Leadership Is Power

Power 
 
 
Leadership is power.
 
But I don’t mean that in the way most people do. Most people think, “Yeah, power over those we lead.” 
 
But I mean power to do things, to make change, to make business, to make anything that requires the help of others. 
 
Power. 
 
What is power? 
 
One definition deals with power over others, but there is a more primary definition.
 
The ability to act or produce an effect… (Merriam-Webster)
 
Yes, this. 
 
To produce an effect, you must have the power to create that effect. 
 
You (usually) need an organization to produce a great effect. 
 
If you need an organization, you need to be a leader with followers. 
 
Leadership is necessary, then. 
 
My goal here would be to understand how to be a leader by understanding what leadership is for. 
 
It is for power to produce a great effect. 
 
What is the difference between hiring people, paying them to help out in the thing, and leading them? 
 
Is leadership necessary if the individuals coming along are self-motivated by either the benefit to them or the cause being affected?
 
It may not be necessary, but perhaps it is better to lead than not lead. 
 
If I think of any leadership position I’ve held, it has always been more effective if I sought to develop those I’m leading rather than simply transacting a trade. 
 
Let me stop here for now and ask if you would like to be led in the organizations you’re a part of or if you’d prefer to self-lead and be left alone to produce. 
 
As I’ve been writing this, I wonder if I just don’t like someone else taking charge of my own development. I do think I like guidance when I’m working on something. Or do I?
 
I suppose if someone had a compelling enough vision for me to get behind, I’d want to follow their lead. I certainly feel that way toward Jesus. 
 
We’ll get back to this on Monday.  
 
We can talk then about this idea of “compelling vision.” It seems to be a key factor in leadership (rather than management).  
 
Behold, I have given you authority (POWER!) to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. — Luke 10:19