“Your job is to make others successful, not to make yourself successful.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – October 23, 2022
Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Philippians 2:3
My husband, Clark, has been a leader in various organizations for decades. Because of his vast experience, I asked him what inspires others to follow a leader and what makes a leader great.
Without hesitating, he shared five traits for every leader to adopt. He also shared that these principles apply whether you’re a mom or dad leading your children, a friend leading friends, or a CEO leading a multi-million-dollar organization.
First, great leaders have genuine care for others. Your job is to make others successful, not to make yourself successful or to make yourself look good. For example, a military general makes sure his men are taken care of so that they can succeed. He always ensures that they have what they need to do their job, and he never puts them in harm’s way. He knows that when his men succeed, he succeeds. The same is true of all great leaders.
“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others” (Philippians 2:4).
Great leaders surround themselves with a great team. They know they need to create a team of people who are gifted, talented, and knowledgeable in ways that they are not. A leader understands that gaining the wisdom of many people contributes to the best solutions for the whole. Therefore, a great leader isn’t afraid to surround themselves with others who are smarter than them.
“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom” (Proverbs 11:2).
Great leaders are humble and seek the opinions of others. Great leaders know they aren’t the smartest one in the room, therefore, their ego isn’t bruised when someone offers a better solution than one they suggested themselves. They don’t toss aside the input of others as insignificant. This creates great team morale and respect for the leader. When others share a solution that they wouldn’t have originally considered, they listen with an open mind and without a big ego.
“. . .humility comes before honor” (Proverbs 15:33).
Great leaders are inspirational and rally people toward a common goal. They have a vision. They outline the roadmap for how a goal can be achieved but give their team freedom in achieving it. They stay hopeful and believe that all things are possible. They challenge their team to create original ideas and solutions and they reward them for their effort.
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope” (Romans 15:13).
Great leaders have integrity. They are honest. Their yes means yes and their no means no, which results in people trusting them. When a leader doesn’t stay true to their word, when they can’t be trusted, it makes people reluctant to follow. Again, this is true at home, in friendships, or in the workplace.
“Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than a rich man who is crooked in his ways” (Proverbs 28:6).
How are you doing as a leader in your home, social circle, or place of employment? Talk with the Lord about any way you’d like to improve in serving Him as you serve others.
“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9).
Prayer
Lord, thank you for the ways that you have made me a leader. Help me to serve others with integrity and put their needs above my own. Amen.
Application
Choose a phrase from today’s message that stands out to you, write it on a Post-it note and put it somewhere you can focus on it this week.
Related Reading
Matthew 20:26; John 13:12-15; 1 Peter 5:3
Worship Resource
Hillsong Worship: No One But You
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