Charles Swindoll defines leadership with two words – “inspiring influence.” Effective leaders are people who inspire others to follow. John Maxwell said, “He who thinks he leads, but has no followers, is only taking a walk.”
The world defines leadership as the art of motivating a group of people to act toward achieving a common goal. Although this may sound good it is often based on selfish ambition. It is normally more interested in the success and acclaim of companies, institutions and their owners than those who work to achieve the success.
On the other hand Christ anointed leadership is a call to serve. Dave Thomas the founder of Wendy’s modeled that teaching. He didn’t finish high school. He rose through the ranks at KFC long before he started Wendy’s. He was known fondly as the man who dressed like his workers. He appeared on the company annual reports dressed in a knee –length work apron holding a mop and a plastic bucket. He said, “I got my M.B.A. long before my G.E.D. At Wendy’s M.B.A. doesn’t mean Master of Business Administration. It means “Mop Bucket Attitude.” This servant leader taught his employees that service comes before success. That is the lesson we learn from Jesus. He tells us that basic to all leadership is mastering the lesson of the towel and wash basin. When He calls us to lead, He means “I want you to serve.”
By Dr. Gayle Woods