Issue #163, September 2, 2015
It was time for a promotion! The king was so impressed by Daniel’s ability to interpret his dream that he placed Daniel in a high position and lavished many gifts on him. He made him ruler over the entire province of Babylon and placed him in charge of all its wise men (Daniel 2:48). What a great reward! For many leaders, the story would end with this as they enjoy the fruit of their leadership. But Daniel was not an ordinary leader, and the story continues: Moreover, at Daniel's request the king appointed Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego administrators over the province of Babylon, while Daniel himself remained at the royal court (Daniel 2:49). Daniel’s action reveals that servant leaders don’t just take a journey; they bring others with them on the journey! He was not satisfied to travel alone or to take all the credit for what God had done. So, at Daniel’s request the king appointed his three friends to administrative positions. Daniel brought his friends along on the journey because he saw four things.
Daniel saw position as opportunity to influence.
Daniel didn’t take a lot of time enjoying the gifts of the king. Rather, he recognized that his promotion was simply another opportunity to be a blessing to more people, first to his teammates and then to the nation. His first request of the king was the promotion of his three friends. Servant leaders continually recognize that God places them in positions of influence to advance God’s purposes in the world. Whether the servant leader owns a business, serves as church leader, or leads a family, classroom or school, the leader sees the position as an opportunity for influence.
Daniel saw his victory as a team victory.
Daniel was clearly the leader but he was not alone. He had a team. His victory was a team victory. His name was on the book but Daniel was not alone. Before the dream was revealed, Daniel asked his three friends to join him in fervent prayer and God answered their prayers. Daniel alone went to interpret the dream, but he remembered that others also played a part in the success, and he would not leave the rest behind when he was promoted. Servant leaders freely acknowledge the role others play in their success and see every victory as a team victory.
Daniel saw the gifts of others.
Daniel was gifted and in many ways ahead of everyone else. He clearly had the gift of interpreting dreams. Still, he recognized that others also had gifts. He asked for an opportunity for his teammates to lead because he saw past his own gift to see theirs. They had also been trained in the same program as Daniel and were apparently gifted in administration. Many leaders focus on their own giftedness. It is obviously good to develop one’s own gifts, but the best leaders seek to recognize and affirm the gifts of others. Servant leaders focus on others, and Daniel challenges each of us to look around us and see the giftedness of those on our team.
Daniel saw that power was to be shared.
Some leaders grasp power for themselves and fight others to get as much power as they can. They see power as a limited resource and want to get as much as possible. Daniel, as a servant leader, saw power as something to be shared and knew that sharing power would not diminish his own worth. He would remain “at the royal court” as the second in command. Servant leaders lend a helping hand to developing leaders. They pull others higher by sharing power. In doing so, the servant leader does not reduce his influence; rather it increases. Servant leaders recognize that power shared is power multiplied.
Follow Daniel’s example and find others to bring with you on your journey!
For further reflection and discussion:
- Think about your current position. In what way has God provided opportunities for you to influence from this position?
- Who assisted you in reaching your current leadership role? Have you expressed your appreciation to them and acknowledged the role they played in your development?
- Reflect on a recent victory in your leadership journey. Who else played a role in your success? What have you done to acknowledge their contribution?
- Think about others on your team. What gifts does each one possess? In what ways have you encouraged the development of these gifts?
- In what practical ways can you share your power with others this week? What will happen in your leadership as you empower others?