I believe that one of the most common aspirations of people entering the workforce is to one day reach the top position. The Great Leader, the Big Boss, the Head Honcho. Way back when I wasn't career-oriented (I wanted to be a housewife), I didn't dream of getting to the top, it was enough to survive right where I was. But time and maturity (I hope) have led to big realizations: becoming a leader does not only translate to a bigger paycheck, a better lifestyle, it puts you in a position to extend your circle of influence and make an impact in the lives of the people you work with. If you've seen my very first post in this blog, that is one of my prayers in life, to touch the lives of others.
I have seen leaders who encourage, uplift and effectively build up their people; I have seen leaders who tear down, break and demoralize their followers; and I have also seen leaders who are indifferent, they simply don't give a damn. In the future, i hope i am of the first kind.
Now, I don't think that being an excellent leader is inborn (at least, not in me), so I have been taking small steps, the first one, looking for leadership books (there are a lot). I started with the most popular author, John Maxwell. The book entitled "The five levels of Leadership" piqued my interest, and through searching the net, I found a lesson that not only expounds, but also gives a biblical role model for each level. Ready?
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| 1 Kings 12: 1-24 |
The kingship was passed to Rehoboam when his father, Solomon died. He was a proud ruler, and chose to heed the foolish advice of the young men he had grown up with rather than the sound advice of the wise elders, advice telling him to give a favorable response to the request of his people. He used his position as king to make those he ruled over do harsh and heavy labor. As a result, the people rebelled against him.
Assuming the position/title is not the end of leadership, it is the beginning. Leadership is not about being the boss or being served, it's about being entrusted with the responsibility of making the best decisions for your team.
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| The book of Nehemiah |
Nehemiah was cupbearer to the King of Susa, a position of power and privilege. But he was also a devout believer of God, and when he heard that his fellow Jews were in distress because of the gates of Jerusalem offered no protection, he took on the great task of rebuilding it. It's a long story, and he encountered many trials along the way. Amazingly, the Jewish people, even though the task was great and they initially did not trust Nehemiah, willingly took part in the rebuilding. And why? Because Nehemiah knew how to connect, he didn't just order them to do things, he gave them a clear vision, a purpose for what they were doing and how it would benefit all of them.
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| 2 Samuel |
I won't expound much, every Christian probably already knows a lot about David. David killed a lion. David killed Goliath. David led the armies. People trusted David because they knew what he had done and believed that God was with him.
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| The book of Acts |
Before his conversion, Paul was already a leader - he was intelligent, well-educated, outspoken and had minions. But his one purpose, his passion was to kill, to destroy, to annihilate people who believed in something that he did not. It took a personal encounter with God to change his heart. The change led to amazing growth. He used his skills for the good. He not only led people, he developed them into leaders as well. He didn't take on all of the work himself, he had the wisdom to identify the people who could handle responsibility and encouraged them to step out in faith.
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| 1,2 Samuel |
*all pictures and lesson idea from www.axismachinery.com
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