"...The greatest among you shall be your servant." - Matthew 23:11 (NIV)

Welcome, dear reader.

As someone who has walked the path of leadership while deeply rooted in faith, I understand the immense responsibility and the sometimes overwhelming pressure that comes with guiding others.

In our journey as leaders, we often find ourselves in the role of the supporter, the rock, and the decision-maker.

But who supports you?

Who offers you solace and strength?

Finding Strength in Faith

In those moments when the weight of leadership feels heavy, it’s essential to find solace and strength in something greater than yourself.

For me, that strength comes from faith in Jesus Christ.

Turning to Him provides the guidance, peace, and reassurance needed to navigate the complexities of leadership.

Jesus's life offers us a perfect example, a blueprint of core values that can transform our approach to leading others.

Why Are Core Values Important for Today's Leader?

Why are core values so crucial for you as a leader?

They act as your guiding light, your moral compass, steering you through the complexities of life and leadership.

These values influence your decisions, shape your behavior, and define your interactions with others.

Without core values, your leadership can easily become directionless, swayed by external pressures rather than anchored in internal convictions.

Exploring Core Values Through Jesus’s Leadership

To understand and adopt core values that will serve you well as a leader, let’s look at the life of Jesus Christ.

His life is a testament to values such as humility, compassion, integrity, servanthood, forgiveness, and faith.

These values are not only timeless but also incredibly relevant for today’s leaders.

Why Faith-Based Leadership?

Why is faith-based leadership more impactful than traditional business leadership?

Faith-based leadership considers more than just the bottom line.

It integrates spiritual principles and core values that create a holistic approach to leading, emphasizing ethical behavior, empathy, and long-term success over short-term gains.

Jesus Christ, the ultimate leader, continues to impact the world today through His teachings and example, making Him the perfect model for us to follow.

Humility

Consider how often leadership is equated with power and control.

Jesus redefined greatness by demonstrating humility.

Despite being the Son of God, He washed the feet of His disciples and lived a life of service.

As a leader, how can you embody this humility in your role?

How can you serve those you lead rather than seeking to be served?

By adopting humility, you create a culture of mutual respect and collaboration.

It encourages open communication and fosters an environment where everyone feels valued.

Humility is not about diminishing your worth but recognizing and appreciating the worth of others.

Compassion

Do you lead with empathy and kindness?

Jesus’s ministry was marked by profound compassion for others.

He healed the sick, fed the hungry, and comforted the brokenhearted.

How can you incorporate compassion into your leadership?

How can you show genuine care and concern for your team members and their well-being?

Compassionate leadership builds trust and loyalty.

When team members know that their leader genuinely cares about them, they are more likely to be engaged, motivated, and committed to the organization’s goals.

Compassion also helps in creating a supportive work environment, reducing stress, and increasing overall well-being.

Integrity

How important is honesty in leadership?

Jesus was unwavering in His commitment to truth and righteousness.

His actions always aligned with His teachings, setting a powerful example.

As a leader, how can you ensure that your actions align with your words?

How can you build a culture of trust and transparency?

Integrity is the foundation of effective leadership. I

t involves being honest, transparent, and ethical in all your dealings.

Leaders who demonstrate integrity earn the trust and respect of their teams, clients, and stakeholders. It also sets a standard for others to follow, fostering a culture of honesty and accountability.

Servanthood

Do you view leadership as a position of privilege or a responsibility to serve?

Jesus taught that true leadership is rooted in servanthood.

How can you adopt a servant-leader mindset? How can you prioritize the needs of others and empower your teams to succeed?

Servant leadership is about putting the needs of others first.

It involves empowering and uplifting your team, providing them with the tools and support they need to thrive.

This approach not only enhances team performance but also fosters a sense of community and belonging.

Forgiveness

How do you handle mistakes and conflicts?

Jesus emphasized the importance of forgiveness, teaching His followers to forgive as they have been forgiven.

As a leader, how can you practice forgiveness in your interactions?

How can you foster a culture of reconciliation and understanding?

Forgiveness is a powerful tool in leadership.

It involves letting go of grudges and offering second chances.

By practicing forgiveness, you can heal and restore relationships, create a more harmonious work environment, and encourage a culture of learning and growth.

Faith

How does faith influence your leadership?

Jesus’s life was characterized by His unwavering faith in God.

He sought God's guidance and trusted in His plan.

How can you incorporate faith into your leadership?

How can you seek divine guidance and lead with conviction and purpose?

Faith provides a sense of purpose and direction.

It involves seeking God’s guidance in your decisions and trusting in His plan for your life and leadership.

Faith-inspired leadership can inspire others to persevere through challenges and stay focused on their goals.

Living These Values at Work and Home

How can these values transform your leadership at work and at home?

Leadership is not just a job; it’s a way of being.

By embodying these values, you create a consistent and authentic approach to leadership that reflects your deepest beliefs.

At home, humility means valuing the opinions and needs of family members.

At work, it means recognizing the contributions of your team and being open to feedback.

How can you practice humility in both spheres?

Showing compassion at home involves being present and empathetic with your loved ones.

At work, it means understanding the challenges your colleagues face and offering support.

How can you be more compassionate in every aspect of your life?

Integrity means being honest and consistent in your actions, whether at home or in the office.

How can you ensure that your actions reflect your values in every setting?

Servanthood involves prioritizing the needs of others and finding ways to help them succeed.

How can you adopt a servant-leader mindset in all your relationships?

Forgiveness can heal and restore relationships both at home and at work.

How can you practice forgiveness and promote a culture of grace?

Faith provides a sense of purpose and direction.

How can you incorporate faith into your daily decisions and interactions, both personally and professionally?

A Personal Invitation

Dear reader, I understand the weight of leadership.

I know what it feels like to be the one others depend on, to make decisions that impact many lives.

It can be a lot, but you are not alone.

Through faith, you can find strength and guidance.

By embracing the core values demonstrated by Jesus, you can lead with authenticity, humility, and grace.

Let these values be a balm to your soul, a source of comfort and direction.

Remember, leadership is not just about making decisions; it’s about being a beacon of light and hope for others.

Lead with courage, compassion, and conviction, knowing that with God as your guide, anything is possible.

Together, let’s strive to co-create a world where every interaction and every endeavor reflects the transformative power of faith in Jesus Christ.

Lead with love, serve with humility, and trust in God's plan for your life. You are not alone on this journey.

With heartfelt encouragement,

Matt Piell