Becoming a better leader can be difficult. There are leadership books, leadership courses, leadership podcasts, and leadership seminars. It’s almost too much to handle! It’s easy to get overwhelmed with all the information that is available on how leadership should look. Then you remember that Jesus was a leader and He set the standard for what it means to be a great leader. In this blog post, we will talk about some of the ways that Jesus led as an example for us all in order to become better leaders ourselves!
Jesus Spoke the Truth
Jesus was an effective speaker with courageous leadership qualities that followers could not resist following. His leadership style is still relevant today and can be applied to any type of leadership position- business owner, teacher, community organizer, or even parent. One way He achieved this leadership was through his words; He spoke the truth in a way that inspired people to follow him and do what was right. I like that say that all progress starts with telling the truth.
He Went Against the Grain of Tradition
Jesus was a leadership figure, and He set the standard for leadership. He went against tradition and spoke his mind. Jesus wasn’t afraid to stand up for what He believed in, even if it meant going against those who seemed to have more power than him. He showed that leadership is about doing what you believe is right instead of following traditional practices like everyone else does.
Jesus’ leadership style can be summed up as follows: “Lead with conviction.” A leader’s responsibility is to show courage by doing the right thing; not beating around the bush or trying to please everybody at all costs. Being a leader demands great sacrifice because sometimes you have to make difficult decisions that might affect others negatively, but are necessary nonetheless in order to get something done.
Jesus Saw Potential in Unlikely or Unpopular Candidates
Jesus was a leadership genius. He saw potential in unlikely or unpopular candidates and empowered them to do great things. Jesus set the standard for leadership by being an example of humble leadership with a servant’s heart, which is what most people crave today.
He spent significant time with his followers
Spending time with your followers is an important factor in developing relationships. How can you truly lead someone if you don’t know and understand them? Again, Jesus set the example by spending time with his followers traveling with, dining with, etc.
Jesus was a Servant-Leader
Jesus was a great leader. He spent significant time with his followers and had faith in their leadership abilities and potential. His leadership gave us the Bible, arguably the most influential text in history. In this text, Jesus sets the standard for leadership by modeling servant leadership- which is leadership that’s humble and empowers others to lead themselves. It also happens to be my preferred leadership style. This will come as no surprise to those who know me well.
He modeled servant leadership from birth to death: from being born into poverty as a refugee child at Christmas; to washing feet and serving others during his ministry; to dying on a cross as an impoverished criminal under Pontius Pilate’s regime. Servant leadership isn’t just possible – it’s biblical!
Jesus said. “The Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve.” (Mark 10:45) That means that leadership is about serving others, meeting their needs, and being generous with your time and talent. He even went as far as to wash His disciples’ feet.
As All great Leaders are, Jesus was a Follower
As all great leaders are, He Himself was a follower–following His Father’s will in everything!
Leadership is making a difference. A leadership style may vary, but the goal remains the same – to change someone’s life for the better. Every leader has a story of how they became who they are today and each can teach us something about leadership.
Leaders have different leadership styles that set them apart from one another. However, their goals remain the same, which is to make a difference in people’s lives by leading them on their paths with love and compassion. Jesus was no exception to this rule as He taught his disciples on how to lead others with love and care while still being firm when necessary. Jesus knew what it meant to be led by His Father because He followed Him through every step of His ministry. Jesus even said that He didn’t do anything that He didn’t see His Father do.
He was a Compassionate Leader
Jesus had great compassion for others. From healing the two blind men sitting on the roadside to feeding the 5000 hungry people, His compassion for people moved him, and it should do the same to us as leaders too! Leading is about people. How can you lead well if you don’t care about people?
Jesus was Angered Over Injustice
When He found moneychangers in the temple, he overturned their tables and kicked them out. He was zealous for God and for His house. It’s ok to be angry when we see injustice as leaders. That anger can be directed at bringing justice to those that need it.
He Led by Example
Leadership is the art of motivating people to work together for a common goal. He led by example rather than coercion. Jesus demonstrated, and then delegated responsibility to His disciples to do what he did and even greater things.
Jesus Gave His life
And in the ultimate sacrifice, Jesus gave His life on the cross, not just for His followers, but even for those that hated Him and those that had not even been born yet. You may not be asked to die for your followers, but giving is a key part of leading. Great leaders give more than they take.
In Summary
Jesus is the best example of a leader who was always focused on serving others and they, in turn, followed Him. He led by giving hope to those around him and showing them that there can be change for their better future. I invite you to look to Jesus as your own leader–to put your trust in Him now so that all of us together may lead our followers into a better tomorrow.
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