Leaders Need Leadership Too

In today’s fast-paced world, effective leadership is more crucial than ever. Discipleship serves as a vital framework for developing effective leaders who can navigate the complexities of the current terrain. Leadership is not merely about holding a title or exercising authority; it is an ongoing journey of growth, development, and influence. At the heart of this journey lies the concept of discipleship—a transformative relationship that can significantly enhance a leader's ability to inspire, guide, and empower others.

Discipleship traditionally refers to the process of teaching individuals in a specific faith or philosophy. However, its principles extend well beyond religious contexts and philosophical discussions. Discipleship can be viewed as a reciprocal relationship where experienced leaders walk through a leadership journey with emerging leaders, fostering personal bonds and professional growth.

It is not hard to find books published on leadership, but less focus on discipleship.  There are scholars and experts who teach on leadership for organizations, governments, and corporate entities. Access to coaches and mentors abound and they may provide knowledge and techniques; however, leadership must be demonstrated.  It is a lived experience that is most effectively seen in the parameters of relationship. Integrating discipleship into leadership development is a powerful synergy because it incorporates:

1.        A more personalized approach to learning - allowing leaders to develop skills that are relevant to their unique challenges.

2.        Discipleship relationships - organizations can create mentorship networks that promote knowledge sharing and collaboration among leaders at various levels.

3.        Holistic development of individuals - addressing not only professional skills but also emotional intelligence, ethical decision-making, and interpersonal dynamics.

4.        A mindset of continuous improvement - where leaders are always seeking to learn from one another, thus ensuring sustained growth for both individuals and the organization.

People lead how they live; no one can lead well if they are not living to grow the people they lead. This leadership perspective is more than coaching and mentoring; it is accountability and commitment fostered through relationship. It is making an investment over time instead of a deposit in the moment.  It is demonstrating value, identifying potential talent, and a willingness to divest for others’ benefit. It is literally walking the path through difficult times, having shared experiences, and creating connection with future leaders. 

If you take this journey of discipleship, people may notice your flaws, and I presume that is the reason discipleship is less desirable than coaching and mentoring, but it is more rewarding. A longtime friend recently shared their observations about my life, stating I possessed the ministry of presence. I asked what he meant, and he said I had a way of simply being there without trying to fix things I could not control. It was the first time I heard our relationship described that way, but I understood his sentiment.  My friend just suffered a loss, and in his grief, he needed people who could walk with him by “being there” to let him know he was not alone in the journey.  My friends, being there is the way of discipleship…the mature leading the next generation through our active presence.

I have lived around the country and found few safe places where discipleship is put into action.  One of the places I enjoy seeing it on display is at Tampa Krav Maga Martial Arts Blackbelt Leadership Academy. How I pray children throughout the nation could experience this type of leadership model, connection, and discipleship early in life. It is a privilege to see a seven-time world kickboxing champion, Jeff Smith, engage in the lives and professional growth of the leaders within the organization, and last week’s promotion event was no different.  I am most impressed with the exchange of mutual submission, humility, and honor between Grandmaster Smith and his protégé Grandmaster Stephen Del Castillo. Both men are accomplished in their own right and experiences, yet there remains a gracious attitude of respect, deference, and confidence as individual leaders that extends to the students in their academies. I see children, my son included, growing into aspiring leaders, protectors, and scholars.  In a world of self -gratification, it is a treat to see leaders teaching and practicing the art of genuine discipleship with the wisdom to back it up. As I watched one master bowing to another master with honor, it reminded me how much current and future leaders need leadership too!