Leadership Lessons - A Biblical Perspective

LEADERSHIP LESSONS: A BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE

PREPARED BY: ADEGBOYEGA ADEBAJO JUNE 2007

SPIRITUAL LEADERSHIP „

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FAITH – Belief in God. STRENGTH OF SPIRIT – Facing challenges. CHARACTER – Integrity & Trust, Confidence, Fortitude

THE LAW OF PROCESS

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPS DAILY NOT IN A DAY (GENESIS 37:1 – 50:22)

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If you continually develop your leadership skills over time, it inevitably grows. Although some individuals have greater natural gifts than others, nearly all leadership skills. Leadership has so many facets: respect, experience, emotional strength, people skills, discipline, vision, momentum, timing – the list goes on. The good news is that you can grow your leadership ability to lead. Regardless of your starting point, you can improve.

THE LAW OF PROCESS

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPS DAILY NOT IN A DAY (GENESIS 37:1 – 50:22)

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Joseph was a cocky kid; fathers favorite; received special treatment – rubbed it in. Had a vision (dream) – to become a leader; boasted. Didn’t know how to work well with others. He lacked experience, wisdom and humility – three qualities gained over time.

THE LAW OF PROCESS

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPS DAILY NOT IN A DAY (GENESIS 37:1 – 50:22)

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Phase 1: I don’t know what I don’t know – Everyone starts out from a state of ignorance – Joseph didn’t understand his family dynamics. Phase 2: I know what I don’t know – Leadership can be difficult and carries the weight of responsibility – Jospeh had a life changing incident; suffered betrayal and learnt lessons of human nature – Result = molded character with patience and humility; deepened his faith.

THE LAW OF PROCESS

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPS DAILY NOT IN A DAY (GENESIS 37:1 – 50:22)

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Phase 3: I know and grow and it starts to show – Those who show great skill when opportunities arise have paid the price of preparation. Josephs’ hard-won wisdom and discernment made him perform with excellence. Phase 4: I simply go because I know – he executed a master plan for the 7 years of plenty and that of famine.

THE LAW OF A POSITIVE SELF IMAGE

MOSES’ LIFE MISSION AND HIS FIVE BIG EXCUSES

(Exodus 3:11 – 4:14)

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Who am I? (3:11). – feeling of inadequacy; unqualified => “It doesn’t matter where you are. I am with you”(3:12).

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Who are you? (3:13). – lack of intimacy; couldn’t relate to the source => “I AM WHO I AM. I AM ever present. I AM everything you need” (3:14).

THE LAW OF A POSITIVE SELF IMAGE

MOSES’ LIFE MISSION AND HIS FIVE BIG EXCUSES

(Exodus 3:11 – 4:14)

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What if they don’t listen? (4:1). – feeling of intimidation; worry of what other would think => “When I’m finished, they’ll listen”(4:2-9).

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I’ve never been a good speaker (4:10). – lack of confidence; unsure communication skills => “Guess who made your mouth” (4:11,12).

THE LAW OF A POSITIVE SELF IMAGE

MOSES’ LIFE MISSION AND HIS FIVE BIG EXCUSES

(Exodus 3:11 – 4:14)

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I know I can find someone else (4:13). – Compared to others; decided others were better => “Ok. I will let Aaron go with you……but I am still calling you to go”(4:14). We all can easily come up with excuses that will justify why we should stay in our comfort zones….A positive self-image that will drive you to assert yourself.

THE LAW OF NAVIGATION PLAN AHEAD

(Exodus 5:1)

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P – Predetermine your course of action. L – Lay out your goals. A – Adjust your priorities. N – Notify key personnel. A – Allow time for acceptance. H – Head into action. E – Expect problems. A – Always point to your successes. D – Daily review your progress

THE LAW OF SACRIFICE

ABRAHAM PAYS A PRICE (GENESIS 22:1 – 18)

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Did you know that God provides tests as measures of progress as proving ground for every person He calls to lead? Genesis 22 begins with a divine test. Leadership tests differ but all have a few things in common: Testing at each stage of groth. The goal is to pass the test . Testing always precedes promotion. Self promotion or by others cannot replace divine promotion. Promotion requires sacrifice.

THE LAW OF PRIORITIES

REDEEM YOUR TIME

(Ephesians 5:15-17)

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Because activity is not necessarily accomplishment, you must: – Analyze your lifestyle (Eph. 5:15). – Utilize the present (5:16). – Prioritize what is important (5:17).

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While every Leader, every day, gets the same amount of time, not every leader gets the same result.

WORK ETHIC

YOU ARE NOT WORKING FOR PEOPLE

(Ephesians 6:5-9)

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The principles Paul taught to owners and slaves apply today to employees and employers. We aren’t to be people pleasers (Eph6:6). We aren’t to work while others watch, then slack off when alone. We are to render service as though we are working for God who watches always (Eph 6:7). Not only does God watch, but He rewards everything good we do (6:8). People may forget how fast you did your last job, but they will remember how well you did it.

THE LAW OF TIMING

THERE IS A SEASON FOR EVERYTHING

(Ecclesiastes 3:1-8)

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There exists an appointed time for everything under heaven. We may not control the timing; we can recognize the timing. Recognize timing you cannot change. Accept and cooperate with the timing. Align with timing outside your control. Natural things happen at their own time. We can do nothing better than to be good and happy.

A SUMMARY Do not neglect your spiritual life. 2) Seek to understand the natural laws. 3) Strive to grow into a Leader. 4) Remember growth is a process. 5) Develop a positive self-image. 6) Seek direction that you may also give direction. 7) You are called upon to sacrifice. 8) Order your priorities….and stay focused. 9) Some things will happen in their own time; be prepared. 10) Imbibe the right work ethics. 1)