LEADERSHIP ON PURPOSE

Leadership is a multi-faceted concept that involves the ability to influence and motivate others. Despite the various definitions and interpretations of leadership, one thing is clear: it is a process of guiding and inspiring individuals to reach their goals.

However, the complexities of leadership as both an art and science can make it difficult to master. The science of leadership encompasses the processes, styles, and techniques used to lead a team and create an inclusive culture that promotes collaboration and commitment. Meanwhile, the art of leadership deals with the human element of leading and involves understanding how to effectively engage and inspire individuals, taking into account their unique personalities, behaviors, beliefs, and emotions. This art of leadership is shaped by one’s life experiences and plays a significant role in shaping one’s leadership style and ability to influence others.

The Bible offers examples of individuals with leadership styles that can be related to and provides insight into the importance of self-awareness in leadership. One such example is found in the book of Nehemiah. He is a prime example of a great leader and his leadership characteristics and traits serve as a model for 21st century leaders. Unlike Ezra, who was a priest, or Malachi, who was a prophet, Nehemiah was a layman and held a secular position before leading a group of Jews to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. He serves as a shining example that one does not require a specific position or background to be a successful leader, as anyone can come from any background and still excel in leadership.

“Nehemiah’s experience in the King’s court equipped him well for the political and rebuilding efforts that were crucial for the survival of the Jewish people” (Geisler, 2007). Nehemiah exemplifies the kind of powerful impact that one person can have on a nation. He leveraged his position to bring about order, stability, and a renewed focus on God among the Jewish people. Nehemiah’s life offers a valuable lesson in leadership. He was able to overcome obstacles from both external and internal sources. He demonstrated his strategic thinking by assigning half of the people to build the wall and the other half to stand guard against potential attacks from the Samaritans (Nehemiah 4-7). As governor, he also effectively navigated the challenges of negotiating peace among the Jews who were discontent with Persian taxes. His unwavering determination to achieve his goals resulted in a people who were reinvigorated, encouraged, and optimistic about their future. He displayed a number of qualities that contributed to his success in achieving his goals. These include:

• Unquestionable Integrity

• Confidence

• Inspiration of others

• Commitment and Passion

• Good Communication Skills

• Decision-Making Ability

• Accountable to self and others

• Delegator who Empowered Others

• Anointed

• Innovative

• Empathetic

• Resilient

• Connected with all People

• Humble

• Transparent

• Visionary Leader Who Served with Purpose

• High Emotional Quotient

I am drawn to the book of Nehemiah because he provides a practical example of how one can use their ability to influence and lead others to achieve a common goal. Unlike many people who do not actively choose to become leaders, Nehemiah showed the importance of self-awareness, and personal development in leading. Many leaders may have knowledge of technical aspects of leadership, but they do not prioritize personal growth, skill development, or leading with a specific purpose to make a positive impact on themselves and others, Nehemiah’s example is a biblical standard for us to follow in our quest to effectively motivate and influence others.

If you have ever struggled with embracing your role as a leader or if you are ready to lead authentically, intentionally, and with purpose, know that, like Nehemiah, you too were created by God for a great purpose.

A key part of fulfilling that purpose is being your best self and being aware of your leadership purpose, which is rooted in your beliefs, values, and behaviors.

I have read many books on leadership and even pursued a master’s degree with a focus on leadership. I was also fortunate to present a paper on women in leadership at a conference at Harvard University. Despite all of my education and leadership experience, it wasn’t until I participated in the Truist Leadership Institute’s “Mastering Leadership Dynamics” program that I had a transformative understanding of leadership. Specifically, it was during the fourth session of this program that the science and art of leadership came alive for me. I believe that the program helped me understand how my beliefs, studies, and experiences all interconnected and how it related to my faith. The Word of God came alive for me in a new way and I believe the Lord used this program to help me fully understand myself, my leadership potential, and my leadership purpose.

I learned that how you lead is closely connected to your identity. Self-awareness is important for being an effective leader. It’s about understanding how you think of yourself and how you see yourself. If you don’t see yourself the way God does, you may believe negative perceptions of yourself from others. One of the key things I learned is that if you lead from your emotions, it affects how people perceive you and how you perceive yourself. A good example is Nehemiah, he was known for being compassionate, focused, purposeful, and obedient to God.

Leading with purpose is important, but when our emotions are out of balance, it can impact our thinking and emotions. Two scriptures to keep in mind are Philippians 4:6-7, which states to not be anxious, but to pray and give thanks, and 2 Timothy 1:7, which reminds us that God has given us a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind. These scriptures remind us to lead with purpose and to do so with peace, prayer, confidence, and boldness through Jesus Christ.

Now, let’s go back to the early part of the article. I believe many people have a difficult time leading others because of what they think, how they feel, and not to mention the impact on one’s body when emotions are out of control, and negative implications on one’s spiritual growth. If we desire to lead on purpose, with purpose, we must first embrace the fact that God created us for a reason and that we were chosen to do something for his will and glory. We can’t let obstacles such as our emotions hinder us and keep us wrapped in ourselves and not knowing who we are. Nehemiah was self-aware. He was chosen by God, anointed by God, and knew how to treat people.

If you serve in a leadership role and can impact the lives of other women, be mindful that it should be done with grace, mercy, and love. I’ve hurt a lot of people in my quest to lead. Unfortunately, I led with my emotions and was not effective. A lot of it stemmed from not being aware and just not knowing any better, I followed wrong examples, and I didn’t have the right circle of sisters to help me, hold me accountable, and be honest with me about my errors. Let me say this, you need a tribe that will be honest with you and speak truth to you and help you to become your best self. Do know it will require being vulnerable and being open to the feedback about yourself. Know that it will initially be uncomfortable, but it will all work out for your good.

Whether we realize it or not, we are all leaders and becoming a better leader takes time and it is a life-long process. You may know your leadership style, purpose, your characteristics, and even your personality type. But if you fail to become self-aware with your inner self (the authentic you), you will never get to where God’s wants you to be in life. Start today with becoming aware of your emotions and what causes you to react the way you do (both positively and negatively). Remember, what got you where you are, won’t get you where God wants you to be. Let’s lead on purpose, Amen.

A Quick Review Of Emotional Intelligence

How do you best understand your emotions, requires understanding the specifics on emotional intelligence, the benefits of knowing your emotional quotient (EQ), links to TEDx videos and links to access EQ assessments. Emotional intelligence involves being able to recognize and understand your own emotions and the emotions of others, and to use this awareness to manage your behavior and relationships effectively. And becoming self-aware will give you the ability to recognize your own emotions, thoughts, and values and how they influence your behavior. Developing emotional intelligence can lead to:

• Greater self-awareness and understanding of yourself

• Better control of emotions and reactions

• Increased empathy and compassion towards others

• Stronger, more positive relationships

• Greater success in the workplace

• Improved ability to handle challenges

• A deeper sense of purpose and meaning in life

• Enhanced spiritual growth.

Improving one’s emotional intelligence and self-awareness can lead to a deeper understanding of oneself and others, better control of emotions, stronger relationships, and greater success in various aspects of life. There are a variety of assessments and exercises that can aid in this process. Click on the link to watch the following TEDx videos on self-awareness and emotional intelligence:

Video Links

• The Power of Emotional Intelligence, Travis Bradberry: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=auXNnTmhHsk

• Increase Your Self-Awareness with One Simple Fix, Tasha Eurich: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=tGdsOXZpyWE

• Brené Brown’s Life Advice on Emotions Will Leave You Speechless, https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=-aU6T-ed1eI

• 6 Steps to Improve Your Emotional Intelligence, Ramona Hacker: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=D6_J7FfgWVc

Assessments

• Test Your Emotional Intelligence: How Well Do Your Read Other People?, Greater Good Magazine: https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/quizzes/ ei_quiz/take_quiz

• How Emotionally Intelligent Are You?, Mind Tools Content Team: https://www.mindtools.com/ axbwm3m/how-emotionally-intelligent-are-you

• My Emotions, Free Online Quizzes About Emotions and Emotional Intelligence, University of Central Florida, https://sciences.ucf.edu/psychology/myemotions-hxus/

In closing, I am wishing you the best in your ongoing discovery of self by being intentional and purposeful in your journey for growth and transformation. Investing in self and celebrating yourself is a fantastic thing. I am wishing you all the best. Remember, if you have a question, need help along the way. I’m just a click away.

I love you and wish you the best!

Dr. Christine

The following page contains links to some of my spiritual leaders who have greatly impacted my growth and development through their wisdom and teachings. Bishop T.D. Jakes and his daughter, Pastor Sarah Jakes Roberts, have delivered powerful and inspiring messages that have brought me comfort and empowerment. Their teachings, filled with spiritual insights, will inspire and motivate you to understand yourself better and strive to be your best self. I highly recommend taking the time to listen to these anointed messages and let them guide you in your own growth journey. Enjoy!