Receive To Lead
Receive To Lead
Receive To Lead
Receive To Lead
What are your greatest leadership attributes? Is it your curiosity, your discernment, your ability to motivate, your ability to see the needs of others, your attention to detail, or something else you use to lead? Where did you get the leadership attributes you possess, and how did you get the opportunity to grow them? I used to think the most distinctive things about a person were earned, now I know the most important things about a person are given to them.
What are your greatest leadership attributes? Is it your curiosity, your discernment, your ability to motivate, your ability to see the needs of others, your attention to detail, or something else you use to lead? Where did you get the leadership attributes you possess, and how did you get the opportunity to grow them?
I used to think the most distinctive things about a person were earned, now I know the most important things about a person are given to them.
Every trait that defines someone is a gift to be received — for example, family of origin, mental attributes, physical attributes, emotional attributes, and relationships.
Of course, it is our responsibility to understand, develop, and deploy our gifts, but even the opportunity and timing to use our gifts is a gift — the timing of everything is a gift.
“For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?” – 1 Corinthians 4:7
Receive To Lead Like Jesus
For the last eight months at The Center - Memphis we have been learning what it means to lead like Jesus — click here to search leadership topics. We have seen how Jesus is the preeminent example of every positive leadership attribute that exists.
Jesus is the most dominant figure in history and the greatest leader of all time. He built the world's largest, most successful, purpose driven, and diverse organization in the history of the world. However, Jesus is so much more than the world's greatest visionary and communicator. He is the most influential leader in history. Jesus offers us everything we need to lead and make an impact in our families, companies, organizations, cities, and the world.
The Greatest Gift Of All — New Life
To lead like Jesus, we must start by receiving what He offers. The most important thing Jesus offers each of us is new life.
“Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God — children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God.” – John 1:12-13
Yes, new life as a child of God is the greatest gift we are offered. New life as a child of God means we become co-heirs and co-rulers with Christ — building the kingdom of God and working to make all things new, on earth as it is in heaven.
The new life offered is a gift through faith (Ephesians 2:8) that Jesus gives through His life, death and resurrection. We receive our new life through the gift of faith in Jesus Christ, and receive even more gifts! We receive peace through forgiveness, purpose through His commands, and power through the Holy Spirit. Jesus used these gifts perfectly, and followers of Jesus who have received new life also possess these very same gifts — peace, purpose, and power.
“On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone's sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.” – John 20:19-23
The Gift of Applying Your Gifts
The various gifts we possess and the opportunities to use them are gifts from God. When we apply our gifts to the situation at hand, we need insight into how our gifts can be best used in that situation. Many of the challenging situations in today’s businesses and organizations are unique, and the wisdom to navigate them requires situational insight.
A top executive leader who understands this well is Hubert Joly. Hubert is the former Chairman and CEO of Best Buy. He has been recognized as one of the one hundred “Best-Performing CEOs in the World” by Harvard Business Review, and the co-author of The Heart of Business.
Hubert Joly understands what is needed in the fast-paced, complex, unpredictable, multichannel world in which we now live and work. In his article, 5 Principles of Purposeful Leadership, in Harvard Business Review, he says, “A company’s purpose is about far more than making money and gaining ground, the hard-charging, profit-optimizing hero-leader model has lost much of its appeal. An increasing number of employees now value authenticity and connection over a facade of strength and infallibility.”
For Hubert, the purpose of a company must have something to do with serving people — employees and all who are touched by the company. He says, "You can see work as part of your fulfillment as a human being.” Then, he outlines five attributes — five “Be’s” — leaders should exemplify in order to lead the most high-performing companies.
Here is a summary of Hubert’s five principles 5 Principles of Purposeful Leadership with commentary demonstrating how Jesus both models each of them and offers them as gifts to us.
1. Be clear about your purpose.
“For corporate purposes to be successful, leaders themselves must first be clear about what drives them and the people around them.”
The best example of clear purpose in history is Jesus. “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” – Luke 19:10
Over and over Jesus then tells us to, “Go and do likewise.” – Luke 10:37
Jesus offers us the same gift of purpose He offered His disciples 2,000 years ago. We receive our purpose as a gift through faith, and we practically live out our purpose at work by aligning our daily work with our purpose — serving others by pointing them to Jesus through our words and actions.
2. Be clear about your role.
“A leader’s key role is to create energy and momentum — especially when circumstances are dire. It’s to help others see possibilities and potential, creating energy, inspiration, and hope.”
The most clear statement of a leadership role comes from Jesus. “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” – John 14:6
Jesus offers us this same gift of clarity. We receive the gift of clarity in our leadership role by living and leading with this same clarity by following His way, truth, and life as we serve others.
3. Be clear about whom you serve.
“A fundamental element of purposeful leadership is to be clear about who you serve in your position, both during good and challenging times. As a leader, you must serve the people on the front lines, driving the business. You serve your colleagues. You serve your board of directors. You serve the people around you, by first understanding what they need to give their best so you can do your best to support them.”
The preeminent example of service is Jesus. He let us know exactly who He came to serve. “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.” – Luke 4:18-19
Jesus offers us this same gift of service to others. We receive the gift of clarity of who we should serve as we seek out, every day, those who are broken, materially poor, poor in spirit, and oppressed by the world — even those oppressed by their work. We know people who need to be freed from the bondage of their sin — who need to know they are favored by the King of king’s.
4. Be driven by values.
“Being driven by values is doing right, not just knowing or saying what’s right. A leader’s role is to live by these values, explicitly promote them, and make sure they’re part of the fabric of the business.”
The supreme creator of all values beneficial to people is Jesus and He defined the ultimate value for us. “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends.” – John 15:13
Jesus offers us the same gift of the ultimate value of love. We receive this gift when we put others above ourselves. When we look to the needs of others to better understand what will help them flourish at work and we reach out and help them, this will often come with great personal costs.
5. Be authentic.
“Being vulnerable and authentic does not mean offloading everything to your colleagues. For leaders, it means sharing emotions and struggles when appropriate and helpful to others.”
No one has ever been or will be more authentic than Jesus. “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” – Luke 22:42
Jesus offers us the gift of authenticity. We receive the gift of authenticity as we tell Jesus we need His help to do God’s will and as when we apologize to those we serve for our mistakes. When we are authentic like this, others can see we need Jesus too.
The Gift of Forgiveness and Re-Commissioning
The most necessary gift for any leader is forgiveness. Jesus always offers us this gift — always! His Mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:23). And, even more amazingly, Jesus re-commissions us every time he forgives us.
The best example of this in scripture is what Jesus does with Peter, one of His followers whom he made a key leader. Yet, Peter, in his leadership zeal, made large blunders. Peter tried to save Jesus and then abandoned Jesus, and the other disciples, as he denied Jesus three times. Peter denied he even knew Jesus as He was being beaten and executed on a cross.
In spite of Peter’’s betrayal, Jesus did not abandon him. Instead Jesus died for him and paid for all his sins — all Peter’s mistakes. And, even more extraordinarily, Jesus re-commissioned Peter to lead.
The story of Peter’s recommissioning in John 21 is as astonishing as it is loving. After His resurrection, Jesus appears to the disciples by the Sea of Galilee. Dejected and not sure what to do, they go back to their old ways — they go back to fishing. Jesus shows up to be with them and serves them fish. Then Jesus talks with Peter and restores him.
“When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!” – John 21:15-19
Jesus simultaneously forgives, restores, and gives Peter renewed purpose — what gifts! Of course! Peter accepts three times!
This threefold gift is for Peter, for us, and for the world. Jesus never holds grudges. Jesus never shames. Jesus leads those He loves in the way that will allow them to flourish the most.
Jesus is offering us these gifts right now, it does not matter how many mistakes, I failed leadership opportunities, or lies we tell ourselves. Jesus is saying come and follow. Jesus is saying, “Now, go! Give of yourself; go and lead!”
Resources
What are your greatest leadership attributes? Is it your curiosity, your discernment, your ability to motivate, your ability to see the needs of others, your attention to detail, or something else you use to lead? Where did you get the leadership attributes you possess, and how did you get the opportunity to grow them?
I used to think the most distinctive things about a person were earned, now I know the most important things about a person are given to them.
Every trait that defines someone is a gift to be received — for example, family of origin, mental attributes, physical attributes, emotional attributes, and relationships.
Of course, it is our responsibility to understand, develop, and deploy our gifts, but even the opportunity and timing to use our gifts is a gift — the timing of everything is a gift.
“For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?” – 1 Corinthians 4:7
Receive To Lead Like Jesus
For the last eight months at The Center - Memphis we have been learning what it means to lead like Jesus — click here to search leadership topics. We have seen how Jesus is the preeminent example of every positive leadership attribute that exists.
Jesus is the most dominant figure in history and the greatest leader of all time. He built the world's largest, most successful, purpose driven, and diverse organization in the history of the world. However, Jesus is so much more than the world's greatest visionary and communicator. He is the most influential leader in history. Jesus offers us everything we need to lead and make an impact in our families, companies, organizations, cities, and the world.
The Greatest Gift Of All — New Life
To lead like Jesus, we must start by receiving what He offers. The most important thing Jesus offers each of us is new life.
“Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God — children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God.” – John 1:12-13
Yes, new life as a child of God is the greatest gift we are offered. New life as a child of God means we become co-heirs and co-rulers with Christ — building the kingdom of God and working to make all things new, on earth as it is in heaven.
The new life offered is a gift through faith (Ephesians 2:8) that Jesus gives through His life, death and resurrection. We receive our new life through the gift of faith in Jesus Christ, and receive even more gifts! We receive peace through forgiveness, purpose through His commands, and power through the Holy Spirit. Jesus used these gifts perfectly, and followers of Jesus who have received new life also possess these very same gifts — peace, purpose, and power.
“On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone's sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.” – John 20:19-23
The Gift of Applying Your Gifts
The various gifts we possess and the opportunities to use them are gifts from God. When we apply our gifts to the situation at hand, we need insight into how our gifts can be best used in that situation. Many of the challenging situations in today’s businesses and organizations are unique, and the wisdom to navigate them requires situational insight.
A top executive leader who understands this well is Hubert Joly. Hubert is the former Chairman and CEO of Best Buy. He has been recognized as one of the one hundred “Best-Performing CEOs in the World” by Harvard Business Review, and the co-author of The Heart of Business.
Hubert Joly understands what is needed in the fast-paced, complex, unpredictable, multichannel world in which we now live and work. In his article, 5 Principles of Purposeful Leadership, in Harvard Business Review, he says, “A company’s purpose is about far more than making money and gaining ground, the hard-charging, profit-optimizing hero-leader model has lost much of its appeal. An increasing number of employees now value authenticity and connection over a facade of strength and infallibility.”
For Hubert, the purpose of a company must have something to do with serving people — employees and all who are touched by the company. He says, "You can see work as part of your fulfillment as a human being.” Then, he outlines five attributes — five “Be’s” — leaders should exemplify in order to lead the most high-performing companies.
Here is a summary of Hubert’s five principles 5 Principles of Purposeful Leadership with commentary demonstrating how Jesus both models each of them and offers them as gifts to us.
1. Be clear about your purpose.
“For corporate purposes to be successful, leaders themselves must first be clear about what drives them and the people around them.”
The best example of clear purpose in history is Jesus. “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” – Luke 19:10
Over and over Jesus then tells us to, “Go and do likewise.” – Luke 10:37
Jesus offers us the same gift of purpose He offered His disciples 2,000 years ago. We receive our purpose as a gift through faith, and we practically live out our purpose at work by aligning our daily work with our purpose — serving others by pointing them to Jesus through our words and actions.
2. Be clear about your role.
“A leader’s key role is to create energy and momentum — especially when circumstances are dire. It’s to help others see possibilities and potential, creating energy, inspiration, and hope.”
The most clear statement of a leadership role comes from Jesus. “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” – John 14:6
Jesus offers us this same gift of clarity. We receive the gift of clarity in our leadership role by living and leading with this same clarity by following His way, truth, and life as we serve others.
3. Be clear about whom you serve.
“A fundamental element of purposeful leadership is to be clear about who you serve in your position, both during good and challenging times. As a leader, you must serve the people on the front lines, driving the business. You serve your colleagues. You serve your board of directors. You serve the people around you, by first understanding what they need to give their best so you can do your best to support them.”
The preeminent example of service is Jesus. He let us know exactly who He came to serve. “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.” – Luke 4:18-19
Jesus offers us this same gift of service to others. We receive the gift of clarity of who we should serve as we seek out, every day, those who are broken, materially poor, poor in spirit, and oppressed by the world — even those oppressed by their work. We know people who need to be freed from the bondage of their sin — who need to know they are favored by the King of king’s.
4. Be driven by values.
“Being driven by values is doing right, not just knowing or saying what’s right. A leader’s role is to live by these values, explicitly promote them, and make sure they’re part of the fabric of the business.”
The supreme creator of all values beneficial to people is Jesus and He defined the ultimate value for us. “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends.” – John 15:13
Jesus offers us the same gift of the ultimate value of love. We receive this gift when we put others above ourselves. When we look to the needs of others to better understand what will help them flourish at work and we reach out and help them, this will often come with great personal costs.
5. Be authentic.
“Being vulnerable and authentic does not mean offloading everything to your colleagues. For leaders, it means sharing emotions and struggles when appropriate and helpful to others.”
No one has ever been or will be more authentic than Jesus. “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” – Luke 22:42
Jesus offers us the gift of authenticity. We receive the gift of authenticity as we tell Jesus we need His help to do God’s will and as when we apologize to those we serve for our mistakes. When we are authentic like this, others can see we need Jesus too.
The Gift of Forgiveness and Re-Commissioning
The most necessary gift for any leader is forgiveness. Jesus always offers us this gift — always! His Mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:23). And, even more amazingly, Jesus re-commissions us every time he forgives us.
The best example of this in scripture is what Jesus does with Peter, one of His followers whom he made a key leader. Yet, Peter, in his leadership zeal, made large blunders. Peter tried to save Jesus and then abandoned Jesus, and the other disciples, as he denied Jesus three times. Peter denied he even knew Jesus as He was being beaten and executed on a cross.
In spite of Peter’’s betrayal, Jesus did not abandon him. Instead Jesus died for him and paid for all his sins — all Peter’s mistakes. And, even more extraordinarily, Jesus re-commissioned Peter to lead.
The story of Peter’s recommissioning in John 21 is as astonishing as it is loving. After His resurrection, Jesus appears to the disciples by the Sea of Galilee. Dejected and not sure what to do, they go back to their old ways — they go back to fishing. Jesus shows up to be with them and serves them fish. Then Jesus talks with Peter and restores him.
“When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!” – John 21:15-19
Jesus simultaneously forgives, restores, and gives Peter renewed purpose — what gifts! Of course! Peter accepts three times!
This threefold gift is for Peter, for us, and for the world. Jesus never holds grudges. Jesus never shames. Jesus leads those He loves in the way that will allow them to flourish the most.
Jesus is offering us these gifts right now, it does not matter how many mistakes, I failed leadership opportunities, or lies we tell ourselves. Jesus is saying come and follow. Jesus is saying, “Now, go! Give of yourself; go and lead!”
Resources