Leader
You are a leader. All the motivational orientations are important, but this one is often more prominent or visible than some of the others. Since you have this orientation, that’s usually fine with you, but it can be a challenge sometimes because you may have a tendency to get dependent upon recognition from people.
Introduction
These orientations are based on the gifts listed by Paul in Romans 12:6-8, in which he says that each member of the body of Christ has a gift, each gift is important and the gift is given to serve the rest. The emphasis here is on serving the body, and Paul says to exercise our gift according to the grace given to us. It’s the style in which you act.
“⁶ Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly: if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith; ⁷ if service, in his serving; or he who teaches, in his teaching; ⁸ or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.” Romans 12:6-8 (NASB)
This orientation is based on the gift of leader spoken of in Rom 12:8.
Definition
The word leader is translated from the Greek word proistemi from the root word pro “before” and istemi, “to cause or make to stand, to place, put, set” and literally means, “to stand in front of others, to lead, to rule, protect and champion.” The word is translated as “he that ruleth,” “he who leads,” even “he who gives aid.”
Paul says to exercise the gifts given according to the grace given us in verse 6 and in this verse, in the full phrase he says, “he that ruleth, with diligence.” (KJV) The NEB says, “if you are a leader, exert yourself to lead,” while the RSV says, “he who gives aid, with zeal” and the NLT says “If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously.” The Message says “if you’re put in charge, don’t manipulate.”
Being one of the “mouths” of the body, and maybe feet, as in walking, leading, giving direction, the leaders are often speaking and directing. They get used to being in charge and people get used to looking to the leaders for direction. That can be a bit unhealthy if either leader or those led don’t look to God first.
The basic motivation for leading is to meet functional needs, to help the body carry out its goals and tasks by providing leadership direction and support, thus meeting effectiveness or efficiency needs. It might also be called the design of facilitator or administrator.
Characteristics of Leading in the Life of Nehemiah
1. An ability to visualize the final result of a major undertaking. Nehemiah visualized the goal of removing the “great affliction and reproach” of God’s people by rebuilding the walls, (Nehemiah 1:2, 3; 2:25).
2. An ability to break down major goals into smaller, achievable goals. Nehemiah accomplished the huge task of rebuilding the walls by having many groups working on smaller sections, (Nehemiah 3:1 – 32).
3. An ability to know what resources are available and needed to reach a goal. Nehemiah requested from the king resources needed to rebuild the walls, with details of a certain time, letters of introductions, and requests for specific lumber, (Nehemiah 2:6 – 8).
4. A tendency to remove himself from distracting details in order to focus on the ultimate goal. Nehemiah did not get involved in the original work-process or building itself but removed obstacles, which would hinder the workers, such as removing financial pressures, (Nehemiah 5:1 – 13).
5. A willingness to endure reaction from insiders and outsiders in order to reach the ultimate goal. Nehemiah resisted opposition within and without in his efforts to rebuild the walls, (Nehemiah 4:8 – 18).
6. A need for loyalty and confidence from those who are being directed and served. Nehemiah brought a great assembly of people against the nobles and the rulers who discouraged the people. He required oaths of cooperation from them, (Nehemiah 5:1 – 13).
7. An ability to know what he should and should not delegate to others. Nehemiah delegated the work of the walls, yet he retained the responsibility of dealing with enemies and guarding the walls, (Nehemiah 4:13).
8. An ability to inspire and encourage workers by cheerfulness, approval, praise, and challenges. Nehemiah had a cheerful spirit, (Nehemiah 2:10, and was skillful in challenging and encouraging others, (Nehemiah 4:14).
9. A joy in seeing all the parts come together into a finished product. Nehemiah expressed his joy in the complete task by appointing singers and uniting the people in a revival and celebration, (Nehemiah 7:1, 2; 8:1 – 18).
Challenges with the Gift of Leading
People with this gift may experience the following:
1. Viewing people as “human resources” rather than human beings.
2. Using people to accomplish personal goals.
3. Showing favoritism to those who appear to be more loyal.
4. Taking charge of projects that are not God’s direction.
5. Delegating too much work to others.
6. Overlooking serious character faults in valuable workers.
7. Being unresponsive to suggestions and appeals.
8. Failing to give proper praise and explanation to workers.
9. Neglecting small details of one’s own life that matter.