Are you a good leader or a bad leader? Author and visionary Dr. Mark Rutland explores the undeniable characteristics of bad leadership. One of them is pride.

As Christians, God commands us to serve Him first and then serve others around us. Even Jesus came to be a servant.

“…even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:28

This call to be a servant extends to everyone on earth, even managers and leaders of large organizations.

Selfishness

“I believe the number one characteristic of a bad leader is selfishness, because it’s the exact opposite of servant leadership.”

Good leaders follow God’s command of being a servant even to those under their leadership. Bad leaders do exactly the opposite.

“The selfish leader uses people up and uses the organization to exploit his own career.”

Bad leaders don’t care about the people they work with, or the company they work for. They only care about themselves.

“The bad leader gobbles up all the praise and shares the blame because it’s all about them.”

Bad leaders are angry, out of control, and domineering. All of these manifestations of corrupt leadership spring from selfishness.

“When managers lose their sense of servant-hood, they become bureaucratic bullies. Rules and regulations in their hands are not the rails the vision runs on but the wall it runs into.”

Almost everyone is in a position of leadership in some aspect of their lives, whether at home, or in the work place. Is it possible that you could be a selfish leader? Take time to examine your attitude and behavior in your position of leadership and ask yourself, “Do I care more about myself, or the people and organization I work for?”

Ask God to open your heart to the ways that you could be exhibiting characteristics of bad leadership. Ask Him to help you have a servant-heart while on the job, and at home.

For more information on Christ-like leadership, read Dr. Mark Rutland’s book,  .

Key Scriptures: Isaiah 58:12

Theme Song: Not for a Moment by Meredith Andrews; Desert Song by Hillsong; Finish What He Started by MercyMe

Highlight : Are you a poor leader?

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