Lording Is Not Leading - Intimidation to Inspiration

When the Apostle Peter wrote to the churches in Asia minor who were suffering persecution, he encouraged the leaders of that time with how they should lead those in their care.

Peter said, “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them not out of compulsion, but because it is God’s will; not out of greed, but out of eagerness; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.”

Let’s break it down together and see what we can apply to our own leadership.

Managers rule with a ‘my way or the highway’ mentality and it creates fear and frustration. The result is low engagement and high talent turnover. Remember, people do not leave organisations they leave leaders.

This style of leadership is built on intimidation and more than ever we desperately need leaders who display a style built on inspiration instead. Intimidation demands Compliance where Inspiration breeds Collaboration.

So how do we become an inspiration to the people that have been entrusted to us?

1. “watching over them not out of compulsion, but because it’s God’s will”: A leader sees leadership as a privilege and not something they have to do.
2. “not out of greed but out of eagerness”: Eagerness is apparent when the leader is enthusiastic and wants to see everyone move forward toward the common goal.
3. “not lording over those entrusted to you but being examples to the flock”: When a leader ‘lords over’ their people they see themselves as being above them. This mindset leads to harsh treatment and bullying.

As John Maxwell says, “Leadership is not about titles, positions or flowcharts. It is about one life influencing another.”

A shepherd shows courage and keeps them safe from harm, feeds and nurtures them. They have exceptional communication skills and their flock respond to their voice. They model generosity with time and understanding and see themselves as one of the team.

This is the type of leader we all need to become for a workplace that thrives on Collaboration.

Cheers Grant