What is your number one asset as a business leader? Let me suggest that it’s YOU! The greatest impact you can have on your business is that which is first formed in you. Your overall leadership will never surpass your self-leadership.
The American Forefathers wanted to maximize the success of the country and limit the control of the government. They understood and wrote these words: Good Government is based on Self Government. When people are self-governing and living intentionally around universal principles, they have less need of checks or controls.
It’s the same for industry and business. To the extent your people practice self-leadership, they will be productive, proactive, and trustworthy. You can set the tone by letting them see how you go about your own progress and personal growth.
As a follower of Christ, where does self-government begin? Jesus tells us a lot about it in these verses from John 15 (NASB):
5 “I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing…. 7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples…. 10 If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love…. 11 These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.
How do we do it? Jesus gives us only two imperatives — abide in Him, and let His Word abide in us.
We abide in Christ (the vine) by not depending on ourselves, but by walking in the Spirit. My longtime friend and mentor, Bill Bright, taught me and millions of others how to walk in the Spirit by practicing spiritual breathing. Exhale — confess your sins to God and claim His absolute forgiveness. Inhale — invite the Holy Spirit to take control of your life again and yield to His authority and direction.
This skill alone has been a game-changer for me. I’ve realized that God simply wants to be a conduit through me to others.
His Word abides in us as we read it, study it, apply its truths, and share it with others. Like a fish is sustained in and by the ocean, lean into God’s Word and His perspective every day. With that basis of absolute truth and obedience to His Word, you then can trust the Holy Spirit to give you spiritual discernment and protection.
As you grow personally in front of your people, you can be confident that your leadership will succeed and God will be glorified.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr. Ron jenson
Dr. Ron Jenson is an internationally known author, speaker, and interviewer of hundreds of top leaders in the areas of leadership, life success, and influence. Dr. Jenson spent eight years as President of a group of International Graduate Schools of Theology associated with Cru (Campus Crusade).
Dr. Jenson is also Founder of High Ground, a not-for-profit organization focused on being a catalyst for personal leadership development worldwide.