NOVEMBER 11 • DAILY THOUGHT…
A True Leader: More Than Just Authority
“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.” ~Proverbs 11:2
We often think of leaders as the ones in charge, the ones with the big title, the ones who make the big decisions. And yes, authority is part of it. But true leadership, the kind that builds strong teams, fosters loyalty, and achieves lasting success, runs much deeper. It’s about the heart of the leader, the way they see and treat the people they lead. Proverbs 11 offers profound wisdom on this, reminding us that genuine leadership is built on humility, care, and deep awareness, not on dominance or self-interest.
What are the pitfalls of prideful dominance? Proverbs 11:2: “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.” is a stark warning. Leaders who operate from a place of overwhelming pride and dominance – what I call “High Dominant” leaders – often create an environment where wisdom struggles to survive. Their arrogance can lead to a significant blind spot, preventing them from seeing the real issues. People feel disrespected and undervalued, leading to high attrition rates. Customers aren’t nurtured because the focus is on the leader’s ego, not their needs. And frankly, the finances often suffer because crucial insights from the team are ignored, and responsible stewardship falls by the wayside. As leadership guru John Maxwell often emphasizes, true influence comes from character, not position. A leader blinded by pride is operating on a faulty foundation, ultimately leading their organization towards a fall.
Humility is your greatest asset. On the flip side, Proverbs 11:17 offers a beautiful contrast: “Whoever is kind benefits himself, and the cruel person harms himself.” This verse speaks volumes about the power of humility and kindness. Humble leaders don’t just benefit those they lead; they also benefit themselves immeasurably. When a leader is kind, supportive, and genuinely cares for their people, they foster an environment where everyone thrives. Simon Sinek, in his work on leadership, talks about how leaders create safe, trusting environments. This isn’t just about being nice, it’s about creating a space where people feel valued, supported, and empowered to do their best work. Humble leaders understand that their success is intertwined with the success of their team. They don’t hoard knowledge or good practices; they share them, lift others up, and in doing so, elevate themselves.
Your Generosity Cultivates Growth, Withholding Leads to Loss. Proverbs 11:24-25 addresses a critical aspect of leadership: generosity. “One gives freely, yet gains all the more; another withholds what is due him, yet comes to poverty. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.” This is powerful. Leaders who are generous with their resources, their encouragement, their time, and their trust find that their people are more engaged, more productive, and more loyal. They “gain all the more” because they invest in their people, and those people, in turn, invest back into the company. Conversely, leaders who are greedy, who withhold praise, opportunities, or even basic support, will only see their people leave. They might hoard resources in the short term, but in the long run, they create a culture of scarcity and discontent, ultimately leading to a loss of both people and profit. Tim Keller often speaks about the deceptive nature of accumulating wealth and power apart from generosity, reminding us that true abundance is found in giving – and not just financially, but your time, your help, your training others how to lead, your love, your kindness, etc. When I started one of my companies 35 years ago, one of the main tenets we put into place was paying our people 10% more than the going rate – that ensured at least two things; they didn’t worry about finances and they didn’t look for another place of work because of pay. Our attrition was extremely low When you take care of your people, truly loving them and investing in their well-being, they will reciprocate with commitment and productivity. High attrition rates are often a direct symptom of leadership that fails to nurture its people.
The blindness of arrogance comes from low self-awareness. Proverbs 11:29, hits hard on self-awareness: “Whoever troubles his own household will inherit the wind, and the fool will be servant to the wise.” The “fool” here often represents someone with a lack of self-awareness, especially those in positions of authority who unknowingly create chaos. These “High Dominant” leaders can cause immense disruption without even realizing it. They might be micromanaging, creating unclear expectations, or fostering a negative atmosphere, all while thinking they’re being effective. This lack of awareness is a leadership killer, leading to inefficiency, conflict, and ultimately, the departure of talented individuals. As Simon Sinek notes, great leaders are often lifelong learners, constantly seeking feedback and self-improvement. This requires humility – the very quality that allows for awareness.
The Hallmark of True Leadership: Humility and Resolve. So, what does this all boil down to? Humility is not weakness; it is the bedrock of true leadership. It’s the willingness to admit we don’t have all the answers, to listen, to learn, and to prioritize the well-being of our people. Coupled with this is huge resolve – the unwavering commitment to do what is right, to stand by our principles even when it’s difficult. Leadership, at its core, is always about people. It’s about understanding their needs, earning their trust, and fostering an environment where they can flourish.
Moving to Level 2: Permission Leadership
This brings us to a crucial paradigm shift: moving from mere authority to “Permission Leadership.” You can have a title, you can have a position, but until you earn the buy-in and trust of the people you lead, you aren’t truly leading them. They need to give you permission, implicitly or explicitly, to guide them. This permission is granted not through power plays or demands, or even being the owner or CEO, but through demonstrating consistent care, integrity, humility, and a genuine commitment to their well-being. When your people trust you, when they feel genuinely cared for and invested in, they will buy into your vision, your company, and your leadership.
So what can you do immediately and specifically to lead your people well?
1. Self-Awareness Audit: Carve out 30 minutes this week for honest reflection. Ask yourself:
a. What are my current blind spots? What feedback have I received that I’ve dismissed?
b. How do my decisions impact my team’s morale and well-being?
c. Am I truly listening, or just waiting to speak?
d. Consider asking a trusted colleague or team member for honest, constructive feedback (and be prepared to receive it gracefully).
[Want even more feedback? Email me for my Feedback Questionnaire]
2. Intentional Acts of Care: Commit to at least two specific acts of care for your team this week. This isn’t about grand gestures, but simple, consistent actions:
a. Publicly acknowledge someone’s good work.
b. Offer genuine encouragement or support to someone struggling.
c. Take time for a one-on-one conversation to ask, “How are you doing, really?” and truly listen to the answer.
3. Practice Generosity:
a. Identify something you tend to withhold (praise, opportunity, information) and intentionally share it generously this week.
b. Look for ways to “water” others – offer support, resources, or guidance without expecting immediate personal gain.
4. Develop Resolve to Do Right:
a. Identify one area where you’ve been tempted to compromise your principles for expediency. Recommit to doing the right thing in that area, even if it’s harder.
b. Be transparent about your decisions and the “why” behind them, demonstrating integrity.
Leading people well is a journey, not a destination. It requires constant awareness, deep reflection, and intentionality. By focusing on humility, genuine care, and earning the permission of those we lead, we can build teams that not only perform well but also thrive, reflecting the timeless wisdom found in Proverbs.
Now. You want something really, really hard? Apply all this to your family, too (😮).
Walk with the King today! Much love and blessings…
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