Please use the instrument of the Scriptures, Your Word, to give me a true reading of where I’m at and where I need to be spiritually. And please bring another wingman into my life, who will provide understanding and support through life’s ups and downs.
“Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation. For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” (2 Peter 1:20–21)
November 8
BECOMING A TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADER
An old Chinese proverb says, “If you want five years of prosperity, grow grain. If you want ten years of prosperity, grow trees. If you want one hundred years of prosperity, grow people.”
I believe leaders are both naturally gifted to lead and developed and mentored to lead. We must work to grow leaders for our future. To do this we will need a transformational leadership style. Transformational leadership requires one on one, knowledgeable investment in people. It finds ways to grow junior leaders for future challenges and demonstrates a vital personal connection between the leader and lead.
Why is this important for us? To become a transformational leader takes an intentional, time-invested approach to developing subordinates. This is not easy. It is a challenge in the present, fast-paced operational environment. Much is required from our leaders during war. We must accomplish more with less. We must work within the system in which we operate.
Let’s define leadership.
In Army Field Manual (FM) 22-100, “Army Leadership: Competent, Confident, and Agile,” there is a process that could be simplified as “Be, Know, Do.” To quote from the field manual, “Leadership is influencing people by providing purpose, direction, and motivation while operating to accomplish the mission and improving the organization.”
Harry Truman once said, “Leadership is the art of getting people to do what they don’t want to do and like it.”
Napoleon was known to say, “Leaders are dealers in hope.”
Even Attila the Hun understood the focus of leadership, “Chieftains who meet their Huns needs, even at their own expense, are honorable leaders.”
Who is the one person who has most influenced your life? Was it your dad, teacher, coach, non- commissioned officer (NCO), commander, friend, or someone else?
Jesus the Nazarene was a world-class leader. He provides the spiritual premise for true leadership. Mark 1:17 says, “Come, follow me! And I will make you fishers of men.” In 1 Corinthians 4:11, Paul wrote, “Follow me, as I follow Christ.”
Jesus displayed all the attributes of a transformational leader. He developed his followers into leaders and role models for others to then follow. Leaders raise future leaders and invest themselves in those they are responsible for.
Dear God, please make me like Ezra, well versed in the Scriptures and bold to seek the favor of those in authority in order to do your will. By the power of Jesus Christ within me, please make me a transformational leader.
“This Ezra came up from Babylon. He was a teacher well versed in the Law of Moses, which the LORD, the God of Israel, had given. The king had granted him everything he asked, for the hand of the LORD his God was on him. Some of the Israelites, including priests, Levites, singers, gatekeepers and temple servants, also came up to Jerusalem in the seventh year of King Artaxerxes.” (Ezra 7:6–7)
November 9
THE COMPONENTS OF TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP
Yesterday, we began talking about leadership that produces generations of leaders. The next two days I want to discuss the focus of transformational leadership. This is the leadership style that invests in subordinates to create others-focused leaders that our military and nation need.
There are four components of transformational leadership: charisma, inspiration, being individually considerate, and intellectually stimulating. We’ll discuss the first two today.
Transformational leaders are charismatic. Their followers seek to identify with their leaders and emulate them. This doesn’t happen by accident. Leaders model leadership. They lead by example. In a real sense they are excited and enthusiastic cheerleaders for their subordinates. They speak with words and act with deeds that are admirable, appreciated, and highly esteemed. The more selfless the act, the more charismatic they become. They use words and actions that encourage determination, persistence, and “stick-to-itiveness.” They speak and act with integrity that gains trust, confidence, as well as healthy dependence and reliance from their subordinates.
Jesus asked his followers to follow him, learn from him, and emulate his actions. He instructed them to watch him and learn. He was the example of charisma.
Transformational leaders are inspirational. Leaders inspire their followers with challenge and persuasion. They provide meaning and understanding. They build a sense of vision and purpose in their subordinates. When you are with your subordinates remember these keys to being inspirational:
Be Enthusiastic—Get excited about what you are trying to accomplish. This is a contagious behavior even amidst difficult circumstance and fatigue.
Be Optimistic—Find the positive in all things. Your subordinates will focus on your optimism when circumstances discourage them.
Be Encouraging—Build up your people. Find the good and praise it.
One of Jesus’ best known teachings focused on transforming the inner self. When he finished the ‘Sermon on the Mount’ (see Mathew chapters 5–7) it’s recorded that the people “marveled at him.” People long to be around transformational leaders. Their charisma and inspiration are rare in our society.
Dear God, please make me like Nehemiah, carefully assessing the situation and boldly calling others to follow me in doing the right thing. By the power of Jesus Christ within me, please make me an inspirational leader.
“After I looked things over, I stood up and said to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people, ‘Don’t be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes.’” (Nehemiah 4:14)
November 10
