Two Must-haves of a Leader

What are the distinguishing mark of a leader for him to succeed? There are many practical ways of answering this question and yet in my personal journey, these two stand out and remain to be true.

1. Be God-centered.

The way we relate with people reflects our relationship with God. 

Many times, I find myself underestimating or not really trusting others. When they say they can do it, I would make sure that they can make it which communicates a lack of trust or no trust at all. What made me realize this truth in me are the feedback that I get from those I work closely with. How could we get an honest feedback? In my experience, I would intentionally ask for feedback and assure them that I will not defend. At times, I would also find myself so defensive. Thanks for the conviction of the holy Spirit. In my quiet moments with God, thoughts on these lessons keep flowing in my mind. And I keep learning. Trust is the key to relate well with people. You can't open yourself to them unless you give yourself a chance to trust them. It's a choice.

How can you say you love God if you don't love your brothers? 

2. Be Other-centered.

Christian leadership is a calling that acknowledges your personal interests and the interests of others above you. This is about prioritizing others. This is one area I'm trusting God to continually work in and through me. What helped me have a healthy practice of this is by asking questions to my teammates. As they share their thoughts, I would do my best to listen well and to really understand what they mean. Of course, there are also times that I'm so excited in the conversation which means cutting them off in the discussion and I would tend to dominate. :) 

Being other-centered also means cooking my favorite menu (I'm more confident to do this) for my teammates. Listing down the top three qualities of my teammates. Spending time with them with the goal of knowing them. It also means asking them about their needs, praying for them and appreciating them through any valid means of communication. For me, I would say the words straight in front of him or through text messages, emails or FB messages.

Philippians 2:1-5 says, "1 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy,
2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.3 Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,"

To be other-centered means others increase while I decrease.