The Shadow Leaders - Giants

Behind in the background, and sometimes in obscurity are the “leaders leaders”. The loud voices who are as Big As Life, boisterous, bombastic and most visible are usually the most recognized, but there is at least one or more unseen leaders in the picture - the less significance voices that surround them, some of whom you will never know their names. They are quietly working behind the scenes, often advising and counseling the leader. Their significance is not found in fame or fortune. They often yield results that are incalculable, except in eternity. Great leaders recognize the need to have advisers and mentors. They are usually humble enough to know they are not able to do it all themselves.

The questions all leader should consider; Who have you surrounded yourself with? What are you accepting as truth? How are your values being molded and who are you accountable to and for?

Please don’t misunderstand me – We need very visible leaders, but often the direction and deeper values of the organization are from the “In the shadow leaders.” Every organization needs it A and B visible leaders, but what it needs even more is a solid shadow leadership. Quiet leadership is like the wind beneath the wings of an organization. You cannot see the wind, but you can see its effect.

It matters none whether you are the leader of the free world, a leader in a church, a business leader or a leader in a ministry. We need each other and it is wise to surround yourself with these 3 types of leadership; God fearing leadership, Challenging leadership and Experienced leadership.

1. God fearing leadership is the most important – it keeps the standards high and puts wisdom ahead of knowledge. It is where the values of the organization are established. As a God fearing Leader, you get your motivation and leadership from God’s Word first. Leaders recognize this as the Ultimate Truth above all else.

2. Challenging Leadership is to be corrective, yet humble. It is a form of leadership that is not afraid to confront and stand for what they believe. Bold, instinctive, strong and even more so, willing to walk away if the organization is doing the unethical. These type of people will keep the leader and the organization out of trouble, as well as bring new and often very exciting proposals to the table. The leader that is enamored by the yes people that surround them is in for a rude awakening – that leader should be thankful every day for those who frankly challenge decisions and choose humbly. Many boards and committees are driven by yes people and often are chosen because they are just go-along boards, leaving out the possibility of those who will confront and redirect for ultimate benefit of the organization.

I have seen organizations, businesses, churches and ministries implode because no one was there to challenge and stand for truth.

3. Experienced Leadership is leadership that has specialized a knowledge or skill over time. Strong leaders know if they surround themselves with expertise, they will only look better and be more effective.

Who led Billy Graham to the Lord? The leadership link is a person we will not probably recognize or possibly will hear about. Think about the impact of his life. Robert Morgan, a Christian author writes, "We all know the name Martin Luther and we know what he was recognized for, but do we know the name Johann von Staupitz, yet it was he who was the influence behind the great fiery reformer."

So many of our great leaders and historical figures can point to others for their inspiration. The quiet leaders in the shadows of history. We stand on shoulders of giants.

#Leadership