The ability to influence others is undoubtedly an essential requirement for leadership.
Response 1.) Eric
The ability to influence others is undoubtedly an essential requirement for leadership. Leadership begins with \”being\” but ultimately turns to \”doing.\” Influence as a competency refers to the ability to positively impact others, to persuade or convince them to gain their support. The five tools of spiritual influence used in this discussion are prayer, working hard, communicating, serving, and maintaining a positive attitude.
Prayer
\”I pray for all leaders of your people. I pray they will not lead selfishly, for personal ambition or vain conceit. I pray that You help leaders realize that leading is a task that requires them to serve. So, Father, raise servant leaders, in Jesus\’ name.\” Philippians 2:3
The single most important thing a leader must do is pray. One\’s ability to lead effectively reflects one\’s time in prayer. We see the Bible\’s most remarkable leaders talking to God throughout Scripture. Moses met with God daily in the \”tent of meeting\” in the desert (Exodus 33). King David prayed to God regularly; in fact, many of his Psalms are prayers (Psalm 86). Jesus taught the disciples to pray (Matthew 6) and prayed to the Father numerous times, including just before His arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26). Since those ancient times, leadership and prayer have gone hand-in-hand.
Working hard
\”All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty\” Proverbs 14:23
You have likely heard the saying, \”hard work beats talent when talent does not work hard.\” Leaders know that working hard is essential, but only some put forth the energy required. We all know that leader who takes long breaks goes home early and seems to be playing on their computer rather than working. It is questionable whether they are a leader or if that was just a title given to them. An intelligent leader who does not work hard will eventually reach a point where they fail. However, a hard-working leader will find a way to overcome whatever obstacle lies in their path.
Communicate
\”Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what helps build others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen\” Ephesians 4:29
When leaders harness the ability to communicate well, they translate essential data quickly and accurately. Communication is one of the most critical skills a leader can have. It takes purpose and intention to implement effective communication. It is the only way to meet people\’s needs and enable critical human connections.
Serve
\”Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, \”Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.\” Mark 9:35
This influence approach puts serving others above all other priorities. Rather than managing for results, a servant leader focuses on creating an environment where their team can thrive and get their highest-impact work done. Although the words \”leader\” and \”servant\” may seem paradoxical, leaders who serve their team by encouraging growth, offering a sense of purpose, and presenting a clear vision create an environment in which team members feel welcomed and supported.
Maintain a Positive Attitude
\”Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, I will never leave you nor forsake you.\” Hebrews 13:5
Bring energy to the workplace. Leaders\’ behaviors are evident to others, so if leaders are not bringing energy, then why should those around you? Enthusiasm is contagious, and it is a great motivator.
Response 2.) Mary
God’s hand can display His power through a faithful leader by showing to others that their leader is being led by God and the power of that is displayed through acts of affirmation towards the leader for all to witness. When you have the hand of God guiding your every footstep, He will see to it that the work you do as a leader will blossom and be effective. Titus 1:7-14 as the overseer manages the household of God is blameless avoiding negativity of all sorts. Rather show your hospitable qualities but love doing what is good and being upright and self-controlled, holy, and disciplined in how you lead yourself and others.
Integrity and honesty are principal components for consistency that a leader must display regardless of the situation or circumstance they encounter. Proverbs 10:9 reveals that the one who is crooked will be revealed but the one who honors integrity will walk securely in his faith. It can be a challenge for some to display acts of integrity when things are going as one would hope for or plan however when you allow your integrity to lead you to end up doing what is right for all. The mark of true leadership is to have your followers trust you as their leader and your capabilities to lead them successfully (Blackaby, p. 164).
Humility recognizes that self-interest is not for the company\’s betterment but for the individual themselves. Ego denies one the opportunity to show genuine concern, empathy, or compassion towards those that they are leading which can result in a negative show of support from your followers. 2 Corinthians 11:7 speaks of humility in placing the needs of others first before their own needs as a leader because it an essential element in having the characteristics of an effective leader.
Preparation continued education, and developmental training, when you are prepared you are more confident as a leader to perform your duties. Being better prepared they can learn from the problem they are trying to solve by focusing their attention on it. 2 Timothy 4:2 Advises to preach the word of God and be readily available to perform it regardless of its convenience or inconvenience. Do so by implementing correction, confronting the issue, and using patience and instruction throughout the entire matter.
Courage a leader displays through their actions in leading the organization and others but in addition to that effective leaders take the time to teach that same courage to their followers (p. 177). Great courage is demonstrated through effective leadership when the leadership is not frightened to do what is deemed right regardless of the situation. 2 Samuel 10:12 instructs us to be positively courageous not just for ourselves but so that those who are also around us and those we lead can witness the works of God through acts of courageousness.
References
Blackaby, Henry, & Blackaby, R. (2011). Spiritual Leadership: Moving People On to God’s
Agenda. B & H Publishing Group. ISBN: 978-1-4336-6918-7
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