DB Forum 1
Tamara Baker
Liberty University
How can a person become a successful leader by being humble?
Being humble is a positive characteristic, and many people can be humble without having
a close relationship with God. However, having a close relationship with God and being humble
will guarantee a great life. A leader must always be humble , in which shows others how to live
and behave. As servants of God, we must show non-believers the power of God and humility.
The bible speaks about humility and being thankful for all that we have. Today, our world is
driven by so much negativity, in which a great percentage of it comes from technology. Our
global economy has changed so much over the past decade that leaders now are focusing on
much more than the little things such as humility, but a successful leader never forgets the art of
humility.
The bible is a guide for our life, and it speaks a great deal about humility and the benefits
of allowing it into our lives. Being humble is showing God our appreciation for life and all the
things we have in it. It is the opposite of arrogance. As leaders we must be careful not to abuse
our authority by being cocky but showing others that we are God’s creation. Stephens (2013)
stated from our sixth U.S. President John Quincy Adams in relation to leadership, "If your
actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader."
(p. 128).
Why is it an important leadership trait to serve others first?
Servant leadership is so important when we discuss being leaders for Christ while in the
workplace. We must serve others as Christ serves us, in which is also a positive trait like
humility. If we show others by our actions that we are servants before leaders, people are more
likely to show more respect in the workplace, and this will help a firm succeed. Leadership is
more than allowing one person to lead but allowing all people to show skills and leadership skills
for the good of the goal(s).
Today, the business environment has become less deferential: respect and authority must
be earned, and leadership is not simply a function of position (Chacksfield, 2014). Integrity and
selflessness are both beautiful qualities that leaders must possess in the workplace and even in
their communities. All eyes are usually on the leader of a team, and he or she must use those
servant leadership skills. Chacksfield (2014) states that there are ten principles of servant
leadership, however the most significant ones for leaders in the workplace are: listening,
stewardship, Conceptualization and healing. Acts 20:35 says "In all things I have shown you that
by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus,
how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive." (ESV).
What is the importance of relying on Jesus’ will and ways as it relates to leadership?
Jesus led so many people in the bible, now he leads us here on earth, in which is the most
powerful leadership in the world. We must depend on his will and ways instead of our own
understanding because Jesus also showed us his servant leadership skills as he led. Everyone on
this earth is powerful and of value even if some don’t know it or have not realized it, yet.
Today's leaders must be careful to value each person under their authority "fairly,
equitably, and without the influence of such factors as ethnicity, education or social class"
(Flaniken, 2006). As leaders and future leaders, we must understand the missions God has given
us, but that is impossible if we don’t know how to serve others. “Just as the Son of Man did not
come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" (Matthew 20:28,
ESV). This scripture is relatable to our text and forum in many ways because there is power in
having a desire to serve rather than lead. It shows a person’s true character. God is pleased with
those that rely on him during their moments in leadership.
References
Chacksfield, E. (2014). Servant leadership. Training Journal, 60-63. Retrieved from
http://search.proquest.com/docview/1490686079?accountid=12085
Flaniken, F. (2006). Is the bible relevant to servant-leadership? The Journal of Applied Christian
Leadership, 32-39. Retrieved from
http://search.proquest.com/docview/749617379?accountid=12085
Melville, N. A. (2009). Humility: The humble leader inspires other to share his values. Cosmetic
Surgery Times,12(7), 8-9. Retrieved from
http://search.proquest.com/docview/232421730?accountid=12085
Stephens, S. (2013). What makes a great leader? Biomedical Instrumentation & Technology,
47(2), 128-30. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/1363268033?
accountid=12085
