Issue #14, September 10, 2009
All great leaders have a passion for personal growth and development. This passion often is rooted in a strong desire for success and personal achievement. Servant leaders have a similar passion for growth but a very different motive. They are committed to expand God’s kingdom through their leadership and recognize that their growth will allow God to use them more effectively. Peter challenges his listeners to grow in knowledge and also in character, “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.” (2 Peter 3:18)
Servant leaders are motivated to grow as they recognize the following growth principles.
Growing leaders bring glory to God.
Your growth is the key that unlocks the potential God has placed in your life. Peter’s instruction in the verse above acknowledges that growth brings glory to God. The parable of the talents in Matthew 25 makes it clear that God expects everyone to develop the gifts He has given. Servant leaders recognize that they are stewards of the gifts and calling God has given them and this reality motivates them to develop themselves to their full potential, not for their glory but for His.
Growing leaders expand their influence.
As leaders grow in character, knowledge and skill the natural result is greater impact on the lives of those around them both in the quality of their leadership and in the quantity of those they are able to lead. Servant leaders are committed to expand God’s kingdom through their leadership and realize that they must grow to meet that goal.
Growing leaders grow their organizations.
Leaders are the determining factor for the growth of the organizations they lead. The leader becomes the ceiling for the organization since no group can grow past their leader. Non-growing churches or businesses are a result of leaders who are not growing. Servant leaders desire for their organization to grow as God planned and commit themselves to personal growth to facilitate this process.
Growing leaders lift the lid for those who follow.
Servant leaders realize the power of their lives to influence others. Their growth is a model for others who follow and their growth inspires others to grow. Further, as the servant leader grows in effective leadership skills, followers are empowered and raised up to do increasingly difficult tasks.
Growing leaders make a conscious choice to develop.
Effective leaders recognize that growth does not happen by default, it requires a deliberate choice. While there are many pressing needs in every business or church, a servant leader recognizes that one of the best ways to serve others is to keep growing himself! He/she is committed to taking time to develop and grow.
Do whatever it takes to fuel your passion for personal growth. Others are counting on you!
For further reflection and discussion:
- What are my motives for growth? Is personal ambition mixed with a desire to please God?
- In what way has my own growth encouraged or discouraged my organization from growing?
- What are two specific ways I have grown in the last six months?
- How much time do I take each week for personal growth? (This may include reading, attending formal training, listening to CD’s or podcasts designed for growth, etc.)
- In what specific areas is God calling me to grow?
- What steps do I need to take to begin growing in these areas?