Leadership Fail

It is impossible to lead out of a position of authority.  A dictator will get people to obey him, but a dictator will never get people to follow him.  It is only when a leader finds himself oriented as a servant that he gets people to follow.  Only then are they willing to sacrifice, serve, and go.  Only then will they follow.  Once they see the man who has all of the power and authority wash their feet, then they will follow.

I'm afraid too many leaders have fallen short of their goals because of this fact.  I'm afraid that often I have fallen short of this truth.  Often leaders have sought to rule rather than to lead.  They have sought to exert authority rather than to humble themselves and serve.

John 13:3-5

Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, rose from supper.  He laid aside his outer garments and taking a towel, tied it around his waist.  Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe then with a towel that was wrapped around him.

If anyone could have exercised authority it would have been Jesus.  After all, all things had been given into his hands.  The pecking order was established.  He was the most important, most powerful, most influential person in the room.  But he chose not to lead out of a position of authority, Lording it over his followers as the Gentile leaders did.  Instead, he humbled himself and began to serve.  Jesus understands that it is impossible to lead out of a position of authority, but a leader that orients himself as a servant first will have more followers than he knows what to do with.

I'm afraid that many in our businesses and churches have forgotten this.  They attempt to exert authority because of a title, or a position, while refusing to serve alongside their employees or members.  If you want to gain influence, you have to first wash feet.  If you want people to follow and respect you, then grab your towel.

--Jeremy