Thursday, July 20, 2017

Leaders Are Servants First


To be a great leader, you must be a great servant first.  

July’s Awakening, Day 20

Leadership is found in becoming the servant of all.

 —Richard Foster

The great leader is seen as the servant first.

 —Robert K. Greenleaf

True greatness, true leadership, is achieved not by reducing men to one’s service but in giving oneself in selfless service to them.

 —Oswald Sanders

Leaders touch a heart before they ask for a hand.

 —John C. Maxwell

 

just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:28 NIV  

 

            We’ve discussed servanthood in our spiritual discipline section of devotions, but we’ll mention it again here under leadership as the servanthood mindset is so crucial for true success. Christ is always our example to turn to for study and reflection. He is our ultimate Leader and the epitome of the true Servant.

            If you want to lead, you must first serve. Effective leadership entails providing something of tangible significance to those who would follow to make positive differences in their lives. It is all about positively influencing those around you such that together as a team you can collectively accomplish great things. The team is essential, for a game will never be won by coaches without players. And the better the players, the better the team, and the greater chance for victory. Likewise, a coach is only as great as the best assistant coaches he has around him too. Jesus could not do all He did alone. He needed the assistance of a specially selected band of twelve to help Him complete His work effectively and to continue to carry it out into the future when He was gone. The best leaders know that the most valuable assets required to accomplish their vision and goals are the people directly around them. The flock will never progress beyond that of the leader, and likewise, the leader will never progress beyond the capabilities of his flock. Great leaders will be great servants first.

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