Five Ways Your Leadership Can Go Viral!
We’ve entered cold and flu season. This is the time of year when germs seem to be lurking, powerful and invisible on every surface. Because of the nature of these sneaky germs, it’s nearly impossible to go through a cold and flu season without at least once coming down with a case of the sniffles.
Have you ever thought about the fact that great leadership is caught more than taught? Just by being around a great leader, others can “catch” the desire to build strong character, influence those around them, and live a life of intentionality and purpose. Imagine the possibilities if our leadership went viral and a leadership ripple started in your community produced a tidal wave of positive God-centered leadership around the globe! Does that excite you? Read on to learn how you can become contagious!
Choose your attitude- Did you know our brains are hardwired to get in sync with those around us? That means when we’re with people who are positive, excited and passionate, we tend to feel the same way. Even the simple act of smiling is contagious! When someone smiles at us, it’s a natural response for us to want to mimic their facial expression in an attempt to connect and understand them better. Unfortunately however, this concept works both ways. Bad attitudes are also viral and can quickly create a culture of toxicity.
Be relationally generous- When leaders pay attention to the needs of those around them and take time to care and invest relationally, this creates team members who care about the needs of others. Those whose lives have been invested in, then invest in others. When people feel cared for, they are able and willing to care for others in turn. However, when those around you are lacking love, acceptance and understanding, or do not feel known, they will operate from a scarcity mentality and won’t have the reserves they need to offer love and grace to others.
Be unshakable- A leader who remains calm under pressure and isn’t tossed around by hardship or public opinion spreads a general sense of peace to all those around. “I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With Him at my right hand, I will not be shaken,” Psalm 16:8. How can you genuinely maintain your composure and respond to tough situations with a quiet spirit? Put your situation into perspective. Ask yourself- how will this affect me in 1 hour? 1 day? 10 days? 1 year? Sometimes the things that cause us to lose our peace are small things insignificant in the long run. If no one is hurting or suffering except your pride and comfort, consider setting aside your preferences for the sake of your witness to those around you.
Invest heavily- Own 100% of the effort and results in the completion of whatever you’re called. Colossians 3:23 says it this way, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” A leader who is completely invested and has ownership of both successes and failures demonstrates to her team that failure is a normal part of life and is not fatal. This balance approach to failure invites others to take risks and follow their passion and calling as well.
Lead with courage- “The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?,” Psalm 118:6. God, the Lord of Heaven and Earth, has a plan for you. But He doesn’t leave you to accomplish it on your own- He walks beside you every step of the way, working in and through you to accomplish His will and bring glory to His name. Take courage! Every time you take a step of faith, especially in the midst of turmoil and uncertainty, you model courage to others. Your example provides the motivation they need to faithfully walk out God’s plan for their lives. Your courage encourages others.
These are just a few of the ways our leadership can be contagious! This cold and flu season, keep your germs but spread your leadership! Share your passion and live out your calling in a way that makes people want to join you on the journey and catch the vision of what God is calling us to do as leaders in His church.