A good leader: the biblical interpretation in modern day leadership
Be it as president or as parent, at some point in our lives we are all called to be leaders. The knowledge of good leadership traits can, therefore, be an invaluable asset to any and all. This knowledge can also be of value when we step up to choose our leaders. It’s easy to point fingers at failing politicians, unsuccessful managers and negligent parents (and many of us do… most of the time). But rarely do we take time to put ourselves in their shoes and ask ourselves, given the same situation and the constraints associated, what action we might consider to be best. By fully understanding traits of successful leadership, we can aspire to have an empathetic perspective of others’ failings in our drive towards good leadership. This can help create a better and wholesome society for all.
There are multiple sources of successful leadership traits. In this article, I look at those discussed in the bible, specifically Titus 1:7 (in the context of being a bishop), and express my opinions on how they might be relevant to modern day corporate leadership. Some of this might state the obvious, and others might seem a strange take. Nevertheless, all of it is of value for consideration.
For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. — Titus 1:7 (ESV)
“Should nots”
Arrogance….to have an exaggerated sense of one’s own importance or one’s abilities.
A leader should not be arrogant: This might not practiced as often as it should be, in modern day society. I’m sure we’ve all come across leaders, some very successful, who display arrogance. Working with an arrogant self-focussed leader could result in a team where opinions are not heard and talent is stagnant. This could stall the healthy growth of a team. Note that arrogance is not a synonym for strong. Strength is much needed in a leader, but arrogance, not so much.
A leader should not be quick-tempered: A quick-tempered individual would cause uneasiness within the team. Once again, this would cause opinions to be buried for fear of being facing the wrath of a temperamental leader. In a successful team, fear of back-lash should not be a motivator.
A leader should not be a drunkard: In modern day society this is so well understood, that we take it for granted. However, in painting a complete picture, most would agree that this becomes an extremely important characteristic of a successful leader. A leader who is not in the best state of mind can will cripple a team.
A leader should not be violent: If one is a perpetrator of violence, one should probably not be in a leadership position at all. Instead, one should be working hard to isolate one’s issues and get them addressed. Employees should not suffer violence of any form in the workplace.
A leader should not be greedy for gain: This is a hard one, and in our current profit-driven world, is not as obvious. However, any leader who takes pains to understand the repercussions of their short-term success and alters it for the benefit of society at large is a leader that will ultimately win.
“Shoulds”
To be hospitable means to be friendly and welcoming.
A leader should be hospitable: In terms of team health and wellness, a hospitable leader can be a great asset. Someone who is friendly and welcoming will easily provide motivation and encouragement to the whole team.
A leader should be a lover of good: A just leader needs to be a lover of good. Everyone has their failures, no one is perfect. But a person loves good will always strive to find it. A leader who loves good, in striving to find it, will naturally breed the ingredients of success within their team.
To have self-control is to have the ability to exercise restraint over your impulses, emotions, or desires at the appropriate time.
A leader should have self-control: A successful leader must have the ability to exercise restraint in order to build stronger relationships, navigate tough situations, and achieve greater goals.
Upright stems from the Hebrew word which means to be vertically straight or horizontally smooth.
A leader should be upright: Uprightness brings with it the notions of unchanging standards, correctness, genuineness, and forthrightness. All these are critical components of a moral leader who is looking to lead a wholesome and successful team.
Holy is a state of being separate from defilement, by virtue of being pure.
A leader should be holy: Holy has become a word commonly constrained to religious contexts. However, it’s definition can certainly extend to the list of characteristics of a good leader. To be holy, a leader’s actions would have to stand apart from the common population, to be more pure and sacred.
A leader should be disciplined: Discipline allows a person to abide by rules and regulations and have power over their own actions. This is a critical requirement of any successful leader.
