Authenticity is Great Leadership
As I interviewed Jim Hart for the May 10, 2010, edition of Monday Morning Email (http://dld.bz/cNKu), I really resonated with his perspective on leadership in the church. This newsletter is for those who plan and lead worship ministries. Jim served the church for many years and now is President of the Webber Institute for Worship Studies in Florida. One comment jumped out at me that supports a major principle of Transformational Leadership – Authenticity.
Here’s his quote:
Well, you know, I think leadership is an area that is, has not been given the proper kind of regard, particularly among music ministers and worship leaders. We say we are worship leaders and we talk mostly about worship and not so much about leading and all of us in some way are called to be leaders in the way that, again, the way that Jesus modeled for us being servant leaders. And serving those with whom you spend your life and your ministry. And so, I think reflections on leadership are, are vitally important for all of us who are involved with worship leading ministry or actually just any kind of kingdom advancing ministry. We need to be reflecting on how leadership plays into everything we’re doing.
The principle that resonated with me was that of looking to the leadership of Jesus, who demonstrated Servant Leadership. Jesus was the Servant Leader, indeed! He represented serving humanity in all that he did. His leadership was authentic. Authenticity inspires authenticity. We are professionals in many types of work. We are first and foremost the person that God created us to be. Trying to be something else is not authentic. It’s good to study leaders, however, learn from successful leaders, and make the principles you like your own principles. Learn the principle behind what you see, and do not just copy the action.
The successful leader internalizes the lessons learned. These new skills mature as the leader grows and matures in their own leadership style.
Be authentic. Be the leader you were created to be. Be the best you can be – all the time. You will inspire others to do the same.
Hugh Ballou
The Transformational Leadership Strategist