Some Thoughts on Effective Leadership, Part Three
A Word About POWER.
A person in a leadership position has a degree of power. But power is hard on relationships, in fact, it will destroy them. The argument is raised that we must use power to make those “tough calls” in life. But that is the wrong perspective. The key to making the tough calls is to influence by character. A godly character is the most powerful influence that can be wielded in dealing with the issues of life and leadership.
Paul is a great example to us:
1 Thessalonians 2:6b-8
6 …even though as apostles of Christ we might have asserted our authority.
7 But we proved to be gentle among you, as a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children.
8 Having so fond an affection for you, we were well-pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become very dear to us.
Paul understood the key was influence. “We might have asserted our authority” … but instead “we were well-pleased to impart to you…our own lives.” The influence of a godly example --- this is real power.
An Action Plan.
What do I do now? Where do I start?
1st … A Review of Principles
a. Leadership is INFLUENCE
b. Influence is CHARACTER in action.
My compass is set on Christ
My goal is to serve
My primary skill must be character
Integrity
Discipline
Perseverance
Patience
Love
c. Spend more time looking in the mirror, not out the window
The problem is not “them”
The problem is “me”
d. It’s not about my STRENGTHS, it is about my WEAKNESSES
e. Feedback is a necessity
2nd … Get the Feedback!
Most of us simply cannot see well the weaknesses in our own lives. Obadiah 3 says: “The arrogance of your heart has deceived you.” We all have blind spots. Two things here --- (1) Make it easy for people to give you feedback. Ask for it. Find a friend who will level with you. (2) It will require HUMILITY. Remember, God gives grace to the humble (James 4:6, 1 Peter 5:5)
3rd … The War Within!
Realizing that true leadership is a matter of character forces us to acknowledge that the battle is within. Fight that fight! Everyone wants to change the world --- how rare to find someone who wants to change himself. Why don’t you change? Simple. You don’t want to. Pride is the issue and it is worth fighting against. We rejoice that God gives grace to the humble … let us not forget He also RESISTS THE PROUD.
4th … Finish what you start!
The influence to lead through POWER and PRESTIGE is constant. We are bombarded with images of leadership that are shallow, temporal and ultimately destructive. To lead with influence requires constant attention. A habit of character development is a lifelong commitment. The rewards are great and the influence is eternal.
Good Words From a Man of Influence.
The Apostle Paul was a dynamic, influential leader. Listen to his words.
1 Corinthians 1:27
27 but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong,
1 Corinthians 16:13-14
13 Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong .
14 Let all that you do be done in love.
2 Corinthians 12:10
10 Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong .
Hebrews 11:34 (Paul’s authorship assumed)
34 …from weakness were made strong , became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight.
Ephesians 6:10
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.
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