“I give you a new command: Love each other. You must love each other as I have loved you. All people will know that you are my followers if you love each other.” – Jesus (John 13:34-35 –NCV)
The greatest testament to being a leader is if people follow your leadership model. Jesus’ model was love demonstrated through servant leadership. Before making the statement above Jesus washed his followers’ feet, which may seem like a strange action to us. But, in the culture at Jesus’ time, people walked everywhere and feet became very dirty. The washing of feet was the lowliest act that a servant could perform.
Jesus communicated a leadership model through his actions that his followers would never forget. He also created a movement that is still growing today.
What are you communicating through your leadership model? Here are some points to reflect upon:
Where Are You Going?
Jesus had a personal vision statement that is recorded in Luke 4:18-19. He was headed in a direction to proclaim good news, freedom, healing and favor. My personal vision is creating healthy leadership cultures that redefine and transform society to better results and potential.
Often where we are going is something that we tell or proclaim. We need to cast vision by vocalizing that vision. This can happen by stating the vision directly or through stories that paint a picture of the vision. We need to tell others the vision continually, and we need to remind ourselves of it regularly to keep us on track.
What is your direction? What gives focus to how you spend your time, energy and resources? How do you proclaim that vision to others?
How Will You Get There?
The ‘how’ is often what we model to others. This is where actions speak louder than words. Jesus’ ‘how’ was love demonstrated through servant leadership. A whole span of leadership books have been written on servant leadership. Serving others is powerful in motivating others to follow the vision.
My ‘how’ is through the principle of true philanthropy. The basis of philanthropy is love of mankind. Each person is unique and brings value. My how is inspiring individuals and teams of people to live their passions, strengths, values and purposes to their full potential. I also must model this myself by living my passions, strengths and values. My purpose is to listen, coach and inspire to act in faith.
What is your ‘how’? What is your purpose?
Is There Anything Standing in Your Way?
Take an assessment of yourself. Do you have people following you? Ask them if they know the vision, the direction you are heading. It does not have to be word-for-word what your vision statement is on a placard. Listen to how they explain it in their own words. Does what they say match the vision?
Take inventory of your actions. Review your day. What actions did you take that demonstrate your ‘how’ or your purpose. When Jesus washed his follower’s feet he demonstrated his ‘how’ through servant leadership. What did you do today that modeled your purpose or did not model it?
Make a plan to proclaim your vision and model your purpose in the rhythm of your life. What practices will keep you on track? Is it keeping your vision and purpose on a piece of paper on your desk? Is it examining your actions at the end of the day? What works for you and your team?