Leaders are everywhere. As are people in leadership positions. An important question both must answer is,

“Am I a leader worth following?”

Here are six common styles of leadership visualized:

The Rug

The leader avoids confrontation and thus, correction. The less drama, the better. When drama does arise, he or she lets it “die down” before deciding to step in or not. Once it has “died down,” and everybody seems fine, there’s no burden to address it any longer.

The Sign

One person makes one mistake. So a leader hangs a sign to tell original perpetrator AND everyone else not to do it. This leader is overly concerned about behavior instead of hearts. He’s emotionally committed to correcting others, but not reasonable enough to handle it effectively. So he sacrifices credibility with everyone else to avoid directly correcting the one who made a mistake. Signs should give information, not instruction or (especially) correction. (see also, this entertaining site)

via svennevenn under Creative Commons lisence — via svennevenn under Creative Commons license

The Bullhorn

The leader realizes personal contact is valuable, but he’s not confident enough to talk to people one-on-one. The bullhorn thinks, “If I’m loud enough in public, people will follow.” Some preachers use a bullhorn in the pulpit. Some elders use a bullhorn in the bulletin. Some business leaders call bullhorn meetings for the entire staff when one employee messes up. Bullhorns can be so concerned about NOT playing favorites that they miss out on valuable personal relationships.

via YanivG under Creative Commons lisence — via YanivG under Creative Commons license

The Pacifier

The leader loves to hear the heartaches (even legitimate ones), problems, and complaints (even illegitimate ones) of followers. This allows the leader to pacify their crying and in the process win over a group of favorites. This leadership approach appeals to our desire to be liked. But keeping “babies” around means someone has to deal with dirty diapers. It really creates a mess when these favorites complain about one another to the leader.

via fling93 under Creative Commons license

The Coach

The leader uses various methods of personal interaction, but tends to emphasize correction over growth. Behavior control is more important than personal relationship. The leader values individuals, but often because they serve his needs. The coach prefers to use the bullhorn from the tower. But he also isn’t afraid to climb down and embarrass someone when necessary.

via CharlesFred under Creative Commons license

The Shepherd

The leader’s greatest concern is the health, growth, and hearts of followers. He knows correction is needed, but his personal relationships cause growth from one-on-one conversations and accountability. He doesn’t settle for merely controlling behavior. He knows when to protect sheep from danger and when to let them wrestle with difficulties to build strength. The most difficult and rarest leader. This is the leadership of Christ (1 Peter 5:1-5), and what he calls us to be.

Why is it difficult to be a shepherd-leader? Let’s talk about it in the comments.

On January 1, 1979, Alabama and Penn State met in the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans to crown the 1978 National Champion. Most fans in our area, if not across the country, remember this game for its fourth quarter “Goal Line Stand.” Penn State ran the ball twice from the 1 yard line and the Alabama defense denied them both times. Alabama won 14-7.

Alabama-Penn State Goal Line Stand (courtesy The Crimson White)

Alabama Linebacker Barry Krauss is heralded for making the tackle on the 4th down play that kept Penn State out of the end zone. Earlier this Fall, when Alabama played at Penn State, Barry was interviewed about that play. When asked to describe what happened, he simply said, “Everyone just did their job.”

He then explained the difference between that play and the third down play when fellow linebacker Rich Wingo made the tackle. On third down, Krauss was assigned to defend the lead blocker, thus freeing up Wingo to tackle the ball carrier. On fourth down, the assignments were swapped. Wingo absorbed the blocker, while Krauss leaped to stop the Penn State running back.

We as the Lord’s church can learn a lot about teamwork from the sports world. Those linebackers did what they were assigned to do. But everyone else on the field–the defensive line, outside linebackers, and defensive backs–also did what they were assigned to do. In the moment, they were concerned about doing their jobs. They didn’t care who would be featured on the best-selling Daniel A. Moore painting.

“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” (1 Peter 4:10-11)

Peter says each one is to use his or her gift in serving one another. Doing so is how we show we are good stewards, or caretakers, of the gifts God gives us. Living for ourselves is not only a detriment to the church, but it is irresponsible and disrespectful toward God and what he’s given us.

Our goal should always be, “…that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.” Search your heart for what you do best (not necessarily what you want to do best). Commit to using it for God’s glory in the lives of others. The church is already victorious. But we can “win” everyday if we all just do our jobs.

Category: 1 Peter

6 Visualized Leaders