In the first of a series of three blogs, Sharing is Caring, we made reference to the boy whose loaves and fishes were the basis for the provision of over five thousand people. In the second blog, Follow the Leader, we sought to understand more fully the value of being a dedicated follower and realised that in certain situations we are leaders as well as followers.
Service
When we are in positions of leadership it is vital to understand the exact role and responsibilities required from us. It is then important that we perform to the best of our abilities as a leader, through our actions and intentions.
Thanks Jehu for the photo unsplash.com
In the memories and reviews of the late Queen Elizabeth II what came out strongly was her understanding of leadership in the context of service to her country and subjects. Principally, she was there to serve her subjects in her official capacity of being served unto.
Leadership
There are many different types of leadership models that range from being Autocratic, Democratic and Laissez-faire. For a moment think about your own experiences of being in positions of leadership at home, work and socially. Then compare how your leadership blossomed or faded with or without any structured leadership model or supervision! It might be helpful to review your experiences and conclude in what ways you could have improved your leadership practices?
- Positions of leadership?
- Leadership models and training?
- Review of leadership? Good – Poor – Indifferent?
It is interesting to note how we assess our own leadership style and worth as opposed to those under our guidance who will critique our impact and effectiveness in a different form? In accepting a position of leadership and endeavouring to give it our best shot it can be beneficial to embrace other forms of leadership models and training for our self-improvement.
Also if we are confident in our leadership at certain times and places then we will be happy to receive both praise and constructive comments that will improve our ongoing actions, intentions and outcomes.
Rules
When we are called to be a leader there is attached to it a responsibility to implement certain rules and regulations that seek to ensure the work we are involved in is safe, secure and successful. How we model and action our leadership will determine the level of relationship we have with those under our charge and how we ensure they are implemented in areas of discipline, supervision, personal development of staff and any termination of a person’s contract of employment.
Intentions
The actions of any individual arise from their intentions that may have been brewing for awhile or are instantly acted upon. Rules are important to live and work by but it is of greater value if our actions arise from the intentions of the heart and mind that sit alongside certain processes and procedures that are in place to help and enable rather than simply enforce.
An example of such actions and intentions may be observed when a person wants to steal something from someone, which is a result of their intention to steal. The same can be true if a person wants to be kind to another, they we will have a heart and mind that intends to be kind rather than hurtful. The difference between the two may be how we respect or have a love or no love for the person we are thinking about and approaching.
Respect
In our role as a leader it is important to understand the relationship between intentions and respect. If we are more intent on executing laws at the expense of any meaningful relationship of respect, then we should not be surprised that there will be different outcomes. People respond to a particular leadership model they experience and will act in a reciprocal manner based on how rules and relationships are conducted.
Photo by Krakenimages unsplash.com
Any environment that has at its core an appropriate respect and love for those they are responsible for will find that there exists a healthy atmosphere wherein both rules and intentions coexist and produce successful outcomes. People in their places of work will be happier and more willing to contribute as an individual and within the confines of a team for the purpose of getting a specific task completed that pleases both the leader and the followers.
Identify
There are different types of leadership models that will be defined and organic and change in the course of time as required. A leader that is not in sync with what is required for the present day will find that they will fall behind in what is expected and will eventually lose their position as a leader.
I’m sure you are very much aware of different leadership models, styles and theories which can enhance your current and future roles in leadership. Take a moment over the next few days to consider what areas of leadership you are formally and informally involved in? Identify your areas of strength and weakness and try to improve them to become happier in how you apply them intentionally and relationally.
A Model of Leadership
My own core leadership model is based on the words of Jesus in his Sermon on the Mount where he says “do to others as you would have them do to you.” This Golden Rule with intention to love and care for our neighbours, families and friends can also be applied to our work and leadership positions.
The late Queen modelled her leadership on the example of Jesus who “did not come to be served, but to serve, and give his life as a ransom for many.” In serving her nation and commonwealth she wasn’t perfect in any way but overall I think she did quite a good job that lasted for 70 years and would have ticked a lot of the boxes found in the plethora of leadership models we may be aware of!
Thanks Markus Spiske Unsplash.com
In concluding this series of three blogs, we find that Jesus was a strong leader who humbly cared and instructed his followers to approach the innocent boy, with the intent of feeding the hungry crowd, which acted as a test of their faith and generosity. May we review and understand our own gifts and abilities and be confident and willing to share them as followers and leaders.
Selah (pause to think calmly on what has just been read)
Graham
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