8 Ways Christians Make Good Leaders

What does being a ‘Christian Leader’ really mean? Does it mean that your values and honor are above reproach? Or maybe you just take the caring route to leadership and therefore that makes you soft.

Being a Christian in a leadership role comes with its own sets often challenges that many might never realize. Here is why being a Christian in the workplace can be so difficult. We will be forced into uncomfortable situations that will challenge our own morals and values. The water cooler conversations will go silent when you walk in the room, the level of discomfort and awkwardness can be painful.

Depending on how transparent you are with your faith, co-workers will avoid you like the plague, not because they don’t like you, they just don’t want to associate with the Christian. Unless you work for Chik-fil-a, a Christian bookstore, Hobby Lobby or another known Christian company your cross will become heavy to carry to work everyday.

Here are some ways that everyone will know you are a Christian Leader in the workplace

1. Recognizes and applauds the values of others – Many leaders will commend a job well done or great teamwork. A Christian will not only give credit where it is due, they will also invest in building the person up. They will publicly acknowledge the sacrifices of others and honestly give the accolades deserved to the individual or team.
2. Has above average character – whether work is busy or slow the leader remains to the job. They believe in honesty and integrity and expect the same from their team. They will be the one that is always busy improving their skills during the slow times, and working the long hours when needed.
3. Uses the power of influence for good – They will speak softly and carry as big stick, they stay away from using their position for intimidation. They will look out for ways that they can help others by people they may know. They will network with others to benefit others not solely for their own gain.
4. Genuinely want others to succeed – The leader will look for ways that they can help the success of others. They will look for ways that others can improve their co-workers opportunities and success. Whether through training or sharing of tasks they will give of themselves to provide the advancement of others.
5. Is a visionary – always looking for ways to improve not only the business but the workplace as a whole. They focus on ways to make the environment more pleasant for their team. This could include simple tasks like motivational posters, weekly or monthly appreciation meetings, emails of acknowledgment of jobs well done.
6. Approachable and accessible to others – They have an open door policy that enables communication with their team. Unlike many leaders that would prefer to hide in their office behind closed doors, they would rather be out among the team. They take a genuine interest in the way the team is doing, including measuring moral as well as caring for their team’s welfare.
7. Serves Others – Leaders that have a service heart will always look for the good of others. They will find ways to help others and provide genuine support. They serve others through love and would rather see others succeed even at the cost of their own success. Their serving others is of clear conscience being that they live a life second others and of a servant heart.
8. Charitable of Heart – The leader will give of his time, treasure and talent to better serve his team. Whether it is in time of emotional need of an employee. Perhaps it is a fundraiser that is in support of a family or cause or need. The leader will become the champion of the giving and exemplify the example for others to follow.

Whenever a Christian Leader shows his true heart in the workplace this can create division among some. Some people will ridicule the leader for his faith and in turn can challenge their walk.

There will be instances at work where topics like pornography, adultery and dishonesty. They  will be discussed openly among team members and in turn make the leader uncomfortable. “We may even become the brunt of insensitive jokes and hurtful, sarcastic remarks made behind our backs” and in turn rely on our faith to continue to lead.

In Matthew, chapter five, Jesus commands us to make our faith evident to everyone around us. “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven (NIV).”

This can be quite a challenge as a leader, then again no one ever said that the path as a Christian Leader was guaranteed easy, or everyone would do it.

Now it is your turn:  What other traits do you think make a Christian Leader stand out in the workplace?