Some of the differences between poor leadership and great leadership.
The Bible is a surprisingly rich source of leadership wisdom, and has been a significant source of inspiration to many of the most respected leadership gurus of our age, including John Maxwell, Ken Blanchard and Stephen Covey [1. which is not to say that everything these authors say is Biblical].
The table below illustrates some of the differences between poor leaders and effective leaders. It is loosely inspired by the contrast between the self-serving leadership of the Pharisees and the world-changing leadership of Jesus and his early followers.
The table below is loosely based on this contrast:
| The Poor Leader | The Great Leader |
| Needs to feel superior to others | Seeks growth through personal humility [1. Luke 2:52] |
| Derives status from good connections [1. Matthew 3:9] | Derives authority from good character [1. Matthew 7:29] |
| Is concerned with external appearances [1. Matthew 5:20] | Is concerned with internal realities [1. John 14:27] |
| Is fearful that their mistakes will be discovered [1. Matthew 5:20] | Is honest about their failings [1. James 5:15] |
| Avoids being seen with the wrong kind of people [1. Matthew 9:11] | Sees value in everyone [1. Mark 2:17] |
| Makes a show of self-denial [1. Matthew 9:14] | Enjoys life to the full [1. John 10:10] |
| Thinks they’re better than other people [1. Matthew 9:14] | Recognizes that we all share the same struggles [1. Hebrews 4:15] |
| Treats rules as more important than people [1. Matthew 12:2] | Treats people as more important than anything [1. John 3:16] |
| Lives by the rules [1. Matthew 12:9-16] | Lives by convictions |
| Imposes rules on others [1. Matthew 12:9-16] | Frees others from their limitations [1. Mark 10:52] |
| Is threatened by the success of others [1. Matthew 12:14] | Celebrates the success of others [1. Matthew 25:23] |
| Assumes the worst of people [1. Matthew 12:24] | Sees the best in people |
| Speaks ill of good people [1. Matthew 12:24] | Speaks well of others |
| Understands right behaviour is defined by tradition [1. Matthew 15:1-9] | Understands right behaviour is what benefits people |
| Resists change [1. Matthew 15:1-9] | Embraces beneficial change [1. Matthew 5:17] |
| Neglects family [1. Matthew 15:1-9] | Takes care of family [1. 1 Timothy 3:4] |
| Focuses on resources [1. Matthew 15:12-14] | Focuses on production |
| Is easily offended [1. Matthew 15:12-14] | Is not daunted by the opinion of others |
| Is unaware of their ignorance [1. Matthew 15:12-14] | Knows that they have a lot to learn |
| Has a damaging influence [1. Matthew 16:6-12] | Has a healing influence [1. Matthew 8:1-4] |
| Wants people to be just like them [1. Matthew 16:6-12] | Helps others to make the best of their potential |
| Asks questions to catch people out [1. Matthew 19:3] | Asks questions to help people think for themselves |
| Is quick to point the finger [1. Matthew 15:8] | Encourages despite their failings [1. John 3:17] |
| Lives a life based on rules [1. Matthew 15:8] | Lives a life based on healthy relationships |
| Is fearful of emotions – their own and those of others [1. Matthew 21:15-16] | Lives a life of passion [1. John 11:35] |
| Talks a good talk [1. Matthew 23:3-5] | Walks a good walk |
| Makes it hard for others to be successful [1. Matthew 23:3-5] | Encourages success in others |
| Seeks high positions [1. Matthew 23:3-5] | Seeks to influence others to their benefit |
| Is keen to impress [1. Matthew 23:3-5] | Is keen to make a difference |
| Seeks status [1. Matthew 23:3-5] | Looks for ways to serve [1. Matthew 20:28] |
| Knows-it-alls [1. Matthew 23:3-5] | Is too busy living to show off |
| Defines a standard [1. Matthew 23:3-5] | Sets an example [1. 1 Corinthians 11:1] |
| Teaches a pipe-dream [1. Matthew 23:3-5] | Shares an experience |
| Points the way [1. Matthew 23:3-5] | Demonstrates the way [1. John 14:6] |
| Watches people get weary and sick and tired [1. Matthew 23:3-5] | Helps people to recharge their batteries [1. Matthew 11:29] |
| Keeps up appearances [1. Matthew 23:3-5] | Isn’t out to impress [1. Mark 18:18] |
| Is a consumer [1. Matthew 23:3-5] | Is a producer |
| Builds their importance on the productivity of others [1. Matthew 23:3-5] | Sees the importance of helping others to build productive lives |
| Seeks status [1. Matthew 23:6-7] | Values the contribution of others |
| Enjoys positions of honor [1. Matthew 23:6-7] | Sees others as fellow travelers |
| Like titles [1. Matthew 23:6-7] | Eschews titles |
| Want public recognition [1. Matthew 23:6-7] | Gives honor to others |
| Is self-important [1. Matthew 23:6-7] | Is humble |
| Is ineffective [1. Matthew 23:13-15] | Is effective |
| Reduces the effectiveness of others [1. Matthew 23:13-15] | Promotes effectiveness in others |
| Wears a mask of respectability [1. Matthew 23:13-15] | Is authentic [1. John 1:14] |
| Acts a part [1. Matthew 23:13-15] | Is genuine |
| Insists that people emulate their way of life [1. Matthew 23:15] | Encourages others to be the best that they can be |
| Applies rules selectively, but is unaware of their own inconsistencies [1. Matthew 23:15] | Applies principles consistently |
| Insists on the letter of the law [1. Matthew 23:23] | Allows for people’s mistakes |
| Quibbles over minor matters [1. Matthew 23:23] | Focuses on the bigger issues |
| Nit-picks the presentation [1. Matthew 23:23] | Majors on the meaning |
| Is hard on self and others [1. Matthew 23:23] | Is kind to self and others |
| Focus on appearances [1. Matthew 23:25-27] | Focuses on character [1. Galatians 5:22-23] |
| Desires more for self [1. Matthew 23:25-27] | Wants more for everyone |
| Has a scarcity mentality [1. Matthew 23:25-27] | Has an abundance mentality [1. Psalm 50:10] |
| Pays lip-service to heroes [1. Matthew 23:29] | Seeks to emulate heroes |
| Is quick to say what they would have done better [1. Matthew 23:29] | Is keen to demonstrate a better way |
| Sucks the life out of others [1. Matthew 23:33] | Gives life to others |
| Dismisses visionaries [1. Matthew 23:34] | Is a visionary |
| Rejects innovation [1. Matthew 23:34] | Stimulates innovation |
| Refuses to learn [1. Matthew 23:34] | Is a life-long learner [1. Heb rews 5:8] |
Acknowledgements
- Image from a painting by Gustave Doré [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons.
