Positive Leadership Equals Positive Influence
“Positive leaders create an environment of trust and authenticity where people can thrive and grow.” — John C. Maxwell
I came across something from earlier this week describing the misconception of “positive leadership.” In short, there is a huge misconception — stemming primarily from those who are more pessimistic in life, that being positive or displaying positivity you are believed to be clueless, out of touch, or delusional. I know this is true as I’ll never forget one of my own church “leaders” (intentional quotes) accuse another LEADER (actual leader) as being all three of those things. Trust me, it said more about the “leader” than it did the actual LEADER.
Leading from a positive of positivity doesn’t not mean you ignore real problems or that you lead with your head in the sand. Rather, it simply means you refuse to lead from a “doom and gloom” perspective and that you seek to create an environment that is more life-giving as you seek answers to various problems or challenges. Pessimistic people are draining. They suck the life out of everything and while the church or ministry you lead may be facing challenges, being an Eeyore only compounds upon the challenges. Don’t be that guy! Nobody enjoys working with an Eeyore!
John Maxwell is notorious for his ability to lead and empower others. It all started with his simple definition of leadership which says, “leadership is influence.” I believe Maxwell is spot on. Positivity or optimism breeds more optimism. Sadly, the opposite is true as well. Pessimism breeds more pessimism. If you pay attention, pessimistic “leaders” seem to surround themselves, attract, and recruit other pessimists. Thankful the opposite of that is true as well, positive leaders surround themselves, attract, and recruit other positive leaders!
It’s crucial as Church Pastors and Ministry Leaders that we cultivate an atmosphere of positive leadership. We live is such a cynical society as it, let’s do everything we can to turn that tide and it begins with LEADERSHIP! Here are 9 reasons why positive leadership matters (no particular order)…
Role Model for Others. Positive leadership sets an example for others to follow. In the church and ministry setting, it inspires people to live a life on purpose of the Lord. The Apostle Paul encouraged young Timothy to set the example in his speech, conduct, love, faith and purity. — 1 Timothy 4:12
Maximum Influence and Impact. Your leadership style has a profound effect on others and could very much be the influence they need to lead them to a closer relationship with God. Jesus said, “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” — Matthew 5:16
Promotes Unity and Harmony. Never in my years of ministry have I ever experienced a pessimist long for unity and harmony in the church. Their business is typically to sow discord and divide. However, a positive leadership style is attractive and promotes a spirit of harmony that signifies the eagerness to “maintain unity of the spirit in the bond of peace.” — Ephesians 4:3
Prioritizes Servant-Leadership. Pessimism is almost 100% all the time self-serving opposite of the leadership style of Jesus who “came not to be served, but to serve…” — Mark 10:45.
An Avenue of Encouragement. A positive leadership style paves the way to be a more influential support and encouragement to others. It lends greater credibility to the leader as they seek to uplift those going through the fire. (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
Impactful Vision and Direction. A positive leadership style helps lead people in the same direction to live out the vision and mission of the church and or ministry. It guides others toward accomplishing the needed tasks to stay on mission thus creating purpose in which they find fulfillment.
Empowers Others. As pastors and church leaders, it is our mission to “to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:12). A positive leadership style and influence on others ONLY serves to better equip others for the work of the ministry and building up of the body of Christ.
Humility and Teachability. This is something I learned from my dear friend Tommy — a humble servant of the Lord always seeking to learn from others. Positive leaders are humble leaders recognizing their place before the Lord and recognize they are never done learning. It’s contagious by the way.
Fosters Spiritual Growth. Positive leadership always seeks to nurture the spiritual growth in others. Those kinds of leaders are not only concerning for their needs, but also the needs or spiritual well-being of others. They do not puff up their “maturity,” but rather they seek to help cultivate the spiritual maturity in others — building up their faith and leading them to a closer relationship with the Lord. — Philippians 2:1-10
I suppose some of these run together, but may we seek to be life-giving positive influencers in the lives of others. Positive Leader, keep leading. Don’t get trapped up in negativity. In fact, do what you can to love the pessimist and be a positive influence, but don’t stoop to their level. It’s nothing but misery. Stand firm. You’re doing a great job! Keep influencing and impacting people for Christ and His Kingdom! YOU ARE LOVED!
To God Be The Glory,
PastorPusch
“Positive leaders empower others to lead from their strengths and inspire them to reach their full potential.” — Craig Groeschel
“Leadership is not about being popular, but about making a positive and lasting impact on the lives of others.” — John Piper
“A positive leader listens with empathy, speaks with wisdom, and acts with grace.” — Charles Stanley
