The "Why" Matters

Leadership is one of my spiritual gifts and I enjoy the opportunity to utilize it. I have not always used this gift well however, and have suffered through some pretty tough lessons as a result of mismanagement. Leadership is not a tool that can always be used as a hammer (although some situations might call for it), but you must carefully assess each opportunity and react appropriately. Our attitude about the level of leadership we have been entrusted with speaks volumes to our philosophical view of our own authority.

One of the foundational questions that must be answered to help you lead correctly is this: Are you leading for the benefit of others or to get ahead? While the correct answer to this query might seem obvious to most people it isn't always reflected in our actions. This takes a conscious effort to intentionally invest in the people around you and give them the best opportunity to succeed. It requires humility to consider the advancement and development of other people the most important goal. This model of servant leadership will actually deliver personal benefit as well as respect and admiration from people in your circle of influence.

Why you lead is as important as whom you lead.