Are you a leader? If you’re anything like me, you’ll say no.
Unfortunately, in our culture, saying you’re a leader or even that you aspire to be is seen as a negative thing. We’ve come to equate the power-hungry, the arrogant, and the unscrupulous with leadership. That’s unfortunate, because we don’t have as many quality leaders as we need. When elections roll around, we groan because we have so few good options. But the impact of a negative view of leadership extends beyond politics.
One of the consequences of a negative view of leadership is we fail to recognize our own potential.
At our church’s women’s retreat, one of the women told me she saw me as a leader. That wasn’t surprising considering I lead Bible studies and have been in charge of numerous programs over the years. What was surprising is that I didn’t see myself that way.
I have internalized the idea that it’s not ladylike or appealing to seek leadership. I’ve just allowed myself to “fall into” the role, so I can’t be accused of being one of those aggressive people no one likes.
While my negative attitude hasn’t kept me out of leadership, it has kept me from developing my leadership potential. I haven’t worked to develop as a leader. I haven’t fully considered the impact of what I say and do on the people I lead (even if only by example). I’ve certainly experienced the consequences of this. I started a small group Bible study years ago without any leadership education. I believe that I could have prevented some serious problems that developed, had I thought of myself as a leader from the beginning.
A second consequence of a negative view of leadership is we fail to raise children as potential leaders.
At one time, my strong-willed son expressed an interest in a political career. It didn’t take long for the media to beat that idea out of him. But I didn’t help. Deep down, I assumed that in order to succeed in politics, my son would have to lack character. Rather than training him in what it means to be a godly leader, I just hoped the interest would go away and it did.
If we aren’t really clear on what a leader is, how will our children understand?
We can raise up a generation of godly leaders with education.
When I first read Dan Black’s blog On Leadership, I wondered what I was reading it for. Not only was I not a leader, but I wasn’t interested in leadership. Dan must have been inspired by the Holy Spirit, because he kept interacting with me through my blog and Twitter and I was impressed. He was really behaving like a godly leader and he was so young!
The more I read, the more I realized that studying leadership wasn’t much different than the personal development material I pore over. The only difference is intention. Leaders develop themselves so they can serve others. That was a completely different definition of leadership than the one I was operating from. I started paying more attention to what Dan wrote.
When I read his new book, The Leadership Mandate {affiliate link}, I felt I finally understood what it meant to be a leader. Of course, it has nothing to do with the talking heads on TV! I realized that I needed to teach my children the principles in Dan’s book so they would be willing to lead as the Lord calls them and would know how.
We can raise up a generation of godly leaders by developing as leaders ourselves.
The Leadership Mandate isn’t just a book describing good leadership; it’s a book that suggests how to live it out. There are action steps for each aspect of leadership. What’s even more important to me than the specific steps is the new attitude this book has helped me adopt. I’m not living for me; I’m living to serve others! Whatever I choose to do is an example to others for good or evil.
Embracing my leadership potential has been very freeing. I don’t feel I have to hide it. Instead, I can focus on how to help people using what the Lord has been teaching me.
That is the mandate for every Christian — to love others — is it not? I hope you will read The Leadership Mandate
and will join me in developing your leadership skills and raising up a next generation of leaders. If you get the book this week (beginning 9/30/13), Dan is offering some free bonuses. Make sure you check them out!
I didn’t think of myself as a leader either until I read Dan’s book. It’s crazy because I definitely am. I’ve been leading Bible studies for women and teenagers for years – plus I think blogging and writing probably puts us in a leadership role. But I guess just being a mom does, too! Anyway, great review, Melanie. It was fun hearing your perspective on leadership.
Thanks, Barb. I’m glad I’m not the only one who was in leadership denial! I got a great email from a friend today (who has been a leader for many years) who said she defines a leader as anyone who sees a need and gets busy meeting that need. Love that!
That’s a great definition.
Hello Barb,
I’m glad my book added value too you. Thank you for reading it and being on the launch team.
I’m glad my writing has helped see your leadership within you. I’ve been blessed through your content and it has allowed me to grow my faith. Thank you for writing a post about my book:)
You’re welcome, Dan. I’m taking my leadership responsibility seriously by getting the word out about a great book.
I have taken small leadership roles in our church and homeschool group, and now with my blog. I have found that it’s so hard to find people who are willing to lead! I think a lot of people really don’t have a vision for something, although they are happy to complain when things aren’t going the way they like. Thanks for the recommendation. I’ll check out the book!
It does seem hard to find people to lead. I think people are intimidated because we don’t teach leadership skills. Sometimes leaders don’t have the support they need. Leaders don’t like lots of rules and micro-management. I know I don’t! We have to give people freedom and support to do what they do best. So glad you stopped by, Sarah, and blessings on your leadership.
Dr. Mel,
Yes, yes, and yes to what you said above. Micro-management is very frustrating, not to mention unproductive.
Hello Sarah,
I see the same challenge, that’s why I wrote the book:) I think you will enjoy it. Thank you for reading this post and commenting.
I resemble this blog post. I’ll have to add his book to read list. And I agree, we do need to raise our children to be strong, godly leaders. I hadn’t given it a lot of thought. Until now.
You’re like me then. I’m going to have to schedule time to discuss it.
Hello Audra,
I’m glad you enjoyed the post. I think my book will allow you to better lead in the different areas of your life.