Abusive Authority or True Leadership?
Listen: “Killing In the Name” by Rage Against The Machine
“If you think you are leading and turn around to see no one following you, then you are only taking a walk” (origin uncertain). I have heard this quote from several different sources, and I have always identified with it. True leadership is not about force, manipulation, or deceit; its about authentic relationship and influence.
Early in my ministry, I devoured books on leadership. I remember hearing John Maxwell talk about the five levels of leadership: position, permission, production, people development, and pinnacle. (See The 5 Levels of Leadership by John Maxwell.) Positional leadership is the lowest level. Somebody exercises positional leadership when they have a positionin an organization, authority in a governmental system, or power due to an advantage in strength or weaponry. Not all positional leadership is inherently bad or abusive, but it holds the greatest potential for abuse because it can be forced upon the followers. If a follower doesn’t obey, they can suffer adverse consequences like loss of job, demotions, fines, social exclusion, jail time, or even death.
The higher levels of leadership are granted by the follower because the leader has contributed in a positive way to the follower’s life. When people feel inspired, illuminated, coached, included, valued, and loved, they will gladly follow a leader. When a leader not only inspires those who follow, but also empowers the followers to accomplish missional goals, to develop skills and character, and to thrive in an atmosphere of creativity and generosity—these are the highest levels of leadership and influence.
I have found that people with positions of leadership who tell their followers that they need to submit are invariably abusive. Coerced submission creates negative energy in relationships like anger, bitterness, resentment, gossip, backbiting and slander—work environments become toxic. The best kind of servanthood is when people joyfully give up some of their individual rights because of love and/or a common vision or mission. True love and respect is mutually and joyfully sacrificial. Both parties are devoted to one another. This is the ideal environment for love and work and community.
True leadership is visionary. It creates movement and momentum towards a preferred future. True leaders aren’t able to make everybody happy all the time; that’s not possible even in small, democratic groups of people. However, true leadership optimizes the potential for all involved to thrive individually and collectively. This is the art of true leadership.
Much discussion has taken place on the difference between leadership and management. Some people say that leadership is doing the right thing while management is doing things right. These distinctions get blurry at times. Leaders are decidedly visionary, for sure, while managers help their people execute the vision. I think the best managers are good leaders. The Gallup Organization analyzed more than one million employee interviews and found twelve elements employees needed their managers to provide (12: The Elements of Great Managing). Here they are:
1. Let everyone know what is expected of them
2. Ensure people have all the tools they need
3. Let people actually do what they do best
4. Give recognition and praise for jobs done well
5. Care about employees on a person level
6. Foster and encourage personal development
7. Make everyone’s opinions count
8. Help everyone feel their job is important
9. Associate with others who do quality work
10. Encourage strong and vibrant friendships
11. Evaluate performance in person regularly
12. Provide opportunities to learn and grow
Perhaps the best term for true leadership as I am describing it is servant leadership. Max DePree wrote an excellent book on this topic called Leadership is an Art. DePree said: “The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality. The last is to say thank you. In between the two, the leader must become a servant.”
I believe Jesus is the best example in human history of servant leadership. He came into the world to demonstrate the heart of God through love and service. He embodied the elements of true leadership as I have described it. In response to a mother who asked if her two sons could have positions of power next to Jesus (the mother of two disciples), Jesus said:
You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. For even the Son of Man [Jesus’ most frequent title for himself] came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many (Matthew 20:25-28; NLT).
Shalom
©realfredherron, 2021
