A good leader knows how to lead a person to achieve something wonderful. They know how to get the most out of those looking towards them for direction.
The first step to becoming a better leader is to understand that leadership is more than just a position. Simon Sinek said it best when he said, “Leaders are often so concerned about their status and position at their job that they actually forget their real job. And the real job of a leader isn’t about being in charge. It’s about taking care of those we are in charge of.”
Years ago I saw an article that showed a different way of looking at 1 Corinthians 13: 4-7.
1 Corinthians 13: 4-7 says, Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, and it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres. (NIV Translation)
I don’t remember where I saw the article (and I give all the credit to whoever it was that wrote on this topic) but I want to share with you what the article was about. Instead of looking at the verses from a “How to love your mate” perspective, it has you asking yourself a series of questions. Let’s break down the verses and take a look at how they can help you to be a better leader.
A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE ON 1 CORINTHIANS
Love is patient.
Ask yourself this question, “Am I giving others the same room to make mistakes as I want them to give me?”
Love is kind.
“Do the people I lead actually like to be around me?”
Love does not envy.
“Am I automatically jealous of anyone who has a great idea, or do I perceive others as a threat to my position?”
Love does not boast.
“Do I need to remind people of my past victories?”
Love is not proud.
“Do I feel I am the only one in the company with all the answers or the only one who can do anything right?”
Love is not rude.
“Am I cutting people mid-sentence as soon as I discover that I don’t like their idea, or am I willing to hear them out?”
Love is not self-seeking.
When you find yourself getting upset stop and ask yourself “who is this about?” You need to see the best in people not what is best for you.
Love is not easily angered.
“Are people afraid to bring me information that is true and accurate because they know I will lose control and begin to yell?”
Love keeps no record of wrongs.
“Do I remind people of their past failures or encourage them in their current condition?”
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices in the truth.
“Can people be honest and open with anyone in the company including me?”
Love always protects.
“Do I have my staff’s back?”
Love always trusts.
“Do I believe my coworkers can make day-to-day decisions without my input?”
Love always hopes.
“Do I always automatically assume the worst or the best about people?”
Love always perseveres.
“Am I quick to give up on people after they make one mistake or am I willing to teach them through it?”
CONCLUSION
Leaders can not effectively lead people they do not love. Insecurity will stop you from loving the people you lead and it will stop you from surrounding yourself with the right people.
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