Leadership Ripples

Good leaders keep the organization moving. And this requires a strong leadership team that will enthusiastically assist, support and sell the vision. All this comes with repercussions or ripples So what are the ripples? – the requirement of renewed energy, the necessity of revision, requests for funds and flexibility, recommitment … Watch the ripples closely, as they can beautifully awaken and revitalize a pond gone stagnant. But these ripples can also be a source of irritation to those living comfortably on lily pads and logs, soaking up the sun and staring at their reflections in the calm water. Jesus did provide rest for the weary (Matthew 11:28) and he did calm stormy waters (Matthew 8:23-27), but he also stirred calm waters with his often agitating teaching and actions John 7 – 10). In fact his leadership team turned the whole world upside down (Acts 17:6). Leaders: don’t be afraid of the ripples!

ambition?

A few weeks ago we considered the servant ‘aspect’ of leadership: a willingness to wash feet and a desire to see others succeed. While it is true that effective leaders have ambition, this ambition must never be driven by a desire for worldly acclaim. Nor should leadership destroy others while pushing towards the goal of accomplishment. Consider John the Baptizer: he did not allow his ego to be in competition with Jesus. John’s role was to be the set-up man for Jesus. He didn’t allow his temporary popularity to create a false sense of self-importance. Lesson: when Jesus wishes to make an appearance, never let your high self-opinion get in the way.

facing resistance

Leaders understand that their character and capacities are both revealed and refined by how they respond to criticism, conflict and resistance. Antagonism can obviously be most aggravating but it can also be a potential ally in a leader’s quest for more maturity in Christ, as well as increased wisdom and influence. Jesus faced so much resistance yet handled it in a way that actually increased his stature and influence. The resilience and potency of his leadership is due to intimate communion with his Father – the source of love, wisdom and power. Good leaders know how important it is to live in the Father’s presence.