Jesus was a leader. He embodied the essence of true leadership; after all, He was GOD – the CEO’s of CEO’s – there was and still is no one above Him. But if you study the “leading life” of Jesus, you’ll discover that His core motive was selflessness.
We’re all leaders. We all lead in various capacities. Leading never changes. And the very essence of true Biblical leadership is the ability to serve those under you by creating an environment of safety and encouragement where they can thrive in their gifts and callings. Leaders who do this successfully understand the principle of selflessness.
Selflessness is an unpopular leadership trait that is rarely mentioned in leadership conferences. It’s hardly ever spoken or written about. It cuts against the grain of today’s western culture that has infiltrated the church. Selflessness means less of us and more of those we serve. Selflessness creates a corporate culture of honor – honoring the vision and each other. Selflessness is not about a personality; it’s about people. It’s about others – the ones we’re leading!
Your greatest failure in leading is when you begin to use those under you for self-interest and self-gain. The most painful time in my faith journey was when I finally realized that I was serving a leader that was more interested in what I could produce for him. I found myself in an unproductive, performance based and unsafe environment. I realized that I couldn’t serve and sacrifice for a leader who failed to protect me. I learned a great lesson. I’m leveraging that painful season as a reminder to do the opposite with those I’m currently leading.
Be a selfless leader. Understand that people have no trouble submitting to and HONORING leaders who create an environment of safety. It’s not about you… So please don’t make it about you! Be secure in your place of authority. Don’t sacrifice the people God gives you to serve in leadership on the altar of your self-ambition. Instead, through selflessness, create a safe environment where people can thrive. They’re your legacy.
