by Keith Hamilton
Synopsis: Leadership occurs whenever we influence the thinking, behavior, or development of another person.
Transformation is a central theme of the New Testament (Rom. 12:2). Sometimes that transformation is immediate as the result of obeying the military-like command to do an “about-face,” i.e., repent (Mark. 1:15; Acts 2:38). Other times, transformation is a result of our growth over time as we change to become more like our Lord (2 Cor. 3:18). When I received a gracious request from Mark Mayberry to write this article, I was in the process of reviewing a book to provide feedback to a friend and former boss. I was fortunate to be a part of an organization where we sought to transform the way we do business. Early on, our business philosophy was shaped by two sources. One was the military with their long tradition of developing leadership at their academies. The other, believe it or not, was the Bible and the principles taught therein about leadership. At first, I was perplexed about what to write as a volume could be filled on this subject. Nonetheless, I decided to limit the discussion to the topic of “leadership.” Blanchard, Hodges, and Hendry identify two habits that all great leaders possess: being habits (which are transformational in nature) and doing habits (which are actionable in nature).
“Being habits” transform the heart (seat of emotions) and head (intellect). “Doing habits” affect the hands (what we do) and feet (what we carry to others). Let us turn our attention to the subject of leadership and how this applies to us as Christians. “Leadership happens any time we influence the thinking, behavior, or development of another person” (Lead Like Jesus Revisited). In addition to this definition, Blanchard, Hodges, and Hendry add the following: (1) Jesus is the greatest leadership role model of all time; (2) servant leadership is the only approach to leadership that Jesus validates for His followers; and, (3) effective leadership begins on the inside, with our hearts.
I have always found it unfortunate that many people think of leadership as only “positional.” That is, when they think of leaders, they think in terms of a position: Director, Manager, Supervisor, Mayor, Chief, General, Colonel, Coach, etc. I am afraid that this mindset is also true when we consider the church. Yes, there are those the Lord “gave” to serve in special leadership roles (Eph. 4:11-16). Yet, if we accept the definition that “leadership happens any time we influence the thinking, behavior, and development of another person,” then every Christian is a leader. I know what some may now be thinking. I saw it before when I was working with an organization that was seeking to transform the way they did business. I made the statement to the managers that they needed to develop a culture of leadership where everyone is a leader. One manager laughed and said, “If everyone is a leader, then who are going to be the followers?” To which I responded, “Everyone.” Situational and shared leadership are principles that help all to know when it is expected of one to step out and lead, and when one is expected to support another leader by following. As Christians, we need to recognize that the Lord expects each one of us to be a leader and a follower.
As parents, we need to have the “being habits” that mold our hearts and minds after the instructions of the Lord. This will affect our “doing habits” in rearing (influencing) our children in the “nurture and admonition” of the Lord (Eph. 6:4; Titus 2:4-5). Parents need leadership skills to have a positive influence on their children. In the workplace, we need the “being habits” that shape our attitude toward our “boss” and coworkers that affects our “doing habits” of influencing those we work with so that all can see the Lord in us (Eph. 6:5-8; 1 Tim. 6:1-2). In particular, Christian employees need to be leaders who seek to influence those we work with to believe in Jesus. As a member of a community, we need the “being habits” that instill in our hearts and minds a love for the souls of others. This will affect our “doing habits” of seeking the lost. Christians need leadership skills to lead others to Christ.
I have personally witnessed the powerful transformation that happens to an organization when it adopts the concept that leadership is an expectation with everyone. I have seen low performing organizations with poor morale turn into dynamic, high performing teams. How does this happen? Many of the interventions that were used to transform organizations had their origins in the Bible. One has only to have witnessed the success of John Maxwell, a Baptist preacher, and the wholesale acceptance of his books and videos on leadership and teams. Our company did. I used to chuckle at how amazed people were at Maxwell’s insights knowing that the source for those was the Bible. Maxwell simply managed to take biblical principles and turn them into a business application. That was smart! When principles from Sacred Scripture are practically applied, the results are powerful!
We can see the transformation that happens to organizations and the lives of people when biblical leadership principles are applied. Why then can we not be transformed to become the servant leader Jesus expects us to be? We need to become leaders whose hearts have been transformed. The “being habits” that transform our hearts to become more Christ-like will translate into “doing habits.” These “doing habits” will transform our families, friends, business associates, communities, and churches. This occurs as we take the lead to influence the thinking, behavior, and development of others.
Early disciples, when persecuted and scattered, responded by “preaching the word” everywhere they went (Acts 8:4). Folks, that’s leadership! Not just preachers were involved, but all the disciples. They did not need some organized program. They didn’t wait to see what the preachers or elders were going to do. They simply did what Jesus did. One can only imagine what would happen to communities and churches if every member took it upon themselves to lead. Though the sphere of your influence may be limited, you can still lead others.
The apostle Paul was a great preacher, and he also was a great leader. Even when prison restricted the sphere of his influence, he still sought to lead others to Christ. How did this happen? Paul first had the “being habits” that transformed him to be like his Lord. He “crucified” himself so that Christ could live in him (Gal. 2:20). Can anyone question the effect that “being habits” (transformation) had on Paul’s “doing habits” (2 Cor. 11:23-28; Phil. 1:21)?
Earlier it was suggested that leadership begins in the heart. Is that not true for all that we are to be and do as Christians (Matt. 12:35; 1 Tim. 1:5)? In following the example of Jesus as a servant leader, it behooves us to carefully guard the heart (Eph. 6:14; Heb. 3:12).
I pray that, in some way, this article encourages you to lead. In closing, I offer words that I hope will be helpful as you seek to develop your “being and doing habits.” I would use this statement when I would close out a corporate conference with attendees from all across the States and three other countries. “Never let a day go by that you do not do at least one good thing for one person.” I pray that we will all be leaders.
Blanchard, Ken, Phil Hodges, and Phyllis Hendry. Lead Like Jesus Revisited: Lessons From the Greatest Leadership Role Model of All Time. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 2016. ISBN: 978-0-7180-7725-9.
Keith Hamilton retired in 2016 from Bridgestone as the Corporate Manager for the North America Manufacturing and Education Center. While with Bridgestone, he created and managed the Principled Centered Leadership program for Bridgestone. Keith has spoken frequently on the subject of “Leadership: The Key to a Quality Culture” at State, Regional, National, and Global Conferences.
