Legacy Leadership: Wisdom Of The Apostle PaulSample

Living, Leading and Leaving a Legacy

We began this study with a new definition of leadership: Legacy Leadership is a process of intentional influence that takes place in the context of a relationship.

Over the last several weeks we have been unpacking that definition by examining the life and leadership of the Apostle Paul. As we have seen, legacy leadership is transformational. Indeed, the measure of a legacy leader’s effectiveness is changed lives – both now and for generations to come.

But if we are to be transformational leaders, we must be transformed. This transformation is not a one time, once-and-for-all event. Rather, it is an ongoing process that takes place across a lifetime. Paul is the exemplar for this process. Without changing his fundamental personality, Jesus transformed Paul’s character and redirected his life. Paul was transformed by his personal encounter with the risen Christ, and for the rest of his life he was being transformed into the image of Christ.

Jesus left his “mark” on Paul, and Paul became an imitator of Jesus. In the same way, the Thessalonians were transformed by their encounter with Paul and his leadership team.  They were “marked,” and in turn, they became examples for others who were also transformed. The Thessalonians paid it forward, and now over 2000 years later, legacy leaders are still applying this model. Today, I want to review the principles and processes associated with legacy leadership.

Legacy Leadership is more about who we are than what we do. Our being is more important than our doing; but, what we do flows from who we are. Legacy leaders realize that effective leadership is a joint venture between them and the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit. To avoid leading in the flesh, they regularly make the fundamental choice to be led by and to keep in step with the Spirit.

Legacy leaders understand that leadership is not about them, but it begins with them. They live a life that is worthy of imitation and others are willing to follow. They affirm the character of their followers and appreciate the contribution they make. Yet, they are not content to simply maintain the status quo. Their followers are motivated by their leader’s approval and are ready to take their performance to the next level.

Legacy leaders demonstrate resilience and boldness in the face of opposition. They lead with diligence and their example inspires others to persevere. Legacy leaders constantly confront the gaps between their espoused values and their actual behaviors and invite the scrutiny of others. Their motives are pure and their integrity continues to grow. They are above reproach. Because of this they are able to lead with the moral authority that transcends position-based power.

Legacy leaders allow themselves the discomfort of being vulnerable and transparent. They earn the respect and trust of their followers. They do not lead from a distance. Instead they are among those they lead, and are not afraid to show compassion and emotion for their followers. They use referent power even when their formal status provides reward and coercive power bases. They are aware of the authority they have, but they intentionally use it to build others up not to tear down. Thus, their followers are committed, instead of merely compliant. 

Legacy leaders are authentic, sincere, and genuinely concerned about the well-being of others. They demonstrate an active commitment to the development of their followers that is customized to the unique needs of each individual. As these followers are themselves transformed, they become examples for others and the legacy process is perpetuated, resulting in more leaders who make a difference now - and for generations to come.

Legacy leaders are those who lead in such a way that they are a blessing to others now, and whose leadership provides a blessing for generations to come.

Reflect and Act on these closing thoughts:

• Earlier in this study, I challenged your existing view of the word legacy. A legacy is not just something you will leave when you die, but it is something you live now. A legacy life is a life that is a blessing to us now, and that will be a blessing to others for generations to come.
• We are all going to leave a legacy. We can do it by default or on purpose.
• This study is about being intentional about living, leading, and leaving a legacy – in our families, in our churches, in our organizations, and in our communities.
• What legacy will you live, lead, and leave?