The Winning Leader
As I reflect on my journey as a leader, I realize that true leadership is not about control, but influence - winning the hearts and service of those you're called to lead. It is sitting down and listening to the people under you. Constantly reflecting on ways to grow personally and translating that growth to the individuals on the team. When you lead with compassion, love, and intentionality, you can build strong relationships and create a positive team culture.
Lesson from Jesus
Jesus is the greatest leader I've studied. He demonstrated remarkable compassion and love in his leadership, and influence continues to inspire people around the world. Jesus didn't control people; instead, he influenced them through his teachings, actions, and relationships. His leadership wasn't defined by earthly power or military might, but by a radical empathy that transcended social boundaries.
He saw the inherent worth in every individual, regardless of their status, background, or past. This profound respect manifested in acts of service, healing the sick, comforting the grieving, and challenging the injustices of his time. His table was open to the outcast and the marginalized, demonstrating a love that knew no limits.
Furthermore, Jesus empowered others, fostering a community of believers capable of carrying on his mission. He didn't hoard knowledge or authority, but rather, shared it freely, training his disciples to become teachers and healers themselves. He instilled in them a sense of purpose, equipping them with the tools and the spirit to spread his message of love and forgiveness throughout the world. This delegation of responsibility and fostering of independent leadership ensured the enduring impact of his ministry. He led by example, not decree, and the ripple effects of that leadership continue to shape the world today.
Winning my Team
Following the footsteps of Jesus who's the greatest of all leaders, we are meant to win our team, Jesus won his team, he won the hearts of those who followed him. Winning my team is crucial to achieving our goals. And there are two ways to win my team: collectively and individually.
Every successful leader built a winning team! They spent hours trying to understand what makes the individuals within the team tick. Then they laid the foundation of success and built its walls brick-by-brick. Personally, I recommend the individual and collective building approach.
Individually, I win my team by getting to know them, people who feel same serve with great passion, showing empathy, and intentionally investing in their growth.
Your team is made up of individuals with strengths and weaknesses. People who have families, job(s), responsibilities, etc. Humans with struggles. The first brick here is getting to know them – who they are, why they’re on the team, their aspirations. Get to know them individually!
Collectively, create a clear vision, design effective systems, and leverage the strength of your team. Create a roadmap for achieving the vision. Once your vision, systems, and plan are in place, clearly communicate it to your team. Through this experience, I learned the power of influence in leadership. I was able to influence him by paying attention to his needs and also evaluating myself.
By leading with compassion, love, and intentionality, I was able to build trust and loyalty with my team members. I also learned that influence is not about forcing people to follow; it's about inspiring them to lead themselves, Leadership is a journey, not a destination. It requires continuous learning, growth, and self-reflection. By leading with influence, compassion, and love, you can build strong relationships and create a positive team culture. I hope my story inspires you to lead with intention and influence, and to build a team that is motivated, empowered, and inspired to achieve great things.
