Success In Leadership, Prove Yourself
I have always highly valued the accounts of David’s life in the Bible. Primarily because he was a man after God’s heart. But also because there are many life lessons that I have learned. Many of these lessons, when I received them in my heart and applied them to my life, gave me a key to success. Concerning leadership, one of these is found in the account of David taking on Goliath. 1 Samuel 17:39 KJV
And David girded his sword upon his armour, and he assayed to go; for he had not proved it. And David said unto Saul, I cannot go with these; for I have not proved them. And David put them off him.
Few would consider the putting on of armor in the context of entering leadership. But there is a principle, found in one word that is used twice in the above scripture. It is the word PROVED. Just as David would not enter battle with Goliath with weapons he had not proven or tested, should we enter a leadership position having not proven ourselves? This is a two-fold principle. Senior leaders should evaluate, by examination and observation, those that they promote. But I learned early in my life that I should prove myself.
Decades ago, I was presented with an opportunity and at first, I was wanting and willing to accept it. In the end I did not, but the Lord used it as a teaching moment. With the verse above, and Paul’s instruction to both the Corinthian church and Timothy (1 Corinthians 9:27, 13:5, 1 Timothy 3:6) I learned that with the calling to do, there is a proving to be. We are human beings, not human doings. In the end what you become, and the influence you leave, will be greater than anything you do.
If you want to be a leader, whether in ministry, business, or government, know that it is a good and noble desire when sought with proper motives and a pure heart. Not sure where to start? Let me suggest you start with the questions. I learned to prove myself by asking questions of myself.
Can my character keep me in leadership?
Here is the question that has the greatest bearing on the outcome of being successful. It should be the first question that is asked and answered. It is interesting that the characteristics of a successful leader match those of an honorable person. An estimation of one’s character starts with humility. Today being humble is often thought of as being weak. But it is the opposite. It is gentleness, or great strength under control. Most leaders understand that to build a better team, humility should be nurtured in the hearts of the team members. The guard against and are quick to remove the first brick of the wall pride tries to build.
They have integrity, are trustworthy and faithful. They keep their word no matter what! Successful leaders do not lie. They will swear to their own hurt before being dishonest. They do the right thing even when it is difficult or brings hard consequences.
Far beyond knowledge and technical competence, do you have wisdom? Understanding that wisdom is knowledge applied correctly, can you admit that you may not have an answer to every question right away. One of the best supervisors I worked for had a discipline that was often frustrating to his crew and those above him. When he did not know exactly how to solve a problem, he would wait before moving. He was like an old bull that would sit in the middle of the road and not move until he was confident of how we should continue.
There are more traits of one’s character that should be examined like courage and compassion, graciousness, and genuineness, but these can be developed as one serves as a leader. But the question of character in a person must be answered before their name goes on a door.
How have I been under authority?
There is an adage that says if you were not a good follower, or in proper submission to those over you in authority, you will not handle authority well when given to you. What the world ignorantly calls karma, is a truth that God put in place. You will reap what you sowed, and it works whether you believe it or not.
Why do I want to be a leader?
Ego, money, or just wanting to get out of doing work are not the right answers. Wishing, wanting, or needing to be in charge are not going to bring someone to success either. Power trips and the need for a title reveal that you should think twice about whose kingdom you are building. Wrong motives in a heart are like sub-standard materials in a building’s foundation. They can never provide the determination and diligence that will be needed. Often, answering the why will decide who you will become.
Am I willing to sacrifice to serve?
I can testify, as I believe anyone that has served in a leadership position, that the cost was great and worth every sacrifice. I learned quickly in my time as a leader. Having been promoted in the military to a Non-Commissioned Officer rank I saw how quickly a chasm was created. One day I was one of the guys, the next day I was the guy. As a leader your day does not necessarily end with the whistle, but only with the completion of responsibilities. Can you be an example of selflessness and service that seeks what is best for the organization and its people?
What can I do to prepare for leadership?
Anything you want to be successful at requires practice. I have a discipline that has always served me well. Whenever I saw a need for someone to lead, or was asked to serve, I practiced being useful. I know it sounds simple because it is! Just make yourself available for anything that needs to be taken care of. And place no qualifiers or limits. Nothing beneath or beyond you. You do want to prove yourself, don’t you?