To Lead is to Serve
Kudos! You’ve just received a written offer for your dream leadership role! Handshakes all around, pats on the back. See you Monday in your new corner office. It’s been a long time coming, and you’ve burned quite a bit of midnight oil to get to this moment. A feeling of relief washes over you. Dedication and diligence have opened the door to a higher plane where you will be challenged to be your best self in all circumstances.
As an up-and-coming leader, you’ll function in an environment of emerging technologies and disruption that will imperil the delivery of outcomes at every turn. It may be tempting to cut corners and make hasty decisions, but there’s a better way. Remember the old adage, “What would Jesus do?” Take it out and dust it off because it’s a great way to make sure you stay on track as you ply your way through new territory.
When we characterize outstanding leaders, we often use descriptions such as visionary, ethical and other-centered. Christ embodies these positive qualities like no other, and he is every leader’s best role model in any and all situations. If you commit to being a leader who strives to do the following, you will be on the road to success from day one, with Jesus by your side.
- Lead by Example
The life of a leader is no longer his own. It belongs to the people in his care. Act with integrity at all times and in all places, both professional and personal, to earn the respect of those who will look to you for guidance.
- Include All
Delegate to each according to his ability. There is work for everyone and diversity is a blessing. Provide opportunities for success and your employees will rise to the level of the bar you set for them.
- Communicate with Loving Kindness
Be honest and sincere in all business dealings. Your word and your handshake are a promise to promote best practice and to uphold corporate and personal values. Always patient, you listen actively and provide timely feedback to employees, colleagues and clients.
- Be Accessible at All Times
When the going gets tough, make sure you’re not hiding in your office, or worse, out of it. Answer emails and phone calls, initiate memos, monitor progress and be in the thick of things. You’re the go-to guy, so make sure you’re there to go to. Jesus didn’t clock out at 5 p.m.
- Act With Humility
Outstanding leadership brings optimal results that add value to a corporation. Give credit where it is due, and shine the light on your employees. By the same token, when your employees’ efforts fail, stand in the spotlight and explain why your plan did not achieve success.
- Heal With Compassion
It’s imperative to maintain a positive rapport within an organization and with corporate clients. Model behaviors of patience and understanding to foster an atmosphere of respect and caring. If disharmony casts a counterproductive shadow over your office, act quickly to counsel staff, reassure clients and restore forward progress.
You have to walk the walk to be a leader.
*To learn more about how Nathan R Mitchell and Clutch Consulting LLC can help your grow your business and lead to your full potential faster, reach out to us today, or listen to our podcasts on Leading With Purpose - Empowering Talk Radio.