Legacy Leadership: Wisdom Of The Apostle Paulಮಾದರಿ

Active, not Passive – Part 2

The active nature of Paul’s leadership demonstrates what leadership scholars call the full-range of leadership. According to this view, the most effective leaders actively use a variety of transactional and transformational behaviors. Transactional leadership is a process that identifies the performance expectations for followers and clarifies the rewards for meeting those expectations. Paul was diligent in his efforts to clarify his expectations for his followers. He modeled the way by demonstrating the attitudes and behaviors he wanted to see in his followers and then constantly encouraged and corrected them. When his expectations were met, he heartily commended them for their progress and achievements. When these expectations were not met, he exhorted and implored his followers to change.

But Paul’s leadership efforts transcended transactional methods. He supplemented these methods with several transformational leadership behaviors: idealized influence, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation, and individualized consideration.

Idealized influence is the role-modeling behavior of leaders who demonstrate high standards of moral conduct and consider the needs of others over their own needs. As a result, their followers identify with their leaders and want to emulate them. Paul’s idealized influence is seen in the fact that he was an example whom others viewed as worthy of imitation (1 Corinthians 11:1; Ephesians 5:1–2; Philippians 3:17). He left his mark on those he led, and they in turn imitated him (1 Thessalonians 1:6–7).

Inspirational motivation refers to a leader’s efforts to build the follower’s commitment to an inspiring mission. Paul’s mission was to share the gospel with his followers and encourage them to live in a manner that was worthy of the God who called them into his kingdom and glory (1 Thessalonians 2:8, 12).

Intellectual stimulation describes to the behaviors of a change agent who questions assumptions and reframes problems. Paul embraced his role as change agent and repeatedly demonstrated boldness by challenging the status quo in spite of intense opposition (Acts 20:17–21; 2 Corinthians 3:12; 1 Thessalonians 2:2).

Effective leadership is also personalized, and a key element of Paul’s leadership is the customized and individual attention he provided. Paul’s use of individualized consideration is indicated in his use in the phrase “each one of you.” Rather than using a one size fits all approach, these words indicate the personal touch and intentional involvement of a loving father who considers the uniqueness of each of his children. Paul was authentically engaged in the customized development of each one of his followers (1 Thessalonians 2:11).

The capability to use a full-range of behaviors allows Legacy Leaders to respond to their followers with love and encouragement. They demonstrate the love of a nursing mother, yet can also be corrective and demanding when needed – just as a father does with his children.

Reflect and Act on these questions:

• Paul used a full-range of leadership that included the nurturing care of a mother and the purposeful admonishments of a father in a balanced way. Do you lean more toward Paul’s image of the leader as a mother or the leader as a father in your own leadership style?
• We all have a leadership style preference. Some of us prefer to be nurturing leaders who focus on relationships. Others are more task-focused. But the most effective leaders integrate a full-range of behaviors. As you reflect on your own leadership behavior, are you more task-focused or relationship-focused?
• Based on your answers, what do you need to do to develop a more integrated leadership style?
• Do you tend to use the same leadership approach with every follower? Or do you customize your approach for “each one” of your followers?