3 Ways to Becoming a Leader Worth Following

Leadership is not confined to a title or position. Whether you’re leading a team at work, guiding your family, or simply stepping up among your peers, leadership is a role we all find ourselves in at different times. But regardless of where we lead, it’s easy to fall into the trap of leading for the wrong reasons or with the wrong approach.

Recently, I revisited 1 Peter 5:2, a verse that my executive coach shared with me years ago about leading others. The verse hit me hard again, so I wanted to share it with you.

"Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock." - 1 Peter 5:2-3. (emphasis mine)

As my coach did for me, I want to break this verse down into three key areas of leadership that can help us align our motives and methods with a higher purpose.

1. Lead with the Right Heart

The heart of leadership is how you care for those you lead. Are you leading out of obligation, or are you genuinely excited about the opportunity to make a difference? The verse encourages us to lead not because we have to, but because we get to.

Think of the times when leadership felt like a burden—maybe it was a difficult conversation at work or a challenging moment at home. Shifting from a mindset of “I have to do this” to “I get to do this” can transform how we engage with our responsibilities. Leading with the right heart means embracing the privilege of guiding others and serving willingly, as God would have us do.

Mindset Shift: From “Have to” --> “Get to”

Self-Reflective Question:

• When was the last time you felt genuinely excited about leading? What contributed to that feeling, and how can you cultivate it more often?

2. Lead for the Right Reasons

Leadership isn't about what you can get out of it—it’s about what you can give. This principle challenges us to move beyond self-interest or external pressures like job expectations or social recognition. Instead, it’s about answering God’s call on our lives to lead.

One of my mentors once shared the idea of "dying empty." It means leaving everything on the field—your insights, your encouragement, your leadership lessons—because you can’t take them with you. Sharing what you have isn’t about seeking applause; it’s about helping others rise to a higher level. When we lead for the right reasons, we stop calculating what’s in it for us and start acting spontaneously, driven by a genuine desire to make others’ lives better.

Mindset Shift: From “What can I Get out of it” --> “What can I Give to it”

Self-Reflective Question:

• How are you currently making a positive impact on those around you? What’s one way you can “leave it all on the field” in your leadership this week? How can you shift to a mindset of giving freely?

3. Lead in the Right Way

Leading the right way means leading by example, not by command. It’s about showing the way rather than bossing people around. A true leader guides others by embodying the values and behaviors they wish to see.

There’s a famous quote often attributed to St. Francis of Assisi: “Preach the Gospel at all times, and if necessary, use words.” While we often apply this to our faith, it’s just as relevant in leadership. People watch what we do far more than they listen to what we say. Leading with integrity, kindness, and humility speaks louder than any directive we could give. By being examples to those we lead, we inspire them to follow not because they have to, but because they want to.

Mindset Shift: From “Telling them” --> “Showing them”

Self-Reflective Question:

• How can you better embody the qualities you want to see in those you lead? What specific actions can you take to be more of a role model?

Where Can You Improve Your Leadership?

Take a moment to reflect on your leadership. Are you leading with the right heart, for the right reasons, and in the right way? Whether at work, at home, or in your community, consider where you can make adjustments to align more closely with the principles in 1 Peter 5:2-3.

Leadership is a journey, and we all have room to grow. By focusing on these three areas, we can shepherd those around us with grace, purpose, and authenticity - thus making a lasting impact on the lives of others.

What's Next?!

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