Proverbs 8: 34 -35 (AMP) Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. For whoever finds me [Wisdom] finds life and draws forth and obtains favor from the Lord.
Connecting; active listening; intentionally being present in business conversations: these are three qualities of a servant-leader. Leaders who really listen to follower’s problems, who do more than “nod” and expresses thanks, are leaders will inspire her/his community of followers.
More importantly, however, is being present in the process of letting God superintend your life and your work. This concept is found in two words: “watching” i.e. being diligent every day to connect with the Lord, and “waiting” as being eager. Both are attributes of servant-leadership: eager to learn from our Creator and eager and diligent to learn from people around us and from results of our actions. Life-long learning.
The if/then quality in this proverb (“finds” “draws” “obtains”) are not motivations to get on God’s “good side,” but define a group of consequences that flow from watching and waiting. The Christian leader who practices these principles will receive favor from both the Lord and from the followers being led.
Leadership is not about wealth, power or prestige – it’s about influence. Kingdom-building influence begins with the simple process of diligently and eagerly listening to the Word and then drawing what you need to impact your world.
Do you model being “present” in your communications?
Copyright © 2009 by P. Griffith Lindell
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
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