John 2:24 But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for He knew all people.
Everything we know and learn about leadership is from the greatest leader of all – Jesus. Jesus was a leader who walked the talk. He led by example. Jesus did not have a position in the Sanhedrin, the political and religious court. He was not recognized by the religious leaders or institutions. In fact, He was rejected and criticized by the Pharisees and the teachers of Law of His time, yet He was the most influential leader the world has ever had. There was none before Him, and there will be none after.
The first and foremost principle that we learn about leadership from the life of Jesus is that “leadership is influence”. It is not positional. A positional leader will be swayed by the position, power and popularity. Their emotions will be pumped when they are praised and they will hit the rock bottom when they are questioned or criticized. King Saul was a positional praise-driven leader. He tried to control people as he was insecure. He himself was controlled by fame and fortune hence he could not celebrate the growth/victory of another. Positional leaders are insecure and hence would be envious and unjust.
Lesson-1 and the most important lesson to mature into a leader is not to entrust ourselves to the applause or appreciation of people. The same people who praise us today will despise us tomorrow. Those who are controlled by their own emotional insecurities will control others. Such leaders do not lead but control. They are “managers” and not “leaders”. Managers manage people and process but leaders influence and inspire others to follow them. Those who are envious and egoistic crush the confidence of others around them to promote themselves. Insecurity kills influence.
Lead by Influence:
- Inoffensive: Good leaders are unoffendable and innocuous. Jesus was accused as a party going glutton and drunkard; His birth was slurred as illegitimate yet, Jesus refused to be offended by anything or by anyone.
- Inspire: Good leaders inspire others to follow them not by mere words but by their actions. Jesus left footsteps of truth, faithfulness and integrity for us to follow Him.
- Influence: Good leaders don’t need a title to influence.
Aspire to become and influential and inspiring leader.
Prayer: Dearest Lord Jesus, transform me into an inoffensive, inspiring and influential leader. Amen.
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