Last week I shared “The ONE Mistake Nearly All Leaders Make” (failing to discern their culture). I warned potential conference goers to spend time discerning their culture before trying to implement strategies from other places. What works for Bishop T.D. Jakes, Dr. R.A. Vernon, and Joyce Meyer probably won’t work for you since you are not them or have their audience. However, there’s an applicable universal leadership principle that supersedes location, gender, and race.
The question is: Is there a culture that can be adopted by leaders that will make them more efficient? Is a successful leadership culture something that can be learned and applied? The answer is yes – A Culture of Service makes a Great Leader.
A Culture of Service Makes a Great Leader
How can a leader adopt a culture of service and still be a leader? This seems to go against the grain of most modern corporate culture, where leaders are powerhouses that have climbed to the top. Look a little closer though. The most influential leaders in business almost always have a different take on leadership. They view their role as a leader is to encourage a corporate culture of cohesion and teamwork. As a leader they give vision and direction but they value and serve those who work under them.
Their purpose is to empower others, share responsibility with them and allow them to grow. Most importantly true leaders really invest in the leadership culture through mentorship. They aim to train up other leaders to succeed them so that there can be continuity in the organization. Even Paul who was one of the most influential pioneers and leaders of the early Christian church was mentored by another leader.
Barnabas took Paul in when many of the other Christians doubted his conversion. Barnabas exhibited a culture of trust when he presented Paul to the elders. He showed Paul that he believed in him. For a time they worked together in ministry until Paul embarked on his own. Barnabas was a leader in his own right but he embraced the culture of service. That culture of service helped to raise an even more influential leader in the early church.
Join me tomorrow as I continue to upack this very important principle by sharing the characteristics that reflect a true leadership culture.
Further Reading Inspiration and References:
Scripture verses:
- God’s leadership culture – Galatians 6:8-10
- Culture of encouragement – Acts 9:27
- Have a leadership culture of integrity – Proverbs 28:10; 16
- A culture of wisdom – 1 Kings 4:34
Other Reading:
- Corporate Culture and Performance – John P. Kotter
- The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader – John C. Maxwell
- AX-I-OM Powerful Leadership Proverbs – Bill Hybels
When leaders don’t view those that have gifted them with their followship as competition then real work and growth can begin.
Good afternoon Rev.,
Thanks for stopping by to chime in.
I agree that there are “some” insecure leaders that adhere to that &
it stunts growth. Also, there are several leaders who have a #2
anointing who would do well If they would embrace that assignment. For
example, Joseph was never the #1 guy but flourished as an effective
#2. He understood his assignment & functioned very well in it.
I’ve seen some #2’s do very well as #1. However, many suffer because
they’re functioning out of assignment. Promotion comes from God alone
– even David understood that. Although David was anointed king, Saul
remained until God moved him. What’s the point: You cannot replace
what God has in place.
Bless ya!