Spirit Led Leadership: Adaptable Leadership

The most excellent leaders are those who can adapt to situations, understand the needs of the organization and followers, and create value by serving those who follow.

Daft (2018) has laid out several leadership models and theories. He compares leaders to managerial styles, characteristics of an individual, and how they fit together. A significant difference Daft (2018) mentions between leaders and managers is that leaders inspire and empower while managers dictate and direct. Leaders can be managers, and managers can adapt to various leadership styles. One particular leadership style that stands out is called servant leadership. Servant leadership allows others to grow, create, and expand their influence while those in authority serve and provide opportunities for them to flourish. Instead of leaders being too authoritative, they form a partnership with their followers, working with them to make decisions, rewarding those who contribute over those in position, and leading teams to build the organization (Daft, 2018, p. 178). Our ultimate example of servant leadership is Jesus; however, Robert Wood Johnson, Fred Keller, and Robert Greenleaf are a few examples of modern-day servant leaders.

The best managers I have worked under are the ones who push up their sleeves and dive into the trenches with their employees. I have witnessed this in my career as a trauma nurse, a teacher, and a pastor. When I see my leaders take on tasks beneath them to help the team, it builds higher respect for them and creates more value in the lower positions. A company can only grow as strong as the weakest link, and for me, when I have seen leaders serving the team, it has improved morale and increased value within the group. Now, as pastor, it is my turn to create value and serve the congregation's people.

What type of leader inspires you to be better? 

References:

Daft, R. L. (2018). The Leadership Experience (Seventh). Cengage Learning.