I’ve read many insightful leadership books through the years — books such as The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, How to Win Friends & Influence People, Change Your Questions Change Your Life, Strengths Finder, and the clever Who Moved My Cheese?
I’ve also learned of all sorts of aptly titled leaders — The Anywhere Leader, The Connected Leader, The Servant Leader, The 60 Second Leader, and The Leader Who Had No Title. (Granted, we are well aware that at an early age we’re roped into playing “follow the leader” — and the “leader of the band is tired.”)
Yet with multiple persons desiring to be our leader, it dawns on me that perhaps the best insight into what makes a wise, effective leader comes from a single, historical verse… a poignant, powerful verse. It reads:
“So he shepherded them according to the integrity of his heart, and guided them with his skillful hands.”
To “shepherd” means to tend to — to guard, feed, and care. There is a component of rule there, but that rule comes only from a teacher of unquestionable virtue and wisdom. Also existent is a sense of delight, sincerely delighting in the people one is called to serve.
“Integrity” means completeness, fullness — in full measure. It’s an innocence marked by an integrity of mind; it’s a simplicity of mind, which is the opposite of mischief or ill-design. There is no evil purpose. There is only truth.
To “guide” shows the person’s position in relation to others — leading back and forth — often leading persons back if and when they migrate past wise limits. The leader must know the limits.
And “skillful hands” — implying the gentleness yet firmness that understanding and intelligence provide, so that the tending to, care, and leading is done in an effective, insightful way. It also implies intelligent words that each can comprehend.
As I look at this list, I wonder: are we taking this enough into account when we choose our nation’s leaders? Are we looking for someone who can shepherd? … can guide? … one who is marked by integrity and skillful hands?
Or… do we vote for someone for another reason?
… because they share (or don’t share) a certain ethnic, gender, or demographic identification?
… because they support a singular policy issue of which we’re passionate?
… or… because we want to elect the first of something? … African American, Hispanic American, woman, Mormon, etc., etc.?
Friends, I understand being attracted to candidates who share specific attributes and hold positions of which we are passionate. What I don’t understand is sacrificing the above wise criteria in order to feed those passions.
So I say again… “He shepherded them according to the integrity of his heart, and guided them with his skillful hands”… he cared for them and delighted in them in full measure… leading with unquestionable virtue — with both gentleness and firmness… effectively… wisely… intelligently… always in truth.
What a beautiful thing…
Respectfully…
AR