What kind of leader are you? You may say, well, I’m really not a leader. It’s my belief that we all are put into positions of leadership all the time, whether you feel like you’re a leader or not. If you’ve got kids, you’re a leader or you should be. If you’re in school, opportunities present themselves all the time to lead from the classroom to the athletic field. If you are breathing and not a castaway on a deserted island, people are watching you. You may not like it, but you’re a leader if only for a moment.
I’m sure you know there are different kinds of leaders. They are defined by others much smarter than me. There are “delegative” leaders. They have a knack of involving people in such a way that everyone feels like they are stakeholders in the project. They see their job is primarily to distribute tasks to others.
There are “autocratic” leaders. In the worst scenario, it’s their way or the highway. In the best scenario, they can be a beloved person that often gets their way, but people don’t feel pressed upon.
Another leadership type is the “transformational” leader. In our U.S. history, John F. Kennedy was a transformational leader. They tend to be highly motivational. They don’t have to put a huge amount of pressure on the people to achieve great goals.
The one that fascinates me and is actually counter-intuitive is “servant” leader.
Research by Catalyst Leadership Group has claimed this style, can improve diversity and boost morale. It’s counter-intuitive…how do you lead when you’re serving the very ones you desire to lead? Those in and out of the church would agree that Jesus Christ embodied this style of leadership.
John 13:12-15 records this…When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.
Not only is servant leadership possible, but it is also the example set by Jesus himself. You see, a servant lifestyle is remarkably compelling. You might be surprised by the number who follow you when you serve. So, what example will you set for others? I think you’d be hard pressed to do leadership better than Jesus did.