'A leader of Influence' - 6 'P's"

Hi Incredible leaders,
I want to start a 6 part devotional series on "A leader of influence' I am suggesting 6 'P's or principles of the influential leader. I actually came across these six principles as I had been musing over what it means to be a leader of influence for a number of weeks and felt quickened one morning (quite early) by the Holy Spirit. The fact that there were 6 things that he spoke to me, they all started with 'P' , had a logical flow convinced me that it was of the Lord, (and the fact that I could remember them all later on that day!)
By way of introduction I want is to consider our influence. As leaders at any level it is my conviction that our primary concern be 'How am I influencing others?' notice the question is not "Am I influencing others" - as leaders by virtue of our very reality amongst those we are called to serve, we will exert either a passive or active influence on the lives of others. I think of it just as an isotope of radioactive material in a room will 'irradiate' every object in its vicinity; So to we will exert a powerful spiritual, emotional, at times physical influence on others, just by virtue of our inherent reality. The issue for leaders then becomes searching out, considering, adopting, continuing & reviewing definite principles and their adjunctive behaviors to ensure that our influence is active, positive and effective to developing and shaping the lives around us for Christ & the Kingdom.

To let you into my life and experience - I remember several powerful influences in my own life, my Step father both actively and passively (i.e. the things we do & the things we don't do)infuenced me; He was often antagonising and belittling towards me; or dismissive & alienating - This communicated to me a devaluing of my 'person hood' - At a time when I was desperately trying to establish identity - it imparted an insecurity that took me many years to overcome as I have since learned that my 'identity security' is in Christ, and I am seen by God as 'a beloved son' - My Mother on the other hand, though expressing love more often, had a rather impossible standard of behaviour and obsessive control over our lives. ( She has mellowed over the years, and I dearly love her!) This taught me that love was 'conditional' i.e. more earned than bestowed, and contingent on performance & conformance. Two images come to mind; one of the cruel headmaster, just waiting to catch you out with their 'list of rules' and administer a fitting punishment, or that of the ring master cracking their whip and demanding that the hapless animals jump through the appropriate hoops; obedience earns you a reward & praise, disobedience you get scolded, or worse ignored. I again have managed to overcome (to a measure) this mentality that communicates value based on performance, the 'rationing' of acceptance and controlling behaviors. I have an intrinsic value as a child of God. My performance does not affect this status, and I by faith, enjoy the liberating smile of God on my life. See with me that in these two primary relationships of life a powerful 'shaping' is taking place, and we can see this principle of influence at work. It was a cathartic moment in my life, when I realised, as an adult that my parents behaviours where influenced by others as well! i.e. They were just living out the shaping of others on them.

Translate this now over to the realm of Christian leadership and care of people, and you will begin to understand how critically important our leadership influence is. I encourage you to take some time, grab a journal and write some responses to the following questions: Perhaps buddy up with your spouse or another trusted leader to discuss together.

1. As a leader I am continually influencing others every day. It is both passive and active / do I consider this in every interaction with others?
2, Who were/are some of the significant 'shapers' in my life?
3. What were some of the negative mentalities or behaviors I have learned? ( & what do I need to avoid in my interactions with others?)
4. What were some of the positive mentalities or behaviours I have learned? ( & what do I need to adopt or continue in my interactions with others?)
5. What are some practical ways I can grow my leadership influence?

I hope that this triggers healthy reflection and positive change in you, as we all continue to grow together as powerful influences in this local church.
NEXT WEEK: the first P of influence = "Passion"

You are all awesome!
Ps Rhett