Why i lead?

Out of all the letters written, this topic is one of the most profound topics to tackle. The question “Why I lead” should make you ponder about your own motivations for leading whether you are in an actual management position or a position of influence. I can guarantee you that you are either in a leadership or influential position in several areas of your life; husband, father, pillar of the family, business executive, entrepreneur, spiritual leader, model citizen just to name a few. Your “Why” is the most important part of your leadership.

I remember early on in my career, my motivation for leading was truly self-centered grounded in the fact that I wanted to make more money, have a position of prestige, align with my friends who were on the same track, have a feeling of self-worth, and maximize my education and exposure. The more I matured, and the more life opened its door the more I gravitated toward my purpose for leading. If I would have received this revelation earlier in life, I believe that I would have operated in my purpose earlier and made a more significant impact in the lives of others.

The transformation of "Why I lead" was a long discovery journey marked by what I thought were fulfilling accomplishments but never satisfying the hunger, reaching the next level but disappointed at the shallow sustenance, grinding the candle at both ends but never reaching the “I have arrived” flame!

It was not until I came to the realization of purposed leadership that I started to understand what life-giving, fulfilling, and value-added leadership would be. It was the impact and influence that my leadership would have on others that opened my head and heart to a leadership life greater than me. My purpose was to optimize the transformation of those I led or influenced over time. This was accomplished by thinking less of me and more about their development and exposure. I invited them into greater opportunities and challenged their thinking to strengthen their confidence and wisdom. Another priority was to teach and model executive presence while maintaining my character and integrity. The more I operated in the "giving" aspect of leadership and influence, the more blessed I became with spiritual, relational, and financial capital with my main motivation being to enrich the lives of others.

One of the most profound leaders that I have studied and continue to study is Joseph found in the first book of the Bible starting in Genesis Chapter 37 through Chapter 50. After Joseph matured in his life, there was such a pure, intentional, and integral leadership quality that he displayed throughout the highs and lows of his position. This story will transform the way you think about leadership.

The challenge we all have as leaders and influencers is our selfish desires versus our selfless devotion to seeing others thrive even beyond our level of leadership and influence. My challenge to you is to spend some heart and head time digging for YOUR leadership purpose in life.

Exercise Your Power this week

1. Read Genesis Chapters 37-50 and pick out the leadership qualities that you see in Joseph.

2. Write down three reasons for why you lead and challenged yourself with the reasons to be “service to others” oriented.

3. Determine how you can remind yourself to operate with a selflessness leadership posture instead of selfish one daily.