5 Ways to Fight the Fatigue of Leadership

5 Ways to Fight the Fatigue of Leadership

A while ago, I led a workshop on leadership, during which each person crafted their own working definition of spiritual leadership. The depth and thoughtfulness of their work was impressive.

If you were given a similar assignment, what would you say? How would capture the core elements of spiritual leadership in a short statement?

Here’s my take…
Spiritual leadership ultimately is a sacred stewardship whereby I guide, influence, serve, and inspire others to fulfill God’s purposes based on the active work of God in my own life.

Spiritual leadership ultimately is a sacred stewardship whereby I guide, influence, serve, and inspire others to fulfill God’s purposes based on the active work of God in my own life.

While there is a truckload of concepts packaged snuggly into that single sentence, I want to shine the spotlight on the final few words: “based on the active work of God in my own life.”

In direct contrast to everyday leadership where the leader is the SOURCE of direction and inspiration, spiritual leadership is about the leader being a CONDUIT of direction and inspiration. Big difference.

Spiritual leaders understand that ultimately, they are pipelines. They realize that true spiritual leadership rises up from a life in concert with the Divine Leader. This is the essence and distinction of spiritual leadership. As such, the call is for the leader to be in constant communication with God.

Spiritual leaders understand that ultimately, they are pipelines.

You don’t have to look far to catch a glimpse of what constant communication looks like. Just show up on Friday night at your local high school football game. The coach is in constant communication with the quarterback by flashing signals from the sidelines or shuffling in new players with the next play. The quarterback is never in doubt about what play the coach wants him to run.

What are some ways to make sure that we are in constant communication with God so that He is ACTIVE in our lives and leadership? Let me offer five thoughts for your consideration.

1. Design a daily rhythm of throttling back the RPMs and quieting yourself before the Lord so that you can hear His voice above the noise and distraction of everyday life.
2. Check in with the Lord early in the morning about the upcoming day’s appointment calendar asking Him to help you be attentive to His leading and wisdom in each situation, and to stay alert to any audibles He may wish to call.
3. Resist the temptation to ride the wave of yesterday’s communion with the Lord. Seek out His fresh supply of wisdom, insight, and guidance every single day.
4. Cultivate a holy curiosity by looking for God in the moments when normally you would be least likely to think He would ‘show up’.
5. Reflect throughout the day on Scriptures you are memorizing that speak to the issues, needs, or challenges that are presently pressing in on you. 

When it is all said and done, remember to rehearse repeatedly the reality that if you posture yourself as the SOURCE, you will ultimately (and quickly) wear yourself out; but as you serve as the CONDUIT, you become a channel of life-giving direction and inspiration for those who look to you for leadership.

Chuck Olson
Founder | Lead With Your Life

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