“No one is immune from derailment. In fact, we’re all just a moment away from doing something that could wound our organizations, our relationships, and our reputations” (Patrick Lencioni, The Table Group, in Derailed)
Our Christian literature parallels the secular industry in their concern for the quality of Leaders today. “Our research showed that 82% of Christians today agree, the nation is facing a crisis of leadership because there are not enough good leaders right now.” (Brad Lomenick, in The Catalyst Leader)
Ciulla, in her book Ethics the Heart of Leadership suggests 60% to 70% of employees reported that their immediate supervisor was the worst and most stressful aspect of their job.
My personal Ministry experience and research indicates that 70% of churches consider themselves to be unhealthy.
So, where is the standard, the Biblical standard for each of us as leaders, to measure ourselves? We can illustrate that Christ did not come to control but to serve. We can look at Paul and the many Biblical leaders who were accountable to God and put their people first. As Leaders we seek and evaluate everything we do based on results. The numbers that I love to crunch and chart are important. However, post this Scripture verse above your work place and use it to evaluate every decision, action and email.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23 NIV)
Leaders rarely fail for technical reasons. They fail in the people stuff, the poor relationships, the lack of caring, the inability to demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit on the job.
As you approach your next Board, Staff or Customer involvement, do everything you can to show God’s love through the fruit of the Spirit. Your people will hear it, feel it and your Leadership skill and ability will grow.
Then, pray for the day, as Joshua put it, “Sanctify yourselves. Tomorrow God will work miracle-wonders among you” (Joshua 3:5-6 MSG)
Leadership is … living the fruit of the Spirit to reduce and eliminate our current Leadership crisis.
Yours in Service,
Laurie D. Kennedy
Leadership Coach
Jethro Group
ldkjethrogroup@gmail.com