The Search for Leadership
- William Vogel
- Apr 18, 2017
- 5 min read
The search for leadership Beth and I watched a movie this weekend titled, The Founder. It was a story of Ray Kroc and the McDonald brothers and how McDonalds Corporation was born and how it became the huge "success" it is today. As we watched we squirmed uncomfortably as we witnessed raw capitalism and leadership that went so far as to hear Ray Kroc say, "If my competition was drowning I would stick a running hose down their throats." it showed a side to a very cut throat business model that made us think about leadership in general. As we walked out the doors of the theater we both agreed that capitalism without compassion and heart is a very ugly thing. Leaders who are narcissistic and have no empathy for others may lead and even accomplish big things ...ie Hitler,Stalin, and other notables.. Leadership at the barrel of a gun. Leadership with no thought of others - Life, people and values are expendable. True leadership is in short supply now days. There is a nagging question of all organizations and business models... Who will lead? The world of politics, business, missions and the church, People are crying out for trustworthy, God fearing and integrity filled eaders. - men and women of character. Ambition is not enough to lead, though it helps. Talent is not enough to lead, though it helps. Servanthood is probably the missing ingredient in leadership. What are you willing to give of yourself for the sake of others? Many are filled with false notions that you are born a leader and that is that! It is true, some people are naturally gifted but many more have learned to lead. That is why followership is such an import step to leading. True leaders are optimistic influencers. A sign of truly great leadership is the ability to influence others to follow the leader. It is all about casting a vision and getting people to attach to it. The goal is to help them see it as "their" vision too. Leadership qualities to cultivate; 1. Discipline, self control, hard work. 2. Vision. 3. Wisdom. 4. Decision.
A. " No battle plan completely survives the first shot." Refuse to accept failure. Decision is a key to leaders being successful or not. Leaders must be ready to take a hard stand and leaders must often make decisions within a vacuum. These may be lonely moments with nothing but gut intuition guiding them.
5. Bold courage / speak with authority. 7. Sacrifice. 8. Integrity and morals... 9. Servant hood. / humility. ... Demonstrates that the interests of the people, God has called him or her to lead are most important. 10. Love. 11. Diplomacy. 12. Listener. 14. Go before leadership; lead from the front empowering leadership. 15. Read. All leaders are readers. 16. Optimistic. And if you are a blood bought Christian there are leadership "add ons" that apply only to you. Spiritual leadership has the added equation of the Holy Spirit. Under the Holy Spirits control leadership is lifted up to an even higher standard, higher purpose, and a higher / holy position. What does it mean to people of the way and how should that affect our leadership in a secular world? 1. Discernment A spiritual leader has the added advantage ... "Thus saith the Lord. As well as the promises of God." God gives us Commandments and guidelines developed for us to live truly successful lives. We should not compromise truth or principle. Believe me that easier than dealing with the compromise of pragmatism. The HOLY SPIRIT and God himself speaks and leads as we request and call on His name . Think about that Christian we can call upon; the resources and thoughts of The Creator of all things. The protector of all things and "partner" with the All Mighty GOD! 2. Sacrificial love and humility. Christain leadership understands the ultimate sacrifice that Christ Jesus paid on the cross. He willingly laid down His life and shed His blood for each of us who claim the name of Christ.. We are now part of the family of God. We are commanded to, Love the Lord thy God with all our heart, soul and mind. And we are commanded to love others as ourselves. 3. Biblical Standards. God"s ways and plan versus Man:s ways and plans are the best. ..operating and leading on principle and absolute truth. This will give you energy and enthusiasm to lead. You know that you know because God's Word says so. God has provided us with a road map for our lives. He has given us the right and wrongs and the free will to choose. We have the plan, we just need to follow it. 4. Surrender. The Bible makes it clear ..." Without me you can do nothing". But with Him it says, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." This is a promise from God to Christ followers, " be anxious for nothing but by prayer and supplication let your request be known unto God and the peace of God which passeth all understanding will guard your hearts and minds." Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all other things will be added unto you. That is surrender! 5. Accountability It is so much easier to live, let alone lead when one has a clear conscience. As Christians we are not perfect, we live within a sinful world and do sin. But another added advantage to Christian leadership is found in I John 1:9 " If we confess our sins He is faithful to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Our relationship can be renewed moment by moment. We are gifted with clear and reliable conviction. Just think if you and I did not have this built into us ... What would your life and mine look like. There is a gift of Godly character.
6. Spiritual gifting ... Remove the spirit from the equation of living and we can do nothing with our abilities. Think about that for a moment. Thank God today that He reached down to save you from your sins and today you celebrate the hope of His future coming. Thank Him that you have the leading edge to life and leadership...you are a Christian; act and live like it. 7. Prayer. Prayer is what moves the arm of God, that moves the world. God has given us His powerful voice and small loving whisper to listen to. He has promised us, the Christians, another very special gift. God has allowed us to face fear with so much more. God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love, and of a sound mind. Therefore you can be bold and courageous as you lead. 8. Loyalty - Loyalty first to God and then to the umbrella of authority God has placed over you. We are all accountable and we all will stand before God. None of us are an island to ourselves. None of us will escape eternity, your loyalty will determine whether you spend it in heaven or hell. When you humbled yourself and gave your heart to Christ your loyalties changed. You are His child with all the privileges promises that go along with your new family.