How do you define a leader?

Brene Brown defines a leader as “anyone who takes responsibility for finding the potential in people or processes, and who has the courage to develop that potential.” Another author says “leadership happens anytime we influence the thinking, behaviour or development of another person”. Broadly speaking this encompasses many areas of our personal and professional lives!

What kind of leader do you strive to be?

Just a week ago Queen Elizabeth II died at the age of 96. Many mourn the passing of our longest reigning monarch. As a prominent leader for 70 years, and a woman of strong Christian faith, I was interested to read her view of leadership qualities:  “Over the years, I have observed that some attributes of leadership are universal and are often about finding ways of encouraging people to combine their efforts, their talents, their insights, their enthusiasm, and their inspiration, to work together.” The standard she set herself as leader was to serve others. In 2022, at her platinum jubilee, she renewed the pledge she gave in 1947, that “my life will always be devoted to your service”.

This semester I have been studying a subject called ‘Leadership for Mission and Ministry’ and have read various books about leadership. One book, ‘Lead Like Jesus’ challenges the reader to consider the example of Jesus, the model of servant leadership. Jesus led his disciples on a transformational journey to reach a potential no one would have thought possible. And he did it in a surprising way – as a servant leader. Mark 10:45 sums it up perfectly: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many”.

Will you allow Jesus to lead you on a transformational journey to become the person and leader he knows you have the potential to be?

Blessings,

Sarah

Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash