Transformative Leaders Know What to Say

Transformative Leaders Know What to Say

Speak Life - Toby Mac

Lead Like Jesus recently posted on their Facebook feed that Jesus has a way of taking us on life-transforming journeys, and nothing is left untouched: personality, business, or relationships.  

Ronald E. Riggio, Ph.D (2009) offers a few traits of a transformational leader, (I have added examples from Scripture that illustrates how Jesus fulfills each of these.)

·        I would never require a follower to do something that I wouldn't do myself. (Jesus explains clearly the definition of a servant leader.  In Scripture there are many examples from foot washing to the Cross.  One example is  Luke 22:27 (NIV) For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.)

·        I have clear goals for my team.   (Jesus offers the Great Commission: Matthew 28: 19-20 (NIV): 19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.)

·        I am attentive when it comes to the personal needs of my followers. (Jesus knew His followers, His Disciples.  He knew just what each needed in order to be successful.)

·        I challenge my followers to get out of their comfort zones. (Many of the parables and approaches of Jesus challenged His disciples and others to get out of their comfort zones.)

·        I encourage my followers to question their most basic way of thinking. (Jesus taught the disciples many lessons, The Beatitudes are one example, Matthew 5: 1-12 (NIV)).

Encountering and experiencing the glory of God transforms everything in our lives.  As Jesus was transfigured on the mountain top we can be transformed in the renewing of our minds and our faith in Christ Jesus. 

Romans 12: 2a tells us, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

When we lead through transformation we change our perspective and the perspective of others around us.  We can empower and encourage others to complete the seemingly impossible.  Jesus regularly challenged His disciples to move beyond the ordinary and move into the extraordinary.

A transformative leader is the kind of leader who motivates and inspires others to perform at the highest levels.

Psalm 37:30 (NIV) says, “The mouths of the righteous utter wisdom, and their tongues speak what is just.”

Transformative leaders understand that they must speak life into those they lead.  Lift your followers up.  Invite the discussion from those you lead about the projects you are working on.  When people feel supported by their leader they are motivated to perform at higher levels.  When everyone performs at greater levels more is achieved and God is glorified.

Transformative leaders empower others by keeping everyone fully in the know.  People want and need to know that they are insiders within the organization. 

People do not want to be an outsider to something that they belong to.  Keeping team members in the dark does nothing to promote or move the organization forward.

Use your words to bring joy and life to those around you today. The health of your relationships depends on what you say about others.