#392, February 19, 2025

All leaders expect those under them to follow, but there is also a sense in which serving leaders follow those under them! Paul’s exhortation lays the foundation for our reflections.

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

Paul was the leader, actively seeking to shape the faith community at Corinth. But he was also a follower and was shaped by the people he led. Serving leadership is not a one-directional exchange between the leader and the follower. It is a reciprocal relationship in which communication and learning happen in both directions. What are the ways that serving leaders follow those under them?

Serving leaders follow those under them by listening for connection.

Paul had a personal relationship with the church at Corinth. He had spent time with them, he knew their stories, their hopes and dreams. He had strong connections with them. Some leaders see those under them simply as workers. But serving leaders see those under them as people, not machines or robots doing a task. The people who show up for work or attend the church service have needs, challenges, joys and concerns about their lives. They are unique individuals. Serving leaders want to connect with the heart of those they serve. So, they take time to listen, seeking to understand the people they are leading. This may be in a formal one on one meeting in which the leader asks questions like, “How are you really doing?” “What brings you the greatest joy in life right now?” “Are there personal goals you have that you would like me to know about?” Or it might be a quick question at the beginning of the day like, “How was your son’s soccer game last night?” Serving leaders listen carefully to learn to know the people they serve so that they can connect with them. They follow by listening for understanding.

Serving leaders follow those under them by asking for feedback.

Some leaders assume that since they are leading and others are following, everything must be alright! But serving leaders humbly acknowledge that they have blind spots. They are willing to ask for feedback from those they lead. They recognize that the only ones who know what it is like to be led by them are those under their leadership! They also realize that followers are not likely to offer feedback unless they feel it is safe to do so and that it is welcomed. So, serving leaders are willing to ask for feedback either formally or informally. They follow by asking for feedback.

Serving leaders follow those under them by adjusting for impact.

Some leaders seek to treat everyone in the same way and expect those who follow to adjust to their style of leadership. But serving leaders recognize that they are in a position of authority to serve those who follow so they pay attention to the needs of the followers and adjust their leadership accordingly. They allow the feedback of those who follow to help them become better leaders. Because they listen well, they realize that individuals have different needs. Some need more time to adjust to change than others. Some need grace because of a personal challenge they are facing while others need firmness. Some need the details while others want the big picture. Paul rebuked Peter openly; but quietly wrote letters to Timothy. He adjusted his leadership to meet the needs of those under him. Serving leaders follow those under them by adjusting their leadership style to best serve them.

Serving leaders follow those above them, those over them, those ahead of them, those around them and those under them. Serving leaders lead well…by following well!

For further reflection and discussion:

How do I take time to listen to those under my leadership? How well do I know their dreams and their fears? What steps can I take this week to listen more carefully?
In what ways do I welcome feedback from those who follow me? How will I respond to the feedback?
Reflect on the needs of 4 or 5 people who follow you. What are the unique leadership needs of each one? How will I adjust my leadership to meet these needs?
Read 1 Corinthians 9:19-23. Reflect on how these verses demonstrate the way that Paul followed well and adapted his leadership to serve those he wanted to reach. What do I learn from Paul’s example that I can apply in my own leadership?

Until next time, yours on the journey,

Jon Byler

In the next issue, we’ll begin a new series on how Paul lived out the Five Actions of Serving Leadership™.