Serving leaders follow those ahead of them by observing.

Paul tells these leaders to follow “my example.” Paul first needed to live a life worth imitating which is a challenge to all serving leaders! Then he invites them to observe his life and to imitate him. For them to do this they needed to stop and reflect on how Paul lived his life, how he led and what his habits were. He recognized that they could learn a lot from his own life if they were only willing to follow.

Some leaders focus on their own journey and see those ahead of them as competitors. But serving leaders realize that those who have gone ahead of them have a wealth of experience and wisdom so they carefully observe their leadership. They are eager to read their stories, listen to their podcasts or simply to observe what they do in order to learn.

Serving leaders follow those ahead of them by asking.

Another way leaders can learn from those ahead of them is by asking great questions. In Paul’s situation, he is writing to them and their questions would need to come in a written response. But if he was in person, he would certainly have invited them to ask questions.

Some leaders believe that asking for help is a sign of weakness. They are afraid to acknowledge the things they do not know about leadership. But serving leaders readily acknowledge they don’t have all the answers. They are eager to ask those who are ahead of them for counsel and advice. They reflect on the challenges they face and develop questions they can ask those ahead of them that would most help them in their own journey.

Serving leaders follow those ahead of them by imitating.

As Paul invites these leaders to “follow my example” he is expecting that they will do more than observe and ask good questions. He expects them to put into practice what they see him doing. Of course, he does not expect them to become just like him in terms of their unique personalities, giftings, and callings. But he does call them to ask questions and then carefully and prayerfully apply in their own context what they see in him.

Some leaders view any form of imitation as a sign of their own defeat. But serving leaders humbly acknowledge that they can grow by imitating those who are ahead of them in leadership. They maintain their own unique calling, position and personality, but find ways to move ahead more quickly by imitating those who are ahead of them.

Serving leaders see those who are ahead of them as a valuable resource and gladly follow!

For further reflection and discussion:

In my realm of leadership who are 3 leaders who are ahead of me? In what ways have I already learned from their example? How can I be more deliberate about following them in a healthy way?

What are five questions that I could ask of one of the leaders I listed above? (Take some time to reflect on what leadership issues you most need help with and what questions would help you gain insight from a leader that is ahead of you.)

How and when will I ask the questions above? (Consider your proximity to that leader. Are you able to ask for a 1 hour meeting with them? Can you send an email or letter with your questions or schedule a call?)

How can I best imitate those ahead of me in my current role? What dangers must I guard against as I follow their lead?

Until next time, yours on the journey,

Jon Byler

In the next issue, we’ll examine how leaders follow those around them.

#389, January 8, 2025

Leaders call others to follow, but leaders also follow! Paul was an amazing leader in so many ways. He was an apostle, a pioneer in the early church, a church planter, an author, and a developer of other leaders. Yet consider his call to the believers in Corinth:

Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1, NIV).

Paul packs a lot of leadership principles in this short sentence! He calls the Corinthians to follow his example, a basic leadership action. But he calls them to follow “as I follow…Christ”. Paul was a leader and a follower. Paul was stating a reality that many leaders overlook, leaders also follow. In this exhortation Paul acknowledged that he was first a follower, then a leader. Because he followed, he called others to follow. In this series, we’ll look at four categories of people that good leaders follow. In this issue, we’ll examine how serving leaders follow those in authority over them.

All legitimate leaders are under some authority. All leaders are subject to the laws imposed by their governments. Many leaders have a direct boss or supervisor. Other leaders have a board or governing body that provides directions. Church leaders have overseers, bishops or others to which they are accountable. In democratic nations, presidents are accountable to the citizens who elect them. Business owners are accountable to their customers, employees, investors and the laws under which they operate.

How do serving leaders follow those who are in authority over them?

Serving leaders follow those over them by respecting their authority.

Paul clearly recognized the authority Christ had over him. His following was a willing acknowledgment that Christ had the authority to tell him what to do. He did not resist that authority; instead, he showed respect and followed willingly.

Some leaders drag their feet or become annoyed at any suggestion from authority. They might show outward agreement with the authority but quietly let everyone around know that they do not like what is happening. They don’t fully respect the right of the boss or the board to tell them what to do.

But serving leaders acknowledge and respect those over them. They talk respectfully about those over them. Even when they disagree with a direction or decision, they voice their view respectfully and respect the right of their authority to make a final decision.

Serving leaders follow those over them by supporting their priorities.

Paul said that he followed “the example” of Christ. He understood the priorities of Christ and he sought to live those out in his daily practice.

Some leaders don’t even care about the priorities of those over them. They simply pursue their own dream. Others pay lip service to the priorities of those above them but don’t act on them in their daily leadership. But serving leaders seek to understand and implement the priorities of those over them.

Serving leaders follow those over them by seeking their success.

Paul didn’t measure his success by what he wanted. Instead, he was focused on carrying out the mission that was given to him by Jesus. Before he encountered Jesus, he was focused on his own goals; now, he simply wanted to see the mission of Jesus succeed.

Some leaders focus their leadership energy on their own success. They make decisions based on how they will benefit and how that action will make their dream happen. But serving leaders seek the success of those in authority over them. Ultimately, they lead to hear the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (see Mt. 25:23).

Serving leaders see those who are in authority over them as a blessing and gladly follow!

For further reflection and discussion:

What is my heart attitude towards those in authority over me? How do I reflect this in my leadership? What is the impact of my attitude on those who follow me?
How clearly do I understand the priorities of those in authority over me? What have I done to clarify my understanding of these priorities? Are my leadership actions aligned with those priorities or do I quietly implement what I believe is most important?
Do I measure success by my own metrics or by the goals of those in authority over me? How does this impact the way those under me measure success?

Until next time, yours on the journey,

Jon Byler

In the next issue, we’ll look at how leaders follow those ahead of them.

Month: January 2025

#390 Serving Leaders Follow Those Ahead of Them