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It all comes from perspective. What viewpoint are you looking from, from what value system are you tie-ing it into? This is where the Diversity and Christian Faith for Business Leaders classes really jumped in and took hold. It taught us how valuable and impactful looking at a topic from a different viewpoint could be. Also, it shed light on how important it was to look to Jesus as the ultimate leader and role model; to glean behaviors and values from the only one without sin. I'd say that's a pretty good role model to start with. So what is a Christian world view?.. Look at any situation through Jesus's eyes.

Jesus was a phenomenal leader; I wouldn't say my opinion of him as a leader has changed, after taking Christian Faith for Business Leaders, as much as the viewpoint I saw him from. I used to view Jesus from a more spiritual viewpoint; of course with application to the real world. But the label leader, never really hit me. Merriam-Webster puts it nicely, 'subconscious: existing in the part of the mind that a person is not aware of: existing in mind but not consciously known or felt.' So the concept was there, however I don't think I really embraced my critical thinking skills regarding Jesus as a leader, until this class. He was much more than just our spiritual mentor and teacher, who came to save us. He was modeling useable leadership skills, which even can be applied in today's world.

Now that my viewpoint of Jesus has greatly expanded with the clear connection between applicable skills and values, I will definitely be implementing Jesus' role model more consciously and intently. To eventually help others by leading by example, picking people with different strengths on teams, and fostering potential in others.

Jesus walked what he preached throughout his whole life, even to the end (John 19:30). In dying for his cause, he illuminated his whole mission statement, his love for us. So he has high expectations for each of us to follow in his footsteps, 'And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love'(1 Corinthians 13:13 NIV).

There have been others that have led by example. Mother Theresa is one, she was a phenomenal servant leader and her care for humanity was quite apparent. 'A life not lived for others is not a life'(Williams 2012). 'The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway'(Williams 2012). I truly believe that leading by example is one of the most important principles for leaders to comprehend to become successful.

Another example comes from mindtools.com. They suggest that morale is the biggest thing that suffers when leaders don't lead by example. Just imagine what the disciples would have thought and how it would have affected their mission after Jesus was gone, had he not led by example. Christianity might not be what it is today. Jesus inspired people to reach for something higher, to take our gaze higher than just worldly things. Much as business leaders today, need to inspire employees to reach for more, by first, exhibiting how it's done.

Another example comes from Glenn Llopis, a contributor to Forbes. In his article, 6 Ways Successful Teams Are Built To Last, he explains the need to get to know the rest of your team (2012). He says you need to get to know their strengths and figure out what asset, skill set or strengths, each member brings individually, to better fit together as a single unit (Llopis 2012).

Maxwell is yet another example, he writes how each leader will naturally draw people onto their team that are like themselves (2007). However, a great leader will intentionally draw people to themselves with different strengths than their own; strengths that will compliment their own weakness (2007).

If one would look at all the Fortune 500 companies, one could assume that there would be a pattern of great inner circles in those companies. Those leaders didn't just by chance pick the inner circle employees that work for them; they intentionally selected them to compliment their own weaknesses. Weaknesses that they knew would never be strengths of their own.

Dr. Stan Ponz encompassed how to foster potential in other by giving people a greater purpose. Along with that he also suggests, 'affirming people for THEIR POTENTIAL'. Just believe in them. That's exactly what Jesus did for his disciples. He entrusted them with a very important mission in his absence, saving souls.

Delegating is also an aspect of fostering potential in others. People can never reach their potential if they never have the opportunity. Leadership.uoregon.edu, the Holden Leadership Center also communicates the importance of delegating to foster potential. 'An appropriate time to delegate is when someone can benefit from the responsibility'. They also go into detail how to take a good look at team members before delegating. To make sure the right member is selected for the job. 'Specific responsibilities to be delegated to a particular person must be appropriate for the growth of that person at that time'. It's apparent that fostering potential in people is more than just the important aspect of believing in them.

This is exactly the approach Jesus took, not all of his disciples were destined for greatness. Not all were a Peter or Matthew. He knew who they were and which disciple would be best suited for each task and area for the gospel. Much like the example of Scott Harrison; God used Scott's story to inspire Charity Water. See the video below.