A young leader wants to make a difference and exerts himself to communicate the vision passionately. There’s nothing wrong with the vision, it’s purpose or the plan. The danger lies within the heart. The emotions and intentions of a leader who is dealing with jealousy, competition, even low self esteem. There’s a danger in a leader, young or older, who leads and makes decisions thinking that he or she is being objective, but in reality, they are blinded by their own pride.
So how do you handle this kind of situation and person?
How do we avoid falling into the pitfalls of leading by emotion?
I suggest that part of the solution lives in a heart willing to be corrected, who is teachable and yearns to grow closer to God. Position, not just in title, but in recognition, is important to leaders - whether we confess, agree or not. Another part of the answer is found in Philippians 4, verse 8:
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
Leaders emulate leaders or other influential people in their lives. I need to surround myself with people who love Jesus the way I want to love Jesus. With people who live for Jesus, the way I want to live for Jesus.
As for handling leader types with an edge...? As a leader handled me, so I encourage you:
Speak the truth with love, to support, not just change or speak to. Live love, gain relationship and respect, then speak truth. Ask good, thought provoking questions that will help others to discover their weaknesses. Questions like: How do you see yourself? How do you think others see your leadership? Where do you feel like you need improvement?
