My faith inspires my leadership every day. I’ve discovered many connections between spiritual principles and leadership principles. There is a wealth of wisdom about leading in business that we can glean from the Bible!
Here are 10 of my favorite biblical principles that apply to leadership and business:
1. Without a vision the people perish. Leaders must cast an inspiring future or people become disengaged and unproductive.
2. People reap what they sow. How we do our business, what we invest our time in, decisions that we make—whether directly or indirectly—will come back to us.
3. Do unto others as you would have them do to you. Leaders must treat others the way they want to be treated…which actually means…doing to others as THEY would have us do to them.
4. The greatest of all are servants. In order to be a great leader, you must demonstrate a heart of service. It can’t be all about you and what you want to achieve.
5. Swear to your own hurt and change not. Integrity and trust in leadership are paramount. Do what you say and walk your talk. Fulfill your commitments.
6. Give honor to whom honor is due. Leaders should never steal credit from others. Always be willing to affirm, acknowledge and celebrate others. Even if it means letting someone else get the credit instead of yourself.
7. Pleasant words are like honeycomb, sweet to the soul and health to the bones. Leaders must communicate with respect and in a way others can receive it if they want their team and organization to grow and thrive.
8. Poverty and shame will come to those who refuse instruction. Leaders must recognize they do not (and can not) have all the answers—they must be open and willing to receive feedback from others.
9. The ones who have friends must show themselves friendly. Leaders must be approachable, and willing to collaborate and engage with others.
10. Be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger. Leaders must be great listeners…not listening just to respond, but truly listening to understand. And they must operate with a high degree of emotional intelligence in order to be effective.
BONUS PRINCIPLE: Speak the truth in love. Leaders must be willing to give constructive feedback in a way that builds people up. That helps them see possibilities and opportunities for growth.