
DYNAMICS OF LEADERSHIP
I believe each and every one of us has a divine mandate or role to function as a leader in one way, level or the other. It doesn’t matter the social class you feel you belong to, what you do for a living or whether you hold a position, title or not, YOU CAN BE A LEADER!
In writing about Dynamics of Leadership, I shall glean my ideas mostly from these scriptures:
John 13:1-17
Mark 10: 41-45
Matthew 18:1-6
From these scriptures, I would say Leadership is positive influence in humble service.
During the final moments of Jesus’s life on earth, he washed the feet of his disciples (John 13:1-17). This was an act of service and humility. When you consider the time of this act of service done by Jesus, it was done at a time closer to his death. This was a demonstration of his toughness, focus and willingness to serve humanity and to obey God to the end. Let us look at the lessons this story tells us about the dynamics of leadership?
1. Leadership is not easy.
2. Leadership is capacity building.
3. Leadership is obedience to the Lord.
4. Leadership is the willingness to serve unto the end.
5. Leadership is influence.
6. A Leader must show honour to his/her followers.
7. A Leader must love his followers and be willing to serve them when the need arises.
8. You don’t need solid power to become a great leader. What you need is a solid character.
Mindset of Leadership
Leadership has a lot to do with your mindset and attitude than positions or titles. Your position is just to remind you of your leadership responsibilities. And it is how you carry out
those responsibilities that make you a leader. Therefore,
1. Leadership is being responsible.
2. Leadership is not seen in titles and appellations. It is seen in action.
3. Leadership is action in the right direction.
Motivation for Leadership
“Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord and not for people” (Colossians 3:23). “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:16). This is so critical in determining how far you go as a leader. Your motivation is what drives you in setting out to undertake a particular task. As a leader, though you are serving men, God should be your greatest motivation and reason for your service. Why because, human beings can be very complex, unpredictable and ungrateful. You are likely to meet people who are jealous, bitter, vengeful, cynical, diabolic, rebellious and mischievous. Some will not even acknowledge or appreciate your services, contributions or sacrifices. And all these can be very emaciating, frustrating and can easily make you give up. Therefore, taking your eyes away from men and focusing fully on God is how you are going to feel encouraged and energized to carry on to the end. Never forget that God is your ultimate reward.
Don’t just throw people away. Sometimes, what you need is wisdom to handle them.