Watched This, Learned That

A co-worker sent me a video on leadership. The video was not intentionally Christ-centered in nature, but it certainly reminded me of Biblical principles. Here is the link to the video: http://www.couragerenewal.org/blog/103/663

Here are some notes I immediately wrote to myself to remind (myself) of what I consider good Biblical leadership practices.

1) Question ourselves.

Don’t do anything for selfish purposes, but with humility think of others as better than yourselves. Phil.2:3 CEB

Ask yourself, ask others. Good questions asked and answered are a blessing from the Lord. He oftentimes speaks wisely to us through others. Don’t pridefully consider my own answer as the best answer.

2) Develop and attend to solid partnerships.

A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken. Ecc. 4:12 NLT

Leading alone makes no sense. Things are done better in groups.

3) Avoid the use of force except as a last resort.

Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; James 1:19 ESV

Don’t be a jerk. Listen to both sides. Pray. Help those you lead resolve their conflict in a Biblical way. Oftentimes, they don’t really need you. All the time, we all need Jesus! :-)

4) Value differences not only as a mark of respect but as a source of creative information.

1 Cor. 12 (all), esp. v. 27 - “All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.” NLT

Don’t simply pay lip service to this. Discipline yourself to appreciate different points of view. Listen well, adapt to approaches other than one’s own, and make a greater impact.

5) Create a community.

So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. John 13:34 NLT

Love is a verb. It takes time, energy & effort to support and love one another. Do a good job with this. Create enough margin to be effective.

What are some helpful Biblical leadership practices/Scriptures you observe & practice?