I have been thinking lately about what it means to be a leader. It seems clear to me that there is more to leadership than simply wielding power over others. Anyone can wield power, but that does not mean that everyone is a leader.
That quality that we call "leadership" is more than just directing or commanding, it is more than determining the destiny of others, although these are part of it. There are two elements to leadership in addition to these. First of all, most people will follow a leader without being forced. Secondly, a leader does not lead simply for his own gain, but for the sake of those who follow him.
Having people follow is an essential quality of a leader. One who wields power, but does not have the respect of those whom he wields power over does not lead, he dictates. However, one who has the respect of people under him will not simply be a dictator, but is close to being a leader.
One definition of leadership included going before, and taking by the hand as a child. These both indicate that a leader directs and commands not for his own pleasure or good, but for the good of those who follow. Even if those under you respect you, and will follow you, you are not a true leader if you are exercising power for your own good, you are a despot. Leading is going before those who follow you, taking them to places that are best for them (whether they realize it or not).
As with any good quality, Leadership is best exemplified by God. Who could be more worthy of respect than Him? Who wields more power? And who does more for the good of those who follow Him? As with all things, imitating Christ in leadership is the only way to be a true leader.
1 comment:
If "determining the destiny of others" is part of leadership, I have no leader but God. I think it's noteworthy that Christ led the way to righteousness by his service and sacrifice, and no one has ever followed Him involuntarily. He didn't call Christians to be leaders, but servants.
I think that the only function of a good leader is to provide direction and organization to a group of people. People can't accomplish a large group project unless someone helps ensure that the several wills work in harmony. The conductor of an orchestra doesn't tell people what to do; he merely tells them how they can work together to do what they already wanted to do.
So I guess my point is that I agree with you for the most part, but I would emphasize different things.
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