Leadership is quintessential and it is evident that it is the cornerstone of any successful organization regardless of its size, industry, or mission. It is the force that propels teams forward, fosters innovation, and guides individuals towards achieving common goals. To achieve this, we must consider the readiness of those we lead and adjust accordingly. However, without effective leadership, an organization is like a ship adrift without a captain- with no direction, struggling to navigate the turbulent waters of competition and change.
Exodus 13:17 emphasizes the significance of deliberate leadership. We can see that God, in His infinite wisdom, did not guide the Israelites through Philistine borders, despite the fact that it was the shorter path to the Promised Land. Why? Because He knew the people were unprepared for the war that was ahead of them. God saw the importance of leadership guidance and purpose.
However, purposeful leadership involves not only guidance but also dependency. Exodus 13:18 shows that the Israelites relied on God's guidance and provision as they made their way to the Promised Land. As leaders, we must understand our own reliance on God and seek His wisdom and guidance in making decisions. We are unable to depend on our own power and understanding alone. By admitting our dependence on God for guidance, we can lead with humility and wisdom, knowing that our decisions are ultimately in His hands.
Leading with intention also means being present for the people we lead. We see the Lord's presence with the Israelites at every stage of their journey in Exodus 13:21. He led them with a cloud pillar during the day and a fire pillar at night. Being consciously present entails creating an environment in which people feel encouraged, respected, and capable of contributing their best efforts. It entails carefully listening to their concerns, offering direction when necessary, and praising their accomplishments. We can develop a culture of trust and collaboration by being present, allowing our team to grow.
A clear sense of direction, faith in God's guidance, and a purposeful presence for those we lead are all required for purposeful leadership. We can make a difference and lead with purpose when all of these factors come together. Let us aspire to be servant leaders, who lead not for the sake of leading, but with a genuine desire to improve the lives of those we lead. Only then will we be able to achieve the goal of our leadership journey.
