Laurie KennedyI find the secular leadership world fascinating. I worked there for 30 years. It was an awesome opportunity to lead, provide direction and encouragement to the thousand people who looked to my office for leadership. As a key component of my role, I was invited and expected to attend, learn and be involved in training events. It was a privilege to learn and share. We were sent to mountain resorts to get just the right environment for learning. We listened, worked on projects in teams and listened to the famous expound their latest ideas about Leadership. The interest in leadership training and resources world-wide is ever expanding.

The fascinating learning for me is how much of today’s secular speakers, books and seminars have similar components. Yes, we all have our best stories and the impact of a great speaker can influence us for years. However, a quick review of secular literature and most weekend retreats would indicate that most successful leaders owe their success to similar key points. Defining a Vision and Mission, having positive values, being passionate, trustworthy, known for Integrity, building a team, a focus on employee health, customer service and innovation. It is all great and we need to keep each of these in mind.

However, let me illustrate another concept, (Jesus on Leadership by Gene Wilkes) illustrates seven principles to lead as Jesus led. Now, remember Christ in his 30 short years has had more influence on our world than any other individual.  Christ’s leadership, in Gene’s terms can be summed up in six points. Christ; humbled himself, followed his Father’s will, became a servant, shared responsibility and authority and built a team to accomplish a Vision.

A quick paraphrase for a man like Joshua working in our world today might be, “for me and my (organization), we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15 NIV)

Leadership is … choosing your leadership mentors wisely.

Yours in Service,

Laurie D. Kennedy
Leadership Coach
Jethro Group
ldkjethrogroup@gmail.com