A HEART TO LEAD
Vince Lombardi is considered one of the greatest motivators in football history. As a famous coach, he knew that there were external factors and internal factors that motivate people and players. He often used positive and negative reinforcement with his team. He could be harsh and offensive and would sometimes get up in a player’s face, but he could also be compassionate and caring for the lives of his men. All in all, he knew deep down that the key to motivation was in a person’s heart.
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“I believe it is essential to understand that battles are won primarily in the hearts of men. Men respond to leadership in a most remarkable way. Once you have won their hearts, they will follow you anywhere.” (1) (emphasis added)
Leading well begins with the right motivations and having the right heart. When a leader’s heart and motives are in the right place, good things tend to happen. However, when a leader’s motives are suspect and his or her heart is in the wrong place, poor leadership emerges, people get hurt, and bad things are on the horizon.
If a friend or someone important asked you to take a leadership role, would you do it? It might depend on the person, the position, the pay, or the time commitment, but most of us would probably give it some serious consideration. What if God was the one inviting you to lead? Would you accept? If you are like me, you would probably have lots of questions before making a decision. Is God’s calling enough to motivate you to action? It was for a young shepherd named David.
CALLED TO LEAD
The Bible is full of good and bad leaders, corrupt kings and righteous servants, leaders with pure motives and ones with dark agendas. David was one of the good ones. Most of the time, David was an honorable leader and man after the heart of God.
David was called to lead at a young age, most likely as a teenager. He was not the oldest, fastest, or strongest, but he was chosen over his older brothers to be a leader. While he was tending the sheep God called him and had him anointed to become the future king of Israel. God saw potential in him and knew he had the right heart to eventually lead His people.
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Then Samuel asked, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse replied. “But he’s out in the fields watching the sheep and goats.” “Send for him at once,” Samuel said. “We will not sit down to eat until he arrives.” So Jesse sent for him. He was dark and handsome, with beautiful eyes. And the LORD said, “This is the one; anoint him.” So as David stood there among his brothers, Samuel took the flask of olive oil he had brought and anointed David with the oil. And the Spirit of the LORD came powerfully upon David from that day on…. (1 Sam.16:11-13, NLT)
Motivations for leading vary widely from personal gain to helping others. Usually, our motivations to lead follow our passions. How about you?
What motivates you to lead?
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Posted: June 2023 • Author: Larry Ely
Excerpt: “Chapter 2- Change in Motivation: Why Lead?” from Leadership and Faith: The Art of Leading Well.
© Larry Ely & Daniel Ely. All rights reserved.
[1] Vince Lombardi Jr, What It Takes to Be #1: Vince Lombardi on Leadership (New York, NY: McGraw-Hill, 2001), 132.
What motivates me to lead is a barbacoa bowl and guac!
Nice! Mexican food is always a good motivator. lol
What motivates me to lead is the potential life change that can happen in the lives of the people that I lead or the organizations in which I partner with where life change can happen!!!
Yes, making a difference for the Kingdom and transforming lives is a big part of why we lead.
I’m motivated to lead because I want to see people live out their God-given purpose which results in lives changed and together we make an impact on our world.
Great thoughts! Agreed- Changed lives is what leading well is all about.
Seeing people thrive in their God given ability is what motivates me to lead. Most people don’t reach their full potential without the urging of a leader so I hope to be that kind of leader for others!
Great point! Developing other leaders is essential and seeing them grow is a huge motivator. Yes, you are that kind of leader!
Seeing a need or a lack in a certain area is what motivates me to step up and lead.
Example: at church we were having technical difficulties with the slides, and since I have experience with propresenter, I stepped in to help fix the problem. Overall it created a better worship experience for all.
Nice example! Yes, seeing a need and meeting that need is a big part of leadership. Thanks for taking action!
I am motivated to lead by a lot of things. One is to demonstrate servanthood and good leadership to my family. Another would simply be God revealing a need to me. Lastly, my love for Jesus motivates me to lead.
Good thoughts! Yes, loving and leading our families well is a big motivator as well as our love for God. Well said.
I am most motivated to lead based on need like the GriefShare I’ve been involved with the last couple of years. GS impacted me so greatly and God kept drawing me back to share with others. I continue to be blessed by leading this group.
Yes, our leadership often follows a need we see and feel. Thanks for taking action to help those around you.
Leading people into obedience to the Lord in Spirit and Truth is life-changing. Becoming unified in heart in a group results in the manifestation of His glory; the fulfillment of His purpose individually and corporately! We experience Him! We get to be used by Him! We recognize He is alive among us!
Yes, helping people follow God and live their lives for Him is life-changing and a great motivator to lead well.
I’m a reluctant leader. I seldom seek out an opportunity to be in charge, but when I do perceive a need that no one else is filling, I will step up. No one wants to lead Bible Quizzing at church? I’ll do it. The Girl Scout leader abandoned the troop? I’ll take it. There’s an individual at church who needs meals following surgery/encouragement/etc..but no one is acknowledging them? I’m on it! (reposted)
Love it! We totally need people like you, strong servant-hearted leaders that rise to the occasion when others have not. Thanks for leading despite you reluctance.
Hi Larry, Looking forward to reading your book. (reposted)
Cool, thanks!
As an adult when I see a need and have a heart to meet that need I feel I must be equipped to meet that need. When the Lord presents an opportunity to lead in an area, He will equip me to meet that need as He did when He called me to begin the Homebound Ministry at our church. When I see something worthwhile and will help others, I am motivated into leadership to make something new happen. (reposted)
That’s so great! Thanks for trusting God to help you meet the needs of others and make a difference.
Helping others reach beyond what they think they’re capable of motivates me to lead. God often nudges us to go further than we think we’re able. Walking alongside someone willing to step out of the boat and trust Jesus with abandonment thrills me! (reposted)
Yeah, helping others grow and reach their potential as they put their trust in God is a great motivator.
In my professional career I was a selected to lead in many positions, however I was never motivated strictly to be a leader. My motivation was to serve and to help others reach their goals and grow.
Yes, helping others grow and reach their goals is a great motivator and very satisfying.