They were amazed at his teaching, because his words had authority. (Luke 4:32 NIV)
We will never have the type of authority that Jesus had, but our ability to speak with authority can be the difference in our leadership effectiveness. There are so many nuances to leadership. Loving, Listening, adding value, praying for them, among others are simply ingredients in the recipe of a masterful leader. But just like with a gourmet meal, it can be way less appetizing/impactful if the presentation is all wrong. A fine filet mignon served on the lid of a garbage can is no match for a simple cheeseburger on a clean plate.
It is often more about how something is said and not so much what is said.
This basic idea is something that I have used over the years in my teaching in the classroom. There are so many harsh rebukes and statements of correction that I have said with ease to students because I framed them with a smile and in a loving manner. However, love and boldness are not contradictions.
If effective leadership is your aim, you must not be content to play the soft side of love and gentleness. Being meek, as our example Jesus is, does not mean being weak. He spoke boldly.
In the three blog’s this week (Today, Thursday, and Saturday), we will discuss three ways that the Lord shows us the importance and fruit of speaking boldly.
The first of these is: Correction (Call ’em Out)
On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple courts and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves, and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. And as he taught them, he said, “Is it not written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations’? But you have made it ‘a den of robbers.'” (Mark 11:15-17 NIV)
Speaking with boldness and authority allows us as leaders to point out error. We can use our authority to lovingly correct as a father would correct a son. The Holy Spirit often speaks boldly into me to “Call Me Out” when I am crossing a line, playing with “fire,” or operating outside of my calling.
Calling someone out is the best way that we will help them grow. God has us all ona spiritual growth journey, concluding in Christ likeness. Grace should always be a part of our leadership, but a leadership style that only leans into grace does not partner with the Holy Spirit’s work of growing and maturing members of the body. You, the voice of authority, must point to areas of concern and boldly draw attention to those. If there is a pattern of “let it slide” the slope becomes perilous and your team will fall.
As stewards of the role of leadership, we are responsible for doing our duty to our team or household. We MUST CALL ‘EM OUT. Keeping them accountable is the first way we stay true to our calling for bold leadership.
Without accountability and correction, are you really leading or simply a fabulous suggester?
What is one time when correcting someone was very difficult for you?
Read Part 2, Speak Boldly: Push ’em Forward
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