Spiritual Aspects of Leadership- A Christian Leader's Perspective
Posted on January 02, 2024 by Amy Stevens, One of Thousands of Executive Coaches on Noomii.
This article provides insights into workplace power and biblical leadership, and how these impact organizational performance and health.
Often in the workplace, there is desire, assumption, pressure, or mandate for power. As a leader, executive, salesperson, or employee, there is a need for some level of competition or influence in order to progress and perform in the organizational environment. In reflecting on the concept of power, I am drawn to scriptures about leadership. In 1 Peter 5:2, we are told to “Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly” (English Standard Version, 2001).
What does it look like for an organizational leader, consultant, coach, or executive to shepherd the flock that they have been given?
I believe that it would include the following:
Care for the flock physically, emotionally, relationally, and spiritually. In an organizational context this could include organizational strategies for employee well-being, leadership development, and change management. These strategies use the power inherent in the position to make positive changes for those within the organization.
Know them and know what is happening in their lives and worlds. Through leadership, educational programs, networking, time with employees, and built-in opportunities for collaboration, these connections can be built and nurtured. These strategies use power in a relational way to build others up and to demonstrate your heart for them.
Give them boundaries. When wandering too far, causing trouble in the group, making others anxious, or disobeying the norms or rules of the organization, the individual needs redirection and influence to come back into alignment. This power comes with leadership and can be demonstrated in a manner that teaches and builds cohesion in the group.
These are just a few areas where the biblical concepts can be directly applied to organizational leadership and spiritual well-being for the leader (and those they lead).
In this type of organizational definition and context, is power a bad thing? In an organizational setting, will you be able to influence others toward this type of power and influence?
I pray that you consider and pray through some of these leadership thoughts as you progress in your leadership journey.
