People are watching you. As a leader you are on stage every minute of every day. It is a brutal reality but you must understand that every decision you make and every action you take is being watched and analyzed by those around you.

If you are not a leader of high character or someone that others want to imitate, your effectiveness as a leader will be challenged.

Hebrews 13:7 says: “Remember your leaders, who spoke God’s message to you; reflect on the outcome of their lives and imitate their faith.”

This verse shows us that the secret to leading others starts with how you live your own life. But this is no easy task. In order to live out your life as a leader, you need an example to follow and the Bible provides clear direction:

“Whoever claims to live in Him must live as Jesus did.” – 1 John 2:6

You should look to Jesus as the model for your leadership. No, you won’t do everything perfectly, but every day you must wake up and try again because your followers are counting on you! You may be the only person that they can look to in becoming a servant leader. For your children, it is generational impact and importance. You must step up and become a servant leader worth imitating.

Where Do You Start?

• Be a good steward of the Foundation (Purpose / Vision / Values) of your life. Run all your personal decisions and actions through your purpose, vision, and values. All of your activity should be towards advancing those principles. “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is his messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” John 13:15-17

• Intentionally build energy in others. Help people connect to their personal purpose, and let them know how important they are to making this world a better place. Encourage them every step of the way. Invest your time in them giving them guidance appropriate to their situation. Smile. “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11

• Help others achieve new levels of performance. Stretch people to help them achieve more than they thought might be possible. Work together in establishing goals and expectations and then hold them accountable for their commitments. “Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning.” Proverbs 9:9

• Build relationships in all aspects of your life. Be respectful of all people, not just those that think like you. Openly listen to others with an attitude that you want to learn from them. Recognize people’s strengths and put them into appropriate spots to succeed. Love others! “Follow God’s example as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us.” Ephesians 5:1-2

• Be a person of high character. Insure that your actions align with your words. If you walk the talk of the aforementioned items you will solidify your character and be someone people will trust. “When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. ‘Do you understand what I have done for you?’“ John 13:12

Clearly the Bible provides specific direction on the importance of modeling the way for the people within your personal platform. I wrote Leading Jesus’ Way to help you become the servant leader God created you to be.

How is your journey going?

Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.  1 Corinthians 11:1