Lead Like Jesus: A Leadership Model Filled with Grace

As part of a Vital Church Initiative Clergy Mentoring Group, Deacon Loretta and I meet monthly with other clergy leaders who are part of Vital Church Initiative. Each month we are asked to read a book on leadership or spiritual practices. I recently finished the assigned reading Lead Like Jesus by Ken Blanchard (author of The One Minute Manager) and Phil Hodges.

The authors suggest that in his life on earth, Jesus modeled effective leadership. The book is separated into four specific characteristics, The heart, head, hands and habits of servant leaders. While some of the conclusions of the authors, seem to simply tie Jesus' leadership style to leadership prescriptions popular today, there are some thought-provoking sections.

Blanchard and Hodges emphasize that Jesus put the interest of others over his own. They spend time helping readers to sort out whether their "EGO" is "edging God out" or "exalting God only". There is a difference between a self-serving leader and a servant leader. The servant leader accepts feedback graciously and seeks to grow with it. The servant leader assumes that there will be a successor and works to empower other leaders. The servant leader understands they have been entrusted with responsibility only for a season, and they hold leadership humbly.

I was especially interested in the authors' guide for the habits needed to lead like Jesus. The list of leadership habits are helpful for anyone in any sort of leadership role, in business, the church or at home:
      The Habit of Solitude - take time for quiet to rest in God.
      The Habit of Prayer - look to the Gospels, examine Jesus' prayer habits, practice them
      The Habit of Dwelling in the Word - use the Bible as a guide for daily living
      The Habit of Trusting in God's Unconditional Love - lead with trust and hope in God
      The Habit of Intimate Community - develop a circle of friends for support and accountability

At the end of the book, Blanchard and Hodges make a case for leading like Jesus. They suggest that their is spiritual benefit at servant leaders seek the reign of God, honor God and put the love of Jesus into action. Practical reasons for leading like Jesus include: providing better service and leadership and closing the gap we tend to create between success and significance. Leading like Jesus means to work for meaning in our lives.

I would recommend this book to leaders who are seeking to reflect Jesus in their leadership style, no matter the area in which they lead.