5 Marks of Great Leaders Text: John 13:1-9
Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that His hour had come that He should depart from this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end.
2 And supper being ended, the devil having already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray Him, 3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going to God, 4 rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself. 5 After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded. 6 Then He came to Simon Peter. And Peter said to Him, “Lord, are You washing my feet?”
7 Jesus answered and said to him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but you will know after this.”
8 Peter said to Him, “You shall never wash my feet!”
Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me.”
9 Simon Peter said to Him, “Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head!”
Even as Jesus knew His betray was around the corner He teaches by example the role of every believer. The most effective leaders are not afraid to help others reach their goals; they believe in the power of the win-win situation. Author and motivational speaker Zig Ziglar says, “You can get everything you want if you help enough people get what they want!” Great leaders ask question like: “What can I do for you? “How can I help you succeed?” A leader who is always looking for credit will soon be a solo performer!
There’s only a few college teams that do not allow their players to have their names on the back of their jerseys, but these teams usually do very good because they play as a team!
The first mark of great team leaders: They don’t care who gets the credit as long as the job gets done!
Jesus knew that when His disciples could wash feet they would work together in His harvest!
Actions take precedence over accolades. Goals are more important than gold!
Secondly, Great leaders are willing to put the mission ahead of their personal agenda!
They have discovered the greater joy of giving their lives for something worthwhile.
These men and women understand that what they see done in others is far greater than what they could do as an individual! (Ask a piano teacher how important this is to them!)
Thirdly, Great leaders are quick to forgive! Little people hold grudges! Big people forgive and forget. Little people nurse insults and look for revenge; big people let bygones be bygones!
Jesus said in Mark 11:25-26 “And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. 26 But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.”
Fourthly, Great Leaders are energized by the achievements of others! They invest in others, train others and enable others to succeed! Great leaders encourage others and give congratulations!
Fifthly, Great leaders freely give to those who deserve it most! Appreciation is one of the great motivators- often more than promotions or pay raises!
