First let me start by stating that I am not perfect nor am I pointing a finger at anyone in my approach in Leadership. I have learned over the years, and through many trials and errors, that leading comes in all shapes and forms. Leading from a Christ-centered lens takes time, practice, and failure. Yes, failure. Failure is often our best teacher but something we don’t like to admit or risk doing (because we could fail). However, if we stop and look back at our lives, we’ll find that we have often learned best from failing.
I try to take an approach of pausing, observing, and asking (also following) the Holy Spirit. This means that I also take time - to SPEND time - with God. Relationship, not religion.
If you look at the bible, we are constantly invited into relationship. We are also invited into following the same ethos as Jesus did. He did NOTHING without consulting his father (John 5:19 below). And it also says he will leave us with a counselor to guide us (John 14:26 below).
John 5:19
“I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does.”
John 14:26
“But the counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name (Jesus), will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”
Luke 12:12
For the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time…
John 20:22
And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit”
So practically, what does this look like? In my approach, it’s stopping the business. Setting aside intentional quiet time. And shutting off the world (that means putting the phone on silent). And in this time, I seek advice. I listen to calming music. I seek guidance. I write down my thoughts, emotions, and feelings. Jesus, what is it you say about this situation? How should I approach this? When should I bring this up to that person? Jesus, I’m really hurting here, and I need your help. Many times, we all try and accomplish things in our lives on our own strength and knowledge. We love our independence and control. And at times, it works. And other times, it does not. But as we can all attest to, when we give our problems to God, his way is 100% times better than our own. As a son of God, I am constantly invited into following scripture and surrendering. And through the surrender, God always uses my past skills and experiences, along with HIS WISDOM and INISGHT, to help me lead.