Becoming A Mature LeaderSample

Becoming A Mature Leader, Part IV

In their book, Rare Leadership in the Workplace: Four Uncommon Habits that Improve Focus, Engagement and Productivity, authors Marcus Warner and Jim Wilder unpack RARE as an acronym for how to become a mature leader. The first R stands for Remain Relational. The A stands for Act Like Yourself. The second R stands for Return to Joy. Finally, the E stands for Endure Hardship Well.

Southwest Airlines named James Parker CEO of Southwest Airlines just months before 9/11. Most airlines immediately began laying off people and slashing expenses.

Parker didn’t lay off any employees, nor did he cut their pay. Instead, he gave calm and steady leadership to his team. He proved that Southwest valued their team above the bottom line. 

Hebrews 10:36 says, "You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised."

Great leaders are not recognized for times of flourishing. Instead, they become known as great because they endured hard times.

Questions for Reflection:    

• Think of a time when you persevered under trial. What helped you the most?    
• What’s critical if we are to persevere under trial, according to Hebrews 10:36? How can we tell what the will of God is?    
• Name some antonyms to persevere. (Example: giving up, withdrawing, retreating) What do these words have in common?
  

Heavenly Father, you are Lord of all creation, maker of heaven and earth. In you, we live and move and have our being. We confess that there are times we are not good witnesses for you in our workplaces. Thank you for maturing us, for opening our hearts and minds so that we can learn and grow to glorify you. Help us to be mature, strong, RARE leaders, to follow your will, and to bless others in our obedience to you. In Your Son’s name, we pray. Amen.

Want to assess how well you’re incorporating Biblical principles into your workday practices and maturing as a Christian business leader? Take Unconventional Business Network’s six-minute LEADING assessment by clicking HERE.