The Most Excellent Way To LeadSample

What Do I Need To Change?

If we think we’re smarter than the people we are leading, if we don’t respect the people we’re leading, or if we are threatened by the people we are leading, we are headed for trouble. 

Saul freaked out when people gave him credit for slaying thousands and David credit for slaying tens of thousands. And, well, it didn’t end well for Saul.

When people understand they are on the same team, working for the same goals, and are willing to speak truth respectfully, the best idea can be presented and adopted.

In addition to telling us what love is, the apostle Paul also gives us several examples of what love is not. If we want to lead in the most excellent way, we must also consider whether we need to remove some things from our lives. 

Consider what love does NOT do, and ask yourself the questions that follow:

1. Love does not envy. 

Am I automatically jealous of anyone who has a great idea? Do I constantly perceive others as a threat to my position? The reason some young leaders can’t thrive in their current condition is because the more “mature” leader perceives them as a threat.

2.  Love does not boast.  

Do I feel like I always need to remind people of my previous victories? Remember, if we are obsessed with the past then we’re not advancing toward the future!

3. Love is not proud. 

Do I feel that I am the only one in the organization that has all of the answers? The belief that we have to have the solution for every problem usually arises from a lack of trust in the leaders we have around us. And, if we do not trust them, we will never fully release opportunities to them, which makes our load unbearable.

4. Love is not rude. 

Am I cutting people off mid-sentence as soon as I discover that I do not like their idea, or am I willing to hear them out?  People don’t always have to be right as long as they feel like they’ve been heard.

5. Love is not self-seeking. 

When you find yourself getting upset, stop and ask yourself, “ Who is this about—really?” 

Many of our problems in life and leadership are the result of selfishness on our part. Selfishness leads us to seek what is best for us and no one else. It causes us to lose sight of what’s best for the people around us, all in an effort get ahead. 

6. Love is not easily angered.

Are people afraid to bring me information that is true and accurate because they know I will lose my mind and begin to yell?  

7. Love keeps no record of wrongs. 

Do I remind people of their past failures or encourage them in their current condition?

8. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices in the truth. 

Can people be honest and open with anyone in the organization, including me? When a leader does not have people around him who will share the truth, he becomes like the emperor who had no clothes! 

Leaders cannot effectively lead people they do not love. Insecurity will stop us from loving the people we lead, and it will stop us from surrounding ourselves with the right people. 

What's Next: 

Are there any realities you saw in yourself today that were hard to admit? Take some time today to talk to Jesus about what you learned. 

Based on the questions in this devotional, what step do you need to take this week to start to mend relationships with your team?