A Thought for Women — What is the role of a leader?

A Thought for Women — What is the role of a leader?

By Jean Roberson

Think about your various roles in life. One role you may have may be wife, or another mother. You may be colleague or chairman. All of these roles come with some kind of leadership.

What is the role of a leader? Think of the leaders you know.

I am thinking of a person who sees leadership as implementing her own ideas. She is very creative and her creativity is one reason why people look to her. She helps people see new ways of doing things.

I am thinking of another person who sees leadership as solving problems. Seeking an efficient workplace, she dedicates herself to identifying problems and solving issues. She jumps into problems with tenacity until they are resolved.

I am thinking of a third person who sees leadership as accountability. She believes accountability is integral to everyone doing his or her best, so she is aware of what everyone is doing and is quick to ensure everyone knows what is expected.

You can take several tests and read many books on leadership: how to effectively lead, determining your leadership style, etc. However, the bottom line, role and purpose of leadership stay the same.

Remember in Romans 12 where Paul talks about the body of Christ. His point is that each person is unique and brings different gifts and skills to the table. When each person is excelling in utilizing those skills and talents, a complete body is formed.

All the views of leadership listed above are valid and accurate. But what good does it do to use those if we are unable to motivate and allow each member to excel in his or her gifts and abilities?

Leadership, in its most basic form, is working for the success of those we lead. It is our job to cast a vision, to motivate others, to provide accountability, to advocate and solve problems. Yet we do so with the goal of empowering others to succeed in mind.

Sometimes we teach. Sometimes we discipline. Sometimes we encourage. All the while we are seeking their growth, their achievement and their sense of satisfaction in their work.

So consider the people you lead: your children, your colleagues and your church members. How are you encouraging their success? Remember, it is only when each member of the body is fulfilling their function that the body can operate as a whole and can achieve what it was meant to achieve.

Our job is to help each one thrive in their function.

A Takeaway Value …

Leadership is ensuring the success of others.

EDITOR’S NOTE — Jean Roberson, MSW, LCSW, is a ministry consultant for national Woman’s Missionary Union. She serves as team leader for the adult team and director of Christian Women’s Job Corps/Christian Men’s Job Corps and International Initiatives.