The Journey
What is a leader? What is the real definition of leadership? I’ve been searching the literature for several years and although there have been many who have come up with what they thought was a definitive concept, none have rung true in my mind. Some of them are good attempts to describe what a leader does. Here are some that I’ve found: change agent, motivates others, decisive, trustworthy, assertive, a visionary. The list can go on and on when you compile them all. And yet when we look at some of the worlds leaders, they are not all alike. Consider Nelson Mandela vs. Margaret Thatcher vs. Ghandi – all considered some of the greatest leaders of the 20th century yet all very different in nature. So is there really one particular definition of leadership?
Something in all of this is missing. For within the context of my personal belief in Jesus Christ as the Son of God, I find these attempts to define leadership meaningless -”vanity” as Solomon described. The word “vanity” really means breath or vapor – easily dissolves into the atmosphere. The world’s concept of leadership strikes me as just that – vapor.
Where then, can I find what I’m looking for – an authentic, genuine concept of leadership?
Jesus.
Jesus, the consummate leader whose message changed the world - I must look to Him to discover the true meaning of leadership.
So as I look to Jesus, I see something that cannot be denied. Rather than an assertive, take charge leader I find a humble man who inspired those around Him. He was a servant, the greatest servant of all. That is the model of leadership that I must look to.
So that is where I will start. However, there will be many other leaders that will inspire me and by their example share practical examples for me to learn from.
So the question is… who is someone that exemplifies true leadership qualities? What is it about their leadership that inspires you?
I look forward to your comments!
grace… Kathie
