Leadership Requires Maturity

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By Bruce Witt, Leadership Works founder and business coachleadership

One of the saddest things in life is when a leader grows old yet never fully grows up.

1 Cor 13:11-12; “When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.”

People may have a position or role of leadership, but if they don’t act with maturity, they will not be effective. One can possess skills and talent, but it does little good if not combined with a growing sense of maturity. We have probably known and have experienced this in others and maybe ourselves.

Maturity takes a commitment and often involves pain and sacrifice. The three overall stages of the maturing process are child, adult, servant leader and each are marked by a key characteristic: child – chaos; adult – order; servant leader – maturity.

A “childish” leader is self-focused, lacks consistency, is a whirl of activity, and is forever seeking fun. They chase accolades and pursue trophies (car, wife, house, job, money). Their emotions become engaged, then, their reasoning and perspective goes out the window.

To move beyond this, one needs to take responsibility and make choices that bring order in their personal lives, family, and business. The focus moves from self to stability and working with others.

Leaders must not stop here, but desire to be the servant to which God calls them. This requires investing in others, having an eternal view of people and situations, and knowing the Lord intimately. The maturing process takes time, wisdom and power. The result will be an eternal legacy.

“Maturity is achieved when a person postpones immediate pleasures for long-term values.” Joshua Loth Liebman

Written by CBMC | November 11th, 2009 in Leadership
  • http://www.shrinkingthecamel.com Bradley J. Moore

    This is a good way of looking at the stages of leadership development. I know this rang true for me, as I look back on my career. I am trying much more to focus on serving others through my work, my gifts and talents, through my position and my leadership. It’s somewhat counter-intuitive and paradoxical, but also brings true fulfillment.