Question 1:  Are sheep without a shepherd still sheep?  Answer:  Yes.

Question 2:  Is a shepherd without sheep still a shepherd? Answer: No.

A shepherd without sheep is just a hygienically challenged man walking the countryside with a stick in his hands.

Leaders:  It is the people that make you a leader not the title!

Early in my career, I was struggling as a young sales leader and was looking for answers.  My team liked me and I liked my team.  But, our results were bad.

I was their leader in title, but few were following.  I was that guy in the hills…except for my almost OCD like need to shower.

One Sunday as our pastor went through a sermon series on leadership, I had a revelation.  I’d been reading all these leadership books by John Maxwell and Ken Blanchard, but all the answers I needed could be found in one book!  The Bible.

Before anyone floats away to a less faith heavy blog, read on.  I am not going to use this blog to preach on the power of God’s word.  If you want to talk about that, email me at dave@alslead.com.  I would be happy to talk to you real voice.

I share the story about that Sunday morning as background for my thoughts on how Leaders of Character and shepherds are synonymous.  The details are worth looking up, but that is up to you. (John 10)

5 Lessons Leaders Should Learn From Good Shepherds

1.  Good Shepherds Go In Front of Their Flock

In business this means a Leader of Character leads by example.  As a Leader of Character, I must be willing and actively model what I expect others to do.  Too often leaders say they lead from the front, but no one actually sees them modeling the behaviors they expect.

To have followers, I must not just tell people where to go, I must lead by modeling so my sheep know the path.

2.  Good Shepherds Know Each of Their Sheep

Too many of us have been led by people who don’t even know our names when we shake their hands. Leaders of Character know details about the people they lead.  One key element is knowing the personality style of each person they lead and how to best communicate with them.

When someone knows that they are known by me, they follow because they believe that I care about my sheep.

3.  Good Shepherds Are Known By Their Sheep

For my people to know me, I must communicate with them.  Leaders of Character communicate consistently with those they lead.  Because of this consistent flow of communication, their people are comfortable hearing from the boss.

Leaders of Character are not closed books.  They allow their people to see them as real people.  They share things about their lives outside of work, and have the Humility to admit they are fallible.

When I am known because of the frequency and the manner in which I communicate, my sheep will respond to my voice.

4.  Good Shepherds Will Make Sacrifices For Their Sheep

A Leader of Character sees herself working for the good of her people not vice versa. Leaders of Character spend time with their people while emails stack up.

A Leader of Character listens longer than she wants to and will sacrifice her own wants and desires for the good of those she is leading.

In the case of a shepherd, they will fight off wolves and the attacks of rustlers to protect their flock.

There may not be a life or limb-threatening situation at my job.  But, as a good shepherd I will actually sacrifice myself for the good of my flock.

5.  Good Shepherds Feel Ultimately Responsible For Their Flock

Leaders of Character own their results.  It does not matter if they are the owner of the company or a mid-level manager, Leaders of Character feel responsible for everything their team does.

If a leader’s attitude is that of a hired hand, they are likely less involved, less dependable and less willing to lead in the four ways discussed above.

A shepherd who owns his flock, knows that he is ultimately responsible and that blame doesn’t matter.  If the sheep end up at the bottom of a cliff, or they survive a thunderstorm, it is ultimately the shepherd’s responsibility.

I must believe I am responsible for my people and my team’s results.  I hold myself accountable and will not run from difficulties or deflect blame to other people.

The Bottom Line:

Some people believe it is the position that gives them ability to lead.  But 2000+ years ago the most influential man to ever walk this earth taught otherwise.  It does not matter if I call myself a leader if no one is following.

If I lead from the front, know my people, am known by my people, serve those I lead and feel responsible for each individual on my team and their results, my people will follow and I will be a Leader of Character.

Question:

Which of the five lessons above have you seen done extremely well by a good shepherd you know?

Dave Anderson is coauthor of Becoming a Leader of Character – Six Habits that Make or Break a Leader at Work and at Home with his father General James L. Anderson (USA Retired).
You can find Becoming a Leader of Character on Amazon by clicking here:
bit.ly/LOCBook.
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