I recently read a great book called Incarnate Leadership: 5 Leadership Lessons from the Life of Jesus by Bill Robinson (how’s this for an endorsement: in the foreword Eugene Peterson says this is the only book on leadership you need to read – dang). The book is remarkably simple, and bases its five leadership lessons on a single verse from the first chapter of John’s gospel: “The Word became flesh and dwelled among us; and we beheld his glory, the glory of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.”
From this simple summary of Jesus’ life and leadership, Dr. Robinson draws out these critical lessons:
- Jesus dwelt with those he led. (Am I staying close enough to those I lead?)
- Jesus’ disciples beheld him. (Am I being transparent with those I lead?)
- The glory of Jesus was a reflection of his Father. (Are my actions reflecting our mission or gathering personal glory?)
- Jesus led with grace and truth. (Am I leading with grace and truth?)
- From the manger to the cross, Jesus sacrificed. (What am I sacrificing for those I lead?)
I love the simplicity here. Any leader can get in the habit of asking themselves these questions, and asking God in his grace to grow them in these areas. I’m working on the habit as we speak . . .
