Have you ever thought to yourself, “If I were in charge, things would be different, things would be better”? Because, after all whoever is in charge has the most power right? They’re the ones who get to make the big boy decisions right?
What makes a leader is not power, but the ability to empower others.
Is the most powerful person in the room really the best leader in the room? Or could it be, that the better leader is the person who gives away the most power?
You win the hearts of people when you help them grow personally.
Lording over people and barking out orders never endears people to a leader. It was Peter Drucker who is credited with saying, “The leader of the past was a person who knew how to tell. The leader of the future will be a person who knows how to ask.” Click here to learn more about this leadership tension. Helping people grow as a leader means giving them authority to make decisions, practice with leadership situations and socraticly coach them to move in the right direction. It’s true. You get more when you give. Even in the economy of leadership.
“Everything they do is for show. On their arms they wear extra wide prayer boxes with Scripture verses inside, and they wear extra long tassels on their robes. And how they love to sit at the head of the table at banquets and in the most prominent seats in the synagogue! They enjoy the attention they get on the streets, and enjoy being called ‘Rabbi.’” Matthew 23:5-7
A majority of leaders are interested in keeping their position and acquiring more power. The Pharisees were interested in power and position. So much so that many had even sided with Rome. As a leader are you more interested in acquiring power or giving power away to others? Are you more interested in attaining more power, or providing the shoulders for others to stand on?
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