Ways to Help You Become a Better Leader without a Title

Being a leader without a title is a position everyone should strive for in their life and yet many seek worldly appellations instead.

Have you ever wondered how your boss or even someone you work with, ever got his/her job?

I mean obviously, they don’t know what they are doing right? You feel slighted as you get passed over time and time again for that promotion you are wanting. Everyone knows that you know more, have more experience, etc. than the other person ever will. It just makes no business sense to give them the reigns and not you.

These lapses in judgement occur daily in the workforce, making an already difficult job that much harder.

If we look at the Biblical definitions of leadership, do you exemplify these qualities? Here are a few examples from scripture on how to be a better leader without a title.

 

Are you Humble? “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves” ~ Philippians 2:3

Do you provide good council? “Where there is no guidance the people fall, But in abundance of counselors there is victory.” ~ Proverbs 11:14

Show great competence and intelligence? “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.” ~ 2 Timothy 2:15

Be wary of your ambitions – “But it is not this way with you, but the one who is the greatest among you must become like the youngest and the leader like the servant.” ~ Luke 22:26

Perseverance pays off – “Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.” ~ Galatians 6:9

Are you leading by example? Perhaps the influence you have is different from that of the corporate structure. Many times in business it is the people who are controlling, manipulate others through fear that achieves higher status. Is this the title of leadership that you seek?

It is not always the one that carries the big stick that earns the respect of their followers.

Jesus set the example over two thousand years ago when he came down to serve and lead each of us to heaven. His pure and innocent sacrifice paved the path for each one of us. A road of selflessness and servant-minded leadership.

Does the title that is below your name on your email signature define who you are? Or does it simply define the role you happen to fill?

Recently I was told that I had no opportunities for advancement on the team I am currently on and that I would need to change teams or even companies if I wanted a new title. Calmly I replied, “titles don’t matter, everyone knows who leads this team.” (If I had a microphone, I would have dropped it as I walked out of the room.) My boss looked a little confused, then the light bulb went off, but I was already out the door.

I walked out head held high, knowing that the way I live now is not in search of an earthly title. I lead through my actions; everything else does not matter. The only titles that matter to me are husband, forgiven and His adopted son.

What about you? How do you lead in your family, career, and community without needing or wanting a title? Share below ways that you lead, so that others may learn how to be a better leader without titles as well.