Proverbs 16:21 (NAS) The wise in heart will be called understanding, and sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness.
Definitions of leadership include words like influence, persuasion and motivation, i.e. the ability to inspire others to do what they normally may not consider doing.
Those writing about leadership agree that the simplest definition of a leader is a person who has followers. Street gangs have leaders. Criminal organizations have leaders. Organizations of followers have a leader. Right. Our focus then, is not about leadership, per se; it is about the right kind of leadership.
Wise leadership develops from other-centeredness that flows from a commitment to purpose greater than self; an ethical framework that cares about others first; and a view of the world that recognize individual lives have meaning.
Leadership is about - heart. Motives are changed. Perspectives are different. The intent of this heart yields “sweetness of speech” that increases impact – speech that motives, inspires and transforms listeners from hearers to "heeders."
Transformational leaders are first committed followers. When your heart is in sync with God’s heart, your persuasiveness takes on a winsomeness that results in mobilized action in your followers.
Do you want willing, motivated, and committed followers? Start with your heart.
Copyright ©2009 by P. Griffith Lindell
Monday, November 16, 2009
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2 comments:
Griff what you write is so true. In our authentic leadership programme, we get people to focus on the heart space as well as mind, body, spirt for just these reasons.
Thank you, Kate, for your comment. I have seen when I teach my Servant-leadership Model that the phase the provides the most struggles is the first - Know Yourself (which is all about purpose, ethics and worldview - the heart of a leader). It is easier to deal with proficiency issues than it is to wrestle with heart issues.
I appreciate you taking the time to comment.
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