Isa.9v16: For the leaders of these people cause them to err, and those who are led by them are destroyed.
Not everyone understands what leadership is truly all about. I have discovered that some people have certain misconceptions or myths about leadership but the truth of the matter is that leadership is something you can’t afford to do without in your life or journey of destiny. This is why (Isa.9v16) makes us see the importance and influence of leadership on people or things, generally speaking. Everything rises and falls in leadership. My dear friends, you need to make room for leadership development in your life. However, my main focus in this lesson is to explain the concept of true leadership. So, what is leadership?
THE TRUE NATURE OF LEADERSHIP:
- Leadership is not a title or position but a privilege. True leaders see leadership as a privilege and not as a right. It’s important for you to see leadership from this perspective, otherwise, you might abuse it (2Cor.3v5-6).
- Leadership is not dominating or bossing people but it is responsibility. Leadership is an onerous task. It’s usually demanding and challenging in nature; this is why only those who are willing to take responsibility succeed as leaders. (Lk.14v18).
- Leadership is the ability to make things happen and also bring about a positive change. A leader is a catalyst or change agent. A true leader is an organizer and initiator (Matt.5v16). This is why visible change is a common feature anywhere a true leader is. How do you see yourself? Are you manifesting your leadership potential?
- Leadership is leading by your actions and examples. This is what true leadership is all about. A true leader knows the way, gives the way, and shows the way according to leadership expert, John C. Maxwell. Nothing influences people more than your example. What kind of impression or impact are you making? (1Tim.4v12).
- Leadership is the ability to obtain followers. You are not a leader if no one is following your lead. A true leader knows how to get things done through people (Matt.4v19; Acts 4v13).
- Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality. Having a vision is not the same as making it happen. A wise woman once said, “A leader takes people where they want to go, but a great leader takes people where they don’t necessarily want to go but ought to be.”
- Leadership is influence; nothing more, nothing less. This definition was given by John C. Maxwell; so, a leader is an influencer. How strong is your influence? This is an indicator of how strong your leadership is (Jug.11v1).
My dear reader, it’s time to take your leadership potential to another dimension. It’s time to develop your capacity for leadership. This begins as you gain a deeper understanding of leadership. I see the tide turning in your favour as you grow your leadership potential. May the leader in you arise today!
Other Scriptural References: (Matt.4v18-22; Ruth 1v16-19; 1Sam.22v2; 1Cor.11v1; Acts 18v24-28; Phil.2v19-23).
Prayer for Today: Heavenly Father, help me to rise up to the challenge and demand of leadership in my life in Jesus name, amen. Let the leader in me arise!
CONFESSION: Abba Father, I commit myself to the process of leadership development. I am willing and ready to master the art and science of leadership. I am willing to learn, take correction and handle responsibility. I am ready to change for the better. Holy Spirit, help me to walk my talk and talk my walk. Help me to lead in the fear of God and by example in Jesus name, amen.
Yemi Adeoti is a pastor, teacher, life coach and mentor & also a prolific writer.
Help me Lord to lead by example and to be conscious of Your all seeing eye, these I pray for in JESUS Name.
Help Lord to rise up to the challenge and demands of leadership in the name of Jesus