How You Can Learn to Love Those You Lead

Dr. Steve Greene, publisher and executive vice president of the Charisma Media Group and the head of the Charisma Podcast Network, has a lot to say about leadership. He has done it long and well and in such a variety of settings. From college to corporations and now at Charisma, he has had to lead and shape countless people, so his words carry much weight. They are brimming with wisdom given in such a down-to-earth way.

But he would probably brush all that praise off and say, “I’m simply trying to get people to Jesus and put their focus on Him.” He would say (I’m betting) like the apostle Paul, “[Only] imitate me as I imitate Christ” (1 Cor. 11:1, GW).

Christ’s love for others was and is not at the level of the Golden Rule, Dr. Greene says. That level is only “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Dr. Greene points out that the love of Jesus for others far exceeded that level in His earthly life. Jesus was treated poorly at so many turns and yet loved people with such excessive generosity, grace and forgiveness. He was attentive to people, ministering to the crowd, but still having time for “the one.” He didn’t protest that He was too important to take the time for individuals. When people were around Him, they were utterly changed for the good and healed.

If we’re going to be excellent leaders, we need to learn to love others—not pretend to do it, or offer superficial politeness and words, but genuinely love them with the attention and care of Jesus. True and lasting influence comes from being able to love your people well.

This is an impossible task without the fullness of the Holy Spirit dwelling in us. No one can muster up the deep, mentoring and attentive love needed to influence and shape a family, a team, a church or a company effectively without the Spirit of God empowering and enabling them. All good leadership begins with God encounter.

Dr. Greene’s book, Love Leads, is full of wisdom about leadership. It is a vital read for anyone who is trying to grow as a leader. Often, you will hear that projecting strength is the key. But who was ever stronger than the one who went to the cross? And yet Jesus placed love and servanthood, making people feel cherished and valued, at a high place. He helped people become responsible and accountable, yes, and we, as good leaders should do the same.

But, what makes people want to give their very best to the work they do? It is knowing they are loved and valued.

For more on lessons of loving leadership with Dr. Steve Greene, listen to this episode of Rooted by the Stream on the Charisma Podcast Network. {eoa}