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A lesson on leadership

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word “LEADER?

Is it authority, power, maybe even fear?

If any of these words are what you think of first when you hear LEADER, I’d like to present to you a new perspective of the word.

What if I were to tell you that at the core of every great LEADER is a servant’s heart? Someone who, in fact, doesn’t seek power and authority over others. Someone who doesn’t wish to strike fear into all who follow them, but someone who truly believes in putting others before themselves.

Traditionally when we see leadership modeled, in any arena (work, church, home), the idea is that everyone around the leader is there to serve them. No questions asked, no opinions allowed, just do as I say because I’m the “LEADER” and I say so. Who would really want to follow a person like that?!

An effective LEADER is one who cultivates and nurtures the gifts and talents of the people around them, while simultaneously inspiring positive change. An effective LEADER  knows that serving others in no way diminishes them, but actually makes others MORE inclined to follow them. A great LEADER is one who leads by example and allows their actions to speak louder than anything they say.

At the core of every great LEADER is a person who understands that others always come first.

I’d like to leave you with a Leadership Thought to ponder today:  How well do you SERVE the people who follow you?

Empowering leaders every day

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