Wise servant-leaders required for Jamaica

Leadership is a gift given by God to effectively facilitate structure and order in all areas of life, for the benefit of all involved. Leaders must, therefore, possess strong administrative skills. They must also be diligent, teachable and a strong team player.

A servant-leader, in addition to the abovementioned requirements, is also one who is accountable to God and serves the people. Matthew 20:20-28 outlines some of the characters of a servant leader: They will serve with the people's agenda ahead of their own. Such a leader must be motivated by the needs of the people and their number one priority would then be to please God, who will then please the people.

Greatness must always be measured in terms of service. Greatness in the secular is defined by the highest position held by an individual. However, God sees greatness according to sacrificial service. Jesus demoted Himself in order to serve the people He created, in order to reconcile them.

The true measure of success is not how you rule, but how you serve. A servant-leader must also give sacrificial devotion to the interests of others - putting others before themselves.

There are many leaders in all sectors of the nation who vie for top positions, oftentimes regardless of the cost, but they don't want to pay the price which undoubtedly includes great sacrifices - personally and financially, and overcoming undermining and disloyalty.

You cannot be a servant-leader unless you are willing to serve.

We are in an era where very few want to serve - all want to lead. This slows production and wastes time. Further to that, it increases expenses all-round, delays visions, goals and objectives, and opens the door for scheming, undermining and disunity.

What Servant-LeadersNeed To Do

Walk in humility.

Be compassionate, particularly concerning the poor.

Manage from a practical standpoint not just from a printed report. Such leaders must be 'on the floor' knowing what is taking place regarding the people they lead - getting their views and ideas for improvement to the organisation or nation.

Let the people know that they are a part of the building process, and that both leaders and people are partners who must work together for the benefit of everyone.

Find out the greatest need of the people. For example, the construction of more homes, schools and hospitals, funding for education and health, assistance for family members.

Staying close to the ground can yield rich dividends. By staying close to the ground, you will:

Know if the instructions given from the top were passed to those below effectively.

Know what is happening that you did not approve.

Know who is your greatest opposition and those who are not in support of the vision of the organisation, nation, your leadership style or your elevation.

Keep an eye on all those who criticise other leaders and even your competitors, and know how to proceed.

Keep an eye on those who want to get close to your staff and ex-staff, ex-wife, and so on. (I Kings 2:13-25)

Always watch those who promise justice and promotion to those below you. (II Samuel 15). Further to this, you must trust and walk in God's ways, seek wisdom from above. (I Kings 2:1-4; I Kings 3).

Always respect the advice of more experienced men, and honour the chain of command. (Exodus 18:14-26; Daniel 2:14-16)

Always take time to look at the burdens of others. (Exodus 2:11)

A leader must always be aware that when adversaries come against you, God is trying to get your attention. (I Kings 11)

Always have a prayer support group to pray for you. (Daniel 2:11-19) Be careful of whom you tell private things.

Remember that every good seed that you sow will come back to you.

Remember, also, it is not about fame, power, nor building one's reputation, it's about gaining the trust of the people. Once God is pleased with a leader at any level, they have nothing to worry about.

Steve Lyston is a biblical economics consultant and author of several books, including 'End Time Finance' and 'The New Millionaire'.