Your Leadership Matters
Your leadership matters . . . more than you know!
If you doubt that, just look at the Great Wall of China. It spans more than four thousand miles. Snaking its way through rugged terrain it crawls up mountains, sneaks through forests, and traverses deserts. Those who have enjoyed its protection and reveled in its majesty can salute Qin (Ch’in) Shihuang, the emperor responsible for the Great Wall.
Qin united China. He turned seven warring states into allies. Then he united four old fortification walls to provide the protection his people needed from the invading Huns.[1]The emperor’s rocks and mortar were a gift of security to the people of China, a wonder for the world, and proof positive that leadership matters.
If you are intent on being a great leader for God, you can appreciate Qin’s efforts. But you know that the stakes are much higher than the protection the Great Wall affords. The scope of your service is far more expansive! You lead in eternal matters: restoring the broken, building lives, bridging the gap between humankind and God. No wonder Paul says,
“If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously!” (Romans 12:8 NLT)
Paul is imploring leaders to be zealous in their work. Here are three ways you can get serious today:
- Take inventory of your gifts and talents. What are three things you do that bring the favor of God? If you are not sure, ask two trusted friends their opinion. Next, determine if the majority of your time is flowing toward those gifts or are you becoming distracted with lessor pursuits?
- Improve your leadership. Are you getting better as a leader? Read the books that leaders write and read the biographies of their lives. Find a mentor. This is not that hard. Pick a leader you respect. Write down 5 questions you want to ask him or her? Invite that person to lunch. Begin the conversation. That individual may or may not be an on-going mentor in your life. That's okay. Keep learning from others. Welcome criticism. Ask someone who knows you well two questions: (1) What is one aspect of my character that is strong? (2) What is one aspect of my character that needs some work? If you want to find out more, read "Polishing Your Gift."
- Focus your time and energy. Devote your time to the things "only you can do." Recently A. G. Lafley wrote an article for Harvard Business Review entitled, "What Only The CEO Can Do." Not all Christian leaders are CEOs, but Lafley's concept is spot-on for leaders who want to be their best for God. There are things that only you can do. Make sure you are focused on these pursuits. Give the rest to someone else.
John Maxwell is fond of saying, "Everything rises and falls on leadership." [2] That means your leadership matters! Take the responsibility seriously!
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[1] “All About the Great Wall of China,” EnchantedLearning.com. [2] John Maxwell, The 21 Irrefutable Laws Of Leadership, p. 267.