Leadership Skills of Jesus -
Skills for the 21st Century
The most important leadership skill, because
"as the leader goes, so goes the group"
We often learn more from observation than
we learn from direct instruction.
we learn from direct instruction.
This is second in the series "Leadership Skills of Jesus" and how Jesus' leadership style was the example of what people should aspire to in leadership positions today and adopt as their leadership style. Leadership skills are the same regardless of the size of a group being led. At the end of this discussion and all leadership discussions, you will see the leadership skills needed to be a great leader in any leadership situation. Jesus is the Perfect Example for everyday ordinary practical leadership skills. Click Here to read "The Leadership Skills of Jesus- Introduction.
In the list of leadership skills for any century and especially for the 21st century, Setting the Example is and forever will be THE most important leadership skill. The bottom line on leadership is this, "So goes the leader, so goes the group". Organizations most often rise and fall based on the quality of leadership. Most people desire to follow leaders seeking to achieve goals through high standards of behavior and leadership skills. A leader may have most all of the leadership skills as set forth in this series, but if the leader does not set high standards for behavior and goal achievement, the group's long term potential of achievement will not be accomplished. Again, "so goes the leader, so goes the group". Another way to express this: "If the leader tends to be lazy, the group will tend to be lazy, if the leader is a diligent worker, organized and goal oriented, and conveys this to the group, the group most often will try to achieve the same." Great leaders are role models exhibiting quality behavior that motivates their group to learn, assume leadership, take ownership of the goals, and complete the goals even after the leader has left the group.
Leaders Set the Example! And as a leader, Jesus Set the Perfect Example in walking His talk for living our lives.
Important Behaviors of Great Leaders
Leaders Set the Example! And as a leader, Jesus Set the Perfect Example in walking His talk for living our lives.
Important Behaviors of Great Leaders
Besides the leadership skills great leaders possess which are listed at the end of this document, there are several common sense everyday behaviors leaders need to exhibit in their everyday activities. Some of these important behaviors include:
(1)- Great leaders do not break rules, laws, protocols, or traditions without explanation to the group and are prepared to defend the group while accepting responsibility of the consequences. In Matthew 12, the Pharisees complained to Jesus that the disciples did not respect the law and traditions of the Sabbath. In defending His disciples with the Hebrew history, Jesus further earned the respect of His disciples. From Hebrew history, “claims of human need took precedence over any ritual custom” (Barkley, “Matthew”, Vol 2) . The Pharisees did not like the answer as it legally squashed their objection, and they returned later with more complaints and trick questions, but, to no avail. The respect we earn is far more important than the respect a group gives because of the leader’s position.
(2)- Great leaders never set the group up for failure. Leaders set attainable goals and provide the resources to obtain the tools to complete the tasks. Jesus in His final moments in Matthew 28 gave His disciples a new task. He had prepared them well, showered them with wisdom, and supplied them with their needs. In His time with them he had taught them the wisdom of living life that prepared them to meet obstacles in their ministry. In breathing on them the Holy Spirit, He filled their lives with His power. Peter is an example of this. Peter had learned and gained wisdom he did not understand until anointment of the Holy Spirit. After the crucifixion of Jesus, the disciples, trained as they were, were not completely understanding the current events. They huddled in the room of the last meal they had with Jesus afraid of every noise outside their door. They thought they would be next in line for crucifixion. Then, Jesus came to them, John 20: 21-23, filling them with the Spirit; and within a short time, Peter is before the Sanhedrin (Acts 4: 8-14) condemning them for killing Jesus!
Jesus had given them the Great Commission as found in Matthew 28:16-20 and provided them with all their needs and tools to do the job. In all the skills of leadership, Jesus excelled as our Great Example.
(3)- Great leaders do not expect perfection from the group. Leaders see that intermediate goals are set to achieve the larger goal. If a goal is not accomplished on time, then analyze, adjust, and advance. Leaders then determine weaknesses in the group providing additional help where needed. Jesus knows we are weak. That is why believers universally have the Holy Spirit to guide us. When we accept Jesus as Lord and Savior, we are given the Holy Spirit. This is unique in the New Covenant. Again, consider Peter's behavior after the anointment of the Holy Spirit (John 20:21-23). Peter went from denial to being filled in the Gospel. Jesus knew Peter so well, just like He knows us His children. We are weak. He treats us as He treated Peter. He did not fuss, harass, or condemn Peter, rather, He forgave Him; just like He does us. Like Peter, you never know when someone who fails miserably will become your strongest and most capable advocate. Patience with the group with proper timely guidance and adjustment brings consistent, timely achievement, often beyond the scope of the goals.
(4)- Great leaders never ask anyone in the group to do something the leader is not willing to do themselves. At Jesus’ final supper with His disciples, he showed the truth in servant leadership. InJohn 13:5-14 Jesus washes the disciples feet. In this act, Jesus clearly shows there is no task a group has to do that the leader can deny doing himself. In reality, when a leader helps with the lowest of tasks in a group, the group understands and further respects the leader.
(5)- Finally, great leaders reluctantly take all the responsibility for what the group does. Rather, they give a wide margin of credit to the group for its accomplishments and to the individuals who really did the work. They do not blame the group for uncompleted goals. It is the responsibility of the leader to see that goals are accomplished. But, even if responsibility can be placed on an individual for an incomplete goal, the leader should publicly take the blame which demonstrates "forgiveness". This again enhances respect for the leader. In our “modern” societies, many of our leaders do not seem to understand this. Blame is often their best developed attitude and activity. This was/is not the way of Jesus. He forgives our failures and did so over 2000 years ago.
Jesus trusted His disciples to complete His mission just as He trusts us to do the same. Excellent leaders train their replacements! Physically, Jesus had to leave His group to complete His goals. But, we believe we should work toward His goals, "Because He Lives" even until today.
Be like Jesus, Set The Good Example.
Thanks Be to God
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Leadership Skills
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Setting the Example
Communications
Effective Teaching
Planning
Knowing the Needs and Characteristics of the Group
Using Resources Wisely
Sharing Leadership
Controlling the Group
Representing the Group
Counseling
Evaluating
© lonnie coggins
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