Clay in the Hands

This week we have been focusing on the topic of leadership.  I thought I would finish the week with something for you to think about for the next few days.  In his book, Good to Great and in other works such as Level Five Leadership, Jim Collins talks about his research into what makes a good leader.  He defines the qualities of a leader in terms of levels.  Level five is the top level.  The primary characteristics he outlines of a level five leader have to do with seemingly contradictory character traits.

The traits he focuses on the most are humility and intensity.  He points out that the strongest leaders he has found possess the unique combination of a sincere humility coupled with an insatiable intensity to succeed in their mission.  As I think about that I can really only think of one leader who truly embodies this combination.

John Maxwell, another leadership guru, was asked years ago where he gets his information for his leadership training.  He smiled and answered, “The Bible.”  Isn’t it amazing that the Bible and ultimately the life of Jesus, has more to teach us about leadership than all the books written since!

Jesus was completely humble in his approach and character.  He never tried to lead from ego or position.  But at the same time, his intensity toward the success of his mission was unstoppable – he lived and breathed his mission.  And look at the results.  A poor, working class man born in a cave among animals into a socially questionable situation; in a small, relatively insignificant country the size of a small state; over 2000 years ago; began a movement that has affected the entire world.  He was not the leader of a world power.  He was a carpenter on a mission.  He grew a small following, who in turn grew a small following and so on – to the point that the entire world was touched.

Now that is leadership!