Leaders Must be Examples, Not Exceptions
Then Hezekiah and all the people rejoiced that God had prepared the people, since the events took place so suddenly. 2 Chronicles 29:36
Far too often, leaders drift. Once they get some experience under their belt and a track record of accomplishments, they often abandon the lifestyle that helped them reach the top. They chafe under the very rules that they once established or endorsed. Sadly, leaders like these forget the number one management principle in the world: People do what people see. If they want to succeed, leaders must incarnate the life they desire in their followers.
The kings of Judah had drifted badly when Hezekiah inherited an unholy mess from his father, King Ahaz. But Hezekiah repaired the Temple, restored legitimate worship, removed the idols, repented for the people, and required a change in the land. Once the population saw his example of worship, they followed suit. These events took place quickly not only because of a sovereign God who replaced Ahaz with the king’s godly son, but because Hezekiah modeled the life he expected of others.
Leadership : Observe Your Influence
But the officer said, €œLord, I am not worthy to have you come into my home. Just say the word from where you are, and my servant will be healed. I know this because I am under the authority of my superior officers, and I have authority over my soldiers. I only need to say, €˜Go,` and they go, or €˜Come,` and they come. And if I say to my slaves, €˜Do this,` they do it. ~ Matt 8:8-9
Sociologists tell us that even the most introverted individual will influence ten thousand other people during his or her lifetime. This amazing statistic was shared with me by my associate, Tim Elmore. Tim and I concluded that all of us are leading in some areas, while in other areas we are being led. No one is excluded from being a leader or a follower. Realizing your potential as a leader is your responsibility.
The prominent leader of any group is quite easy to discover. Just observe the people as they gather. If an issue is to be decided, who is the person whose opinion seems most valuable? Who is the one others watch the most when the issue is being discussed? Who is the one with whom people quickly agree? Most importantly, who is the one the others follow? Answers to these questions will help you discern who the real leader is in a particular group.
[tags]Leadership, John C Maxwell, Bible, Christian Living, Self Development[/tags]