the edge of the Promised Land. Solomon sought God’s wisdom in a massive building program and was given wealth and honor, too (2 Chronicles 1:7-12). Even Jesus, the Son of God, invested in time with God, time after time, in order to hear from Him (Matthew 14:23, Mark 6:46, Luke 6:12, John 17.)
Intimacy with God may prompt you to seek counsel from others or get leadership training in a specific area. A direct prompting from the Holy Spirit may provide you with insight on how to effectively lead a person or deal with a situation you need to investigate further. Christ’s example demonstrates how you should interact with those you lead.
Paul’s pivotal leadership trait was his intimacy with Christ.
What about yours?
