What is more important to you – position or significance?  Many young leaders want position and the perks that come with it. However, over time what becomes important is influence and significance. But how do you achieve it?
There was once a man named Matthew who had a very profitable, successful career. However, rather than simply having personal success he wanted to make a lasting impact in the lives of others. Another leader, Jesus, gave him the opportunity to fulfill that desire. Their experience is told in the Bible, the ninth chapter of Matthew, verses 9-13.
The following are the key learnings leaders can glean from that story which will allow them to equip those on their team to make a significant impact in this, their one and only life.
- Ambition – Ambition and greed are not necessarily synonymous terms. Healthy ambition wants to make a positive impact in the world and in the lives of others. Matthew was a tax collector who wanted to give up a life of extortion and greed to become generous and serve others. Leaders feed the ambitious desires of their team.
- Relationships – Matthew had many friends. As Jesus engaged him, they worked together to create an environment where relational connections could take place. Leaders create opportunities for community to happen.
- Influence – There were many types of people at this gathering – religious leaders, tax collectors, average people, probably neighbors, friends, and of course Jesus. Leaders who want to make a difference understand they need to have influence and break down all the barriers that separate people – economic, racial, age, etc…
- Positioning – Matthew was obviously a very popular, engaging person. He had many friends and liked to have people to his house. What are the talents, skills, passions, and giftedness of those on your team? Leaders, do you create environments and position your team based upon their individual, unique crafting?
- Support - People also arrived at Matthew’s house who wished to ruin the effectiveness of the evening.  Jesus intervened with a solution. Leaders, are you prepared and equipped to assist your team in overcoming the obstacles that arise as they carry out their tasks?
- Validation – I am using some imagination here but I would have loved to been in the room when the party was over and Matthew and Jesus were recapping the evening. I don’t know for sure but I would imagine Jesus validating Matthew’s creativity, heart for his friends, and desire to make a significant difference in the lives of others. Leaders, validation is the glue that ensures continued high performance.
Ambition. Relationships. Influence. Positioning. Support. Validation. Leaders, let’s learn from the relationship of Jesus and a man he led named Matthew. Give your team these six qualities and watch them thrive as they experience lives of significance.
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