News
The Unique Vantage Point of Every Christian
by Kirsten Connell, Courageous Third
May 2024
Leadership. It’s a multifaceted, complex arena to play in. Many want to become a great leader, but few achieve it. Leaders today must navigate the polarizing effects of a highly charged social and political environment. For this reason, some might say that as a follower of Christ, being a great leader is all the more difficult. But does it have to be?
As a Christian, you have a unique vantage point. One that many in today’s world do not have. You see – or strive to see – others through the eyes of Jesus. Where the world focuses on division, differences and self, a Christian leader focuses on the person, who God created and loves. That opens the door for real connection through greater understanding and genuine care and concern which leads to more meaningful work relationships. And these, my friend, are the difference between a good leader and a great one.
Grab your coffee and let’s dive a little deeper into this topic.
Style/Personality Assessments
While you’re actively honing the skills to become a great leader, at some point it typically includes assessments to understand your leadership style, your personality (the pluses and the minuses), and what you can do to utilize (or in some cases, reshape) your behaviors to achieve success. Enter Strengths Finder, Myers-Briggs, and Enneagram. Now, I will say, I love all three of these. Scratch that. I love two of these. Enneagram just didn’t work for me, but that’s an entirely different topic. All three assessments are designed to help you get to know yourself and others in order to connect and collaborate more effectively. They are good tools.
However, as a Christian, you have the greatest tool of all: Jesus. Jesus teaches us how to interact with all people – how to show compassion and how to express genuine interest in another person. The lessons found in the Bible from Jesus’ teachings are a Christian’s greatest asset in the work environment, at home or in the community. Do not underestimate the power of treating others as Jesus commands us to treat them. Let’s discuss these and what they can look like in the workplace.
John 13:34-35
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.
Time to Get Out of Your Comfort Zone (AKA: Get Courageous)
I’ll be completely honest with you, this discussion is as much about convincing me to get out of my own comfort zone to put these things into practice to the point that they become as easy as breathing, but until that time, I am calling on the Holy Spirit to help a girl out! Are you in this club with me or what?! Let’s face it, we all can’t be like Craig Carter who has the gift of being able to talk to (and pray for!) almost anyone.
One step at a time. Let’s do this together.
Connections that are Real
This world is fraught with loneliness, isolation, and a lack of understanding of one another, probably more so than any other time in history. Since 2020, when the world went upside, the acceleration of all three of these (and many others) has skyrocketed. People long for real connection. They long to be seen, heard, understood, and most of all… loved. Christ followers bask in the love of our Father in heaven. We praise Him and worship Him because of His great love for us. If we were to reflect that love to our colleagues, imagine the impact.
See the person before you see the worker. Instead of jumping into the work at hand, take a moment to ask the other person how they are doing. Uh, yeah, I already do that. Go a little deeper. Express interest in what’s going on in their life. Be specific. Show respect and be professional but respond with the appropriate level of emotion. See them through the eyes of Jesus. Take the time to get to know them so you may build the relationship on a firm foundation.
Let them see you as a person, not just a manager or a colleague who simply wants to get the deliverables completed. Yes, you will have to have some level of vulnerability to do this well. However, doing so can build trust and psychological safety – two critical foundational components for great leadership. You cannot have one without the other, and from this foundation, all relationships are built. So do yourself a favor and pay close attention to this area!
Real Connections Lead to Greater Understanding
You cannot get to know someone if you stay on the surface. Trust and psychological safety are absolutely critical if you are trying to build a friendship that is more meaningful than skin deep. Seeing a person as an individual, a unique creation of God, that is loved deeply by our Father in heaven is the catalyst that can open the door to greater understanding of who they are, and what the joys and sorrows are in their life.
Looking at individuals through the lens of Jesus, takes us out of a worldly point of view, out of our fleshly point of view, and enables us to have genuine compassion. It allows God to work in us and through us to bless others. The world does not see people as tender-hearted individuals longing for connection, longing to be seen and understood….and longing to be loved. Jesus does. And as his hands and feet here on earth, so can we.
Rise to the Challenge, Be Courageous
I challenge you to start looking at others through the eyes (and with the heart) of Jesus. Think about how you can convey the kindness and love of Christ during conversations with others. Everyone has something on their heart that is in need of God’s love. Have the courage to find out what it is – if the other person is open to sharing – and then bless them through encouragement, heartfelt words or if appropriate, prayer. Just be thoughtful since you are in a work environment and stay attuned to what is deemed acceptable in your company.
For questions or feedback on this article, please contact us at: news@courageousthird.org