Lead Like Jesus Repack

1. Leadership is influence, not position

Anytime you seek to influence the thinking, behavior, or development of people in their personal or professional lives, you are taking on the role of a leader.

Leadership is everywhere. Whether you're a parent, friend, coworker, or executive, you have opportunities to lead every day. Leadership isn't about titles or authority, but about positively influencing others. Jesus exemplified this by leading and serving people from all walks of life.

Impact through service. True leadership focuses on serving others rather than being served. This shifts the emphasis from self-interest to the growth and well-being of those being led. By putting others first, leaders gain trust, respect, and lasting influence.

Lead in all roles. Recognize your leadership opportunities in both formal positions and informal relationships. Look for ways to guide, encourage, and develop others in your family, workplace, and community. Small acts of service and influence can have a profound ripple effect.

2. Servant leadership starts with the heart

The most persistent barrier to leading like Jesus is a heart motivated by self-interest.

Check your motivations. Examine whether you're driven by pride, fear, or a desire to serve others. Self-serving leaders focus on protecting their status and promoting themselves. Servant leaders focus on empowering others and advancing a shared mission.

Overcome the ego. Confront the temptation to "Edge God Out" by:

• Worshiping God alone, not success or status
• Finding security in God's love, not accomplishments
• Seeking God's approval, not others' opinions

Cultivate humility. True humility isn't thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less. Recognize your strengths and weaknesses honestly. Give credit to others and take responsibility for mistakes. Let go of the need to always be right or in control.

3. Develop a compelling vision and clear goals

A compelling vision tells people who they are, where they are going, and what will guide their journey.

Cast an inspiring vision. Articulate a clear, motivating picture of the future that gives meaning to people's efforts. Include:

• Purpose: What you're trying to accomplish and why
• Picture: What success looks like
• Values: Guiding principles for decisions and behavior

Set focused goals. Identify 3-4 key priorities that will have the biggest impact. Make goals specific, measurable, and time-bound. Regularly communicate vision and goals to keep everyone aligned.

Live your values. Demonstrate commitment to stated values through your actions. Rank-order values to guide tough decisions. Define behaviors that exemplify each value. Hold yourself and others accountable to living out the values consistently.

4. Coach and empower others to succeed

Coaching is the most important servant leadership element in helping people to accomplish their goals.

Diagnose development levels. Assess whether people are novices, apprentices, journeymen, or masters at specific tasks. Adapt your leadership approach based on their competence and commitment level.

Provide appropriate support. For each development stage:

• Novices: Give clear direction and basic information
• Apprentices: Offer guidance, feedback, and encouragement
• Journeymen: Provide support and boost confidence as needed
• Masters: Delegate and empower to lead others

Coach for growth. Set clear expectations, observe performance, offer specific feedback, and redirect as needed. Praise progress to build confidence. Help people apply their strengths and develop new skills.

5. Practice humility and God-grounded confidence

People with humility don't think less of themselves; they just think of themselves less.

Balance humility and confidence. Avoid false humility or arrogance. Instead, cultivate a healthy self-awareness grounded in God's love and purpose for your life. This allows you to lead boldly while remaining open to feedback and growth.

Embrace vulnerability. Admit mistakes and ask for help when needed. Share struggles appropriately to build trust and authenticity. Your openness gives others permission to be real as well.

Find security in God. Root your identity and worth in God's unconditional love, not in achievements or others' opinions. This frees you to take risks, admit failures, and empower others without feeling threatened.

6. Cultivate key spiritual habits

Leading like Jesus involves the alignment of four leadership domains: heart, head, hands, and habits.

Develop spiritual disciplines. Prioritize habits that keep you connected to God and aligned with His purposes:

• Solitude: Regular quiet time to listen to God
• Prayer: Ongoing conversation with God
• Scripture study: Engaging with God's Word
• Experiencing God's love: Resting in His acceptance
• Supportive relationships: Accountability and encouragement

Practice consistently. Start small and build these habits into your daily routine. Even brief moments of connection with God can recalibrate your perspective and renew your spirit.

Apply insights to leadership. Let what you learn in your spiritual disciplines shape how you treat others and approach challenges. Seek God's wisdom in decision-making and interactions.

7. Leave a legacy of serving others

Leading like Jesus is not a course; it is a lifestyle.

Focus on long-term impact. Consider how your leadership will influence others beyond your immediate role or season. Invest in developing future leaders who will carry on the mission.

Model servant leadership. Demonstrate through your actions what it means to put others first and lead with humility. Your example will inspire and shape those around you.

Empower the next generation. Share your knowledge and provide opportunities for others to grow into leadership. Be willing to step aside and let others shine.

Seek significance over success. Measure your legacy not just by results achieved, but by lives impacted and values instilled in others.

8. Start with yourself to lead like Jesus

Be the change you want to see in others.

Commit to personal growth. Take responsibility for developing your own character and leadership skills. Regularly assess your motivations, behaviors, and impact on others.

Live out your values. Demonstrate integrity by aligning your actions with your stated beliefs and vision. People will notice the consistency between your words and deeds.

Be patient with the process. Transforming your leadership takes time. Celebrate small wins and learn from setbacks. Trust that as you faithfully serve, your influence will grow.

Invite accountability. Share your commitment to lead like Jesus with trusted friends or mentors. Ask for their honest feedback and prayer support on your leadership journey.

Last updated: December 13, 2024