Philosophy of Leadership

What does the President of the United States, a white water rafting guide, and a college student who is often on her phone during class have in common? They are all leaders. Leadership is everywhere, and there are many different philosophies of how leadership should be handled. Leadership is something that everyone does; it is something that should be centered on God, and it is even possible to lead without realizing it

To figure out how to lead, it is important to first understand what leadership is. Leadership is influencing people for better or for worse. There are two types of leaders: assigned leaders and unassigned leaders. Assigned leaders have a formal title that inherently allows them to influence people. Unassigned leaders are individuals who do not have a formal leadership title but still influence people. 

The best leaders should be able to balance caring for their followers and getting tasks accomplished. A good leader should desire to be the very best they can, and in his or her weaknesses rely on God to work. The ideal leader is always seeking God and working to point others toward Him. Leaders should always strive for good, and should hold themselves to standards for living that are higher than what they project on anyone else. In doing this, the leader is leading by example. The power to influence what others do should not be taken lightly. Leadership is a high calling and should not be about centered on bringing the leader glory but should be about providing for the needs of the followers.  Peter G. Northouse wrote the servant leadership approach in his book Leadership.  One element of this approach that is worth emulating is an awareness of what is going on in the leadership context (Northouse, P. G. 2016). This awareness will help the leader more effectively meet the needs of the followers. Good stewardship is also important in a leader. The leader must accept and agree to handle the leadership role that they have been given in a responsible way (Northouse, P. G. 2016).  Assigned leaders should empower their followers to be independent (Northouse, P. G. 2016), allowing for the followers to take on leadership as unassigned leaders. Leadership is not about the leader’s personal advancement but instead is about elevating those that are following them.

 Transformational leadership is a leadership theory that Northouse discusses. This theory focuses on moral leaders (Northouse, P. G. 2016). Leaders should have strong moral compasses that guide them through their roles. In addition, followers are people equal to the leader (Northouse, P. G. 2016). Leadership should not create a hierarchical structure but should be more about influencing other people. This view helps in allowing unassigned leaders to lead and adds value to what they do as leaders. While there is space for everyone to lead, at times charisma is a beneficial trait for gaining influence (Northouse, P. G. 2016). According to Dictionary.com, charisma is: “A spiritual power or personal quality that gives an individual influence or authority over large numbers of people (2017)”. Charisma is not an essential quality for a leader to possess, but it is helpful in both assigned and unassigned leaders when it is time to gain support for an idea or a decision.

The very best way to lead is to rely on God. God-centered leadership is illustrated throughout the Bible. Moses led the nation of Israel out of slavery in Egypt. He did not feel that he could do what God was asking of him, but God used him to do some pretty cool things. In Exodus 7 -11 God performs plagues through Moses to convince Pharaoh to allow the Israelites to be free. God used Moses to lead. God also supported Moses in his weakness. In Exodus 4:10, Moses told God that he was not good at speaking, which was what he was being asked to do. God helped Moses through this in Exodus 4:14-16 by sending Aaron to be Moses’ spokesperson. Jesus demonstrates empowering leaders by living his whole life in a blameless way. His life is an example to his followers for how they should live. One of the most empowering things Jesus said is found in Matthew 28:19-20, where it says, “19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”(NIV) There are many other biblical leaders that are models of Christian leadership, including King David, who was the greatest king Israel has ever had, and the apostle Paul, who helped spread Christianity during the first century.

Leadership is present in all areas of life. Everyone leads, sometimes in formal leadership roles, and sometimes by unintentionally influencing someone else. When leading, it is important that the leader decides how they want to influence others’ lives. Will they use their power to empower and motivate, or to discourage others? I believe that when dealing with something as important as leadership, it is essential to rely on God to guide.

Works Cited 

Dictionary.com. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.dictionary.com/.

Northouse, P. G. (2019). Leadership: theory and practice. Los Angeles: SAGE Publications.

Trinitarian Bible Society. (2010). The Holy Bible: containing the Old and New Testaments. London.