Katrina Henry
Discussion Board #1
Liberty University
Question 1: How can a person become a successful leader by being humble?
Humility is a treasured and valued character trait that guides and influences the actions
and behaviors of those who understand its importance. According to authors Bradley Owens and
David Hekman [CITATION Owe12 \n \t \l 1033 ], “Humility has been identified as one of the
core organizational virtues proposed to provide the foundation for moral action in the workplace
and to foster positively deviant behavior” (p. 788). Being humble allows the leader to recognize
that within themselves they do not possess the knowledge and wisdom to understand all things.
The Bible shares in Proverbs 2:6 that “For the Lord gives [skillful and godly] wisdom; From His
mouth come knowledge and understanding” (Amplified Bible). Humility also provides leaders
with the opportunity to self-reflect on specific behaviors and actions to determine the areas that
need improvement. This action equips leaders with the tools needed to successfully make
decisions and navigate through difficult and challenging situations. When leaders are able to
recognize their own limited abilities, it prevents them from venturing into a place that causes
them to exhibit prideful actions. James 4:6 shares that “But he gives more grace. Therefore it
says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (Easy-to-Read Version). Leaders
often make grave mistakes when they develop and implement decisions from a prideful and
unethical and immoral standpoint. However, the Bible encourages in 1 Peter 5:6 to “Therefore,
humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God [set aside self-righteous pride], so that He may
exalt you [to a place of honor in His service] at the appropriate time” (Amplified Version).
Question 2: Why is it an important leadership trait to serve others first?
It is an important leadership trait to serve others first as serving allows individuals to gain
a different perspective of humility, empathy, and growth and development. Serving others
provides the perfect opportunity for individuals to develop skills and character traits and
attributes that enhances their leadership qualities. A leader who has served others is capable of
sufficiently motivating others through empowerment, enrichment, and demonstration
[ CITATION Mit12 \l 1033 ]. The saying “before one can lead they must first follow”
demonstrates the importance of gaining the understanding, responsibilities, and experiences of
following and serving others to enhance the leader’s ability to effectively lead others. Acts 20:35
states that “I always showed you that you should work just as I did and help people who are
weak. I taught you to remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘You will have a greater blessing
when you give than when you receive” (Easy-to-Read Version). Serving others provides valuable
information, resources, tools, and skills that greatly influences the leader’s strengths and abilities.
Question 3: What is the importance of relying on Jesus’ will and ways as it relates to
leadership?
Isaiah 55:8 shares that ““For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My
ways,” declares the Lord” (Amplified Bible). Because God thoughts and ways are pure and
righteous, leaders must seek God’s will and his way in order to become a successful leader.
When leaders are dependent upon their own merit, understanding, abilities, and strength to make
and execute decisions, they are more apt to utilize immoral, unethical, and unlawful tactics and
strategies. For this reason, the Lord commands that individuals should not depend on their own
intelligence to make decision but to trust in his ability to provide the proper knowledge and
understanding. Proverbs 3:5-6 provides clarity to this matter as it says “Trust the Lord
completely, and don’t depend on your own knowledge. With every step you take, think about
what he wants, and he will help you go the right way” (Easy-to-Read Version). Leaders who
grasp ahold of this concept will be equipped with the adequate tools and skills needed to
effectively and efficiently lead.
References
Mittal, R., & Dorfman, P. (2012). Servant leadership across cultures. Journal of World Business,
47(4), 555–570. Retrieved from http://rx9vh3hy4r.search.serialssolutions.com/?
ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&ctx_enc=info%3Aofi%2Fenc%3AUTF-8&rfr_id=info%3Asid
%2Fsummon.serialssolutions.com&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx
%3Ajournal&rft.genre=article&rft.atitle=Servant+leadership+across+c
Owens, B., & Hekman, D. (2012). Modeling how to grow: An inductive examination of humble
leader behaviors, contingencies, and outcomes. Academy of Management Journal., 55(4),
787-818. Retrieved from http://rx9vh3hy4r.search.serialssolutions.com/?ctx_ver=Z39.88-
2004&ctx_enc=info%3Aofi%2Fenc%3AUTF-8&rfr_id=info%3Asid
%2Fsummon.serialssolutions.com&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx
%3Ajournal&rft.genre=article&rft.atitle=MODELING+HOW+TO+GROW%3A+AN+
