Faith Based Leadership: Another Critical and True Illustration of Two

True Factors To Be Aware In Moving Forward!

For this blog, I will share another key insight and remind the reader of this applicable quote included in the previous blog. Many have probably heard this quote from me before. Let me first remind you of the quote, and then I will offer another illustration of it, recognizing that it is modeled by the Lord that I serve.

Faith Based Leadership: Another Critical and True Illustration of Two

 I will begin with my quote and then provide both a recent Negative and Positive illustration focused on this truth.

“Realize that True Leadership is NOT What you get out of something and not justabout you, but it IS simply…

WHAT YOU TRULY BRING…even without calling attention to yourself!”

 -  SCC Executive Coach Randy

Example #1 – The Negative One

The reader may recognize having seen some of these negative examples. I will share one that many have likely observed before, especially during faith-based settings. I will keep it simple.

At times, in a Sunday School class or similar setting, the instructor or pastor may introduce a topic. Occasionally, an individual in the class will speak up in a way that essentially applauds themselves. In their own mind, they are calling attention to themselves, often hoping to receive pats on the back from others in the room.

When this happens, the individual is simply drawing attention to themselves and shifting the focus of the class toward their own comments. This causes others in the room to focus on the person who spoke up rather than on the lesson itself. This approach reflects a dysfunctional view of leadership - one that attempts to use intellect or authority to control others and encourage simple capitulation.

Example #2 – The Real Leadership Example

True leaders do not attempt to call attention to themselves. Instead, they tend to listen carefully and remain aware of where others in the room truly are in their awareness. Real leaders do not focus on self-promotion; rather, they are attentive to the right questions to ask - questions that help others evaluate where they are and where they truly need to go.

It is important to realize that true leadership comes from much deeper within us than many people recognize. True leadership does not simply move from the mind to the voice. The spiritual aspect begins deeper than that. It originates from our central and deeper core and is expressed through actions that are not superficial or externally motivated.

The God that we serve has His Spirit in us, and that Spirit can orient us toward real solutions rather than toward arrogant self-focus. Too often, people speak primarily about what they have done and focus entirely on their own thoughts as they talk.

This is a dysfunctional application. Many individuals in today’s society spend excessive time talking about themselves and attempting to highlight their own importance. When that is our focus, it is dysfunctional and does not accomplish what is truly important.

Even in a Sunday class or a church gathering, the primary focus should not be on you. The real question is what the God you serve is truly creating in you, and how that inner work produces active and beneficial results. I tell you - don’t try to brag on yourself or call attention to yourself. Instead, consider this key question:

“Are you trying to call attention to yourself or the Lord you serve?”

Let me again offer the definition of Sanctification as spoken by Dr. David Jeremiah. He simply points out:

“We are to take action; it does not say that the work of sanctification is going to be done for us!”

It is not just about what we get out of it.

True leadership is not about calling attention to yourself or acting externally in ways that mentally pressure others to capitulate. True leadership comes from deep inside of you. It acts in a way that does not draw attention to the self, but instead applies true coaching and real neuroscience leadership - helping people genuinely self-develop and become.

I ask you: are we truly allowing the Lord we serve to work from within us to make His difference, rather than focusing on ourselves?

Questions for Reflection

1. What must you do to grow and develop this awareness and mindset within yourself so that you can model it for your team?

2. What do you need to truly enhance and develop in yourself and in your team so that this difference is fully expressed?

Randy Swaim, Coaching for Relevance, LLC