Leadership development is a valuable asset for both individuals and organisations alike. According to Pay Scale, companies in the United States will pay a set of internal Leadership Trainors and Developers an average salary of $116,000 each per annum. That's because leadership is a necessary investment and can never be over emphasised in pursuing success.
The Bible reminds us in Proverbs 11:14 that "Where there is no guidance the people fall, But in abundance of counselors there is victory." Leaders, most especially leaders who lead in a way that matches Biblical principles, bring vision, energy, life, direction and authority to a group of people. Whether you're leading a business, a church, a family or a small group of friends through a hiking trip, leadership must be present and must be practiced as effectively as possible.
Here are a few principles on Biblical leadership that will make us more effective in taking the lead in any situation.
Chase influence, not position.
One example of this idea is David. When the people of Israel already had a king in Saul, many still chose to follow his best soldier, who was also a young and inexperienced Shepherd. David wasn't as good looking as Saul, he wasn't as well decorated either, but people chose to follow him.
Seek service, not glory.
Mark 10:43-44 says, "...But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all." Leadership is not about gaining more power, more votes or more money. It's about finding ways to serve the people around you in a way that benefits as many people as possible. When we are ready to serve people, people will be ready to follow faithfully.
Build relationships, not rules.
Jesus was the best example of this when He walked on this earth. He was always one to relentlessly pursue relationships with people, even if they weren't in His immediate circle. He ate with people, travelled with them and even mourned with them. When leading your groups and teams, do you do life with them? Are you actively pursuing relationships with people?
Leadership is valuable, even more so when it is centered on principles that Jesus taught and practiced. It's not always easy neither is it always cost-effective, but it will always achieve great life-changing results for the people who follow you. How can you grow more like Jesus in the area of your leadership today?
