Shepherd and Lead

Leadership requires the gentle touch of a shepherd and the persistent persuasion of a leader. Both traits are needed to lead effectively and efficiently. The wise leader pays attention to how and when to apply each. When the troops are weary and worried there is a need to slow down and love them through their time of challenge.

However, as they are licking their personal and/or professional wounds, keep them focused on the mission, and ultimately keep them connected with their heavenly Father. A person freed up and accountable to God has more potential for productivity.
Shepherding moves people beyond their own needs, to their ability to serve others. This is their best therapy. Help people discover a need, and then encourage them to engage in its fulfillment.

Moreover, good shepherding requires awareness. You are aware of people’s limitations of capacity and capabilities. Be careful not to overload them and burn out your best people. You are aware of the training required to get people up to speed in their performance and productivity. You are aware of what motivates certain individuals but not others. You are aware of how to best communicate with, and hold accountable, people according to their style and expectations.

You are aware if people around you are happy, sad, discontented, or grateful. You are aware when they hurt and when they cry. You are aware because you care. Shepherding is caring, so take the time to shepherd, and you will increase the probability of retaining your people. If you drive them instead of shepherding them, you will eventually drive them away, so skillfully shepherd and lead the team.

An effective leader must also lead. Leadership is being unafraid to mark a course, then setting the pace, as the team embarks upon the goal. Yes, you collaborate and define a process, but then you move forward prayerfully and productively. Leadership is anticipating the next step and adapting as needed. It understands the big picture and then communicates this grander vision in a compelling and consistent fashion. Leading implies progress toward a destination. It requires right results. Leaders feel a mandate and a calling from God to lead. They are good leaders because they are good followers of Christ.

Leaders also give attention to detail and understand its value. However, detail does not derail them from reaching the goal. The analysis of data is necessary to make the wisest decisions possible. But leaders avoid paralysis from analysis, and move forward, testing the waters as they go. Leaders lead, whether they are liked or not. Their motivation is to execute the plan, not to appease the people. Leaders may be branded as insensitive because of their untiring focus on progress, excellence, and execution.

But this is the role of the leader. There is no need for leaders to apologize for leading. Leaders shepherd and lead. If you shepherd with a heart of integrity and lead with your God-given skills, then you are a leader worth following. Aspire to this level of leadership. This is the leadership style of David and Jesus.

Taken from the June 12th reading from Boyd Bailey’s Seeking Daily the Heart of God. This 365 day devotional book is a compilation of the reader’s favorites from the daily email devotional “Wisdom Hunters”. Andy Stanley says, “I have walked with Boyd for over 20 years and I am definitely wiser for it. You are going to love this book!”