Leading Jesus’ way

Mark Deterding April 24, 2020

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Was there ever a more important time in our history to be Leading Jesus’ Way?

You are currently leading in uncharted waters. The COVID-19 Crisis has led to businesses being shut down, and individuals to either shelter in place or socially distance themselves. You may be working from home or you might still be on the front lines. 

Whatever your situation, one thing I know all leaders are dealing with is the same: Your team members and family are concerned about the future. When will this crisis end? How many people will die? When will we be back to normal?

I am confident, you are in your leadership position for “Such a time as this!”

“…And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”  Esther 4:14

Now is the time to double down on your servant leadership practices and focus on leading Jesus’ way! While there are a lot of things that are changing daily and being cancelled, there are also a lot of things that remain constant and are still open.

• God is NOT Cancelled
• Jesus is NOT Cancelled
• Family is NOT Cancelled
• Love is NOT Cancelled
• Relationships are NOT Cancelled
• Gratefulness is NOT Cancelled
• Caring and Kindness is NOT Cancelled
• Patience is NOT Cancelled
• Forgiveness and Grace is NOT Cancelled
• Prayer is NOT Cancelled
• Sap flowing out of the maple trees is NOT Cancelled
• Etc. / Etc. / Etc.

This is not a time for taking a break and treating it like an extended vacation. Even though you might be working from home or are working on site and are practicing social distancing, your team and family need you and your leadership now more than ever!

How might you double down on leading Jesus’ way at this time?

• Stay grounded on your Personal Foundation. Let your personal purpose, vision and values guide all your activities. This will keep you focused and will limit your distractions. If you have never formally documented your foundation, now would be a great time for that as well. As Jim Kouzes points out in his research on this topic, leaders that have acute clarity on their purpose, vision and values are far more effective than those who don’t.

• Clearly communicate your vision for your team / organization. People want to know and understand where they are going. That is more important than ever in times of uncertainty and crisis. That vision might be as short as the next day, or the next week or the next month. Keep your team informed!

• Use technology to stay present and approachable, and show your love for others. Drop each of your team members a text or phone message to let them know you are thinking about them. Ask them for prayer requests that you could lift up to the Lord on their behalf. Be extra available for questions. People appreciate their leaders when they feel fully cared for and loved in tough times.

• Recognize people for the great work they are doing. This applies not only to team members, but also people out in the community that are the heroes of this war. The grocery store employees, health care workers and people taking care of seniors and the sick. There are also teachers who are now teaching remotely, restaurant personnel that are providing take-out and drive-through meals, tradesmen who are keeping everything working and Moms and Dads who are doing more homeschooling. There are pastors who now have virtual congregations, manufacturing folks innovating and keeping the supply chain working to provide the necessary equipment to battle this war and researchers who are looking for a cure. There is nothing more important right now than to let people know how important their work is, and to thank them for their amazing efforts!

• Maintain your extreme self-care. Your team needs your best self. The only way that happens is for you to not lose focus on the care of your own body, mind and spirit. Don’t let those things slip during this time, in fact keep it a main priority for the benefit of your family and team.

• Lean on Jesus as your Coach! God is the Creator of this universe, and with Him all things are possible. Don’t try to go it alone. Lean into Jesus through study of Scripture, and consistent prayer asking Him for wisdom, guidance and strength to navigate and lead during these times. I assure you that if you do, you will receive God’s peace.

Don’t be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.  ~Philippians 4: 6-7

You truly are right where you need to be as a leader in this crisis. The world needs people leading Jesus’ way at this time. Thank you for focusing on your servant leadership efforts as we move through this challenging time in our history. You are making a difference in this world!

Photo source: istock 

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Mark Deterding is the founder and principal of Triune Leadership Services, LLC. In 2011 he formed Triune Leadership Services to follow his passion of working with leaders to help them develop core servant leadership capabilities that allow them to lead at a higher level and enable them to achieve their God-given potential. He is married to his wife Kim, and they have two sons, two lovely daughter-in-laws, and three wonderful grandchildren. This article was first published on triuneleadershipservices.com. Used with permission. Learn More »

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