Leading Another

The leadership journey begins with leading self, becoming a person worth following. Next comes the ability to lead others based on trust established through relational connection and interaction around a mission.

In Jesus' leadership journey, his disciples chose to follow Him after he overcame three personal leadership temptations in the wilderness. He cast a vision of fishing for people to several fishermen and they were compelled to follow him by both this vision and his personal credibility. He was someone who knew who he was and where he was going. He was someone to be trusted, someone worth following.

At times Jesus invited the disciples to follow him individually (see Mark 2:14), and at other times, in groups (see Matthew 4:18-22). Whatever the case, they instantly left their source of income and security to follow him. According to tradition, eventually ten out of the original twelve disciples laid down their lives for Jesus. That is a powerful testimony to a leader worth following–one who is trustworthy.

In one story, Peter walked on water because he trusted Jesus who had called him out of the boat into the storm-tossed waves. This was no minor feat; Galilean fishermen saw the stormy sea as hell itself. No one in their right mind would ever venture out into a storm on Galilee let alone off a boat caught up in it. But Peter did because he trusted Jesus. Trust is the basis for leading others; without it, there's little commitment or risks taken for something meaningful and worthwhile.

So how do you build trust? By leading yourself well–denying instant gratification, self-exaltation, and self-fulfillment. By casting a compelling vision to which you're committed, no matter what the cost. By keeping your promises and apologizing when wrong. That also increases trust and builds your credibility. Credibility is invaluable. It is fueled by both your character and your competence. People will follow you if they trust you–a leader with credibility.

[My next post will touch on leading a team, the third phase in the serving leadership journey.]