Learning to Lead like Jesus (Boyd Bailey) | Book Review

I recently read a book called Learning to Lead Like Jesus by Boyd Bailey. I started this book on a quest to improve my leadership skills but also discovered along the way that learning about Jesus’ traits will help me to not only be a better leader, but help me to be a better person by growing in the likeness of Christ. Following are some key points that I found to be valuable.

The book begins talking about wisdom from above.

What is wisdom?

The Bible says, “The wisdom from above is first pure (morally and spiritually undefiled), then peace-loving (courteous, considerate), gentle, reasonable (and willing to listen), full of compassion and good fruits. It is unwavering, without (self-righteous) hypocrisy (And self-serving guile).” (James 3:17 AMP)

How do we gain wisdom? We must ask for it from God!

After this first chapter, the book leads with different leadership traits that Jesus exhibited.

What are the eleven leadership traits of Jesus?

1. Humility

Humility puts other’s needs before your own. Serve God, serve family, serve others.

Humble leaders begin by asking God for wisdom. They know brokenness can be used to gain greater intimacy with God.

Leaders do what is best for those they are leading by listening, building them up, celebrating their successes, and giving credit where credit is due.

2. Love

Love is God’s number one command. Matthew 22:36-38 says in the Bible, ““Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment…”

Loving leaders know that they must first love God, love others and love themselves. They are patient and show kindness to people that are lovable and unlovable. They treat others with honor and dignity.

3. Accountability

People do better when others are engaged in each other’s lives. Accountable leaders fear God, submit to authority, and invite accountability. They take the time to develop plans, set deadlines and work through them to help facilitate healthy decision making.

4. Relationships

Relational leaders understand the importance of relationships and community by investing their lives into others. They engage others in the ways of humility, wisdom and love.

5. Teachability

Teachable leaders open their minds and hearts to God. They are careful to be patient and continue to learn. They are willing to learn new things from God, other leaders, books, research, and more. Teachable leaders apply God’s word to all aspects of their life and teach others the same.

6. Discipline

Disciplined leaders work to be diligent in all aspects of life. They are patient and live each moment in the present. They seek to know God and how to apply His word every day.

7. Gratitude

Gratitude opens a whole new perspective on our lives. Grateful leaders draw close to God and exhibit a pattern of thankfulness to God and people. They joyfully serve others. They see the glass half-full instead of half-empty. The appreciate the little things in life.

8. Generosity

“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” - Proverbs 11:25 NIV

Generous leaders give because they know that God gives to us to share with others. They invest their time, money, knowledge and love to others.

9. Forgiveness 

God is the ultimate example of forgiveness! He gave His only son to bare our sins so we could be forgiven. Because He forgives us, we must forgive others. Forgiving others allows you to be a person who can rise above the wrongdoing and learn from the situation. Forgiveness removes anger, resentment and hostility, which in turn frees us to experience peace, joy and love. Forgiveness demonstrates God’s love to all.

10. Encouragement 

Encouragement comforts us, helps us to know we are not alone and keeps us moving forward. Encouraging leaders take time to thoughtfully pray for others specific needs and offer encouragement designed for that specific need. Encouraging leaders look to God and encourage others to do the same.

11. Faithfulness 

God is forever faithful.

“God expects us to do our best, trust Him with the rest, and rest in Him,” (Bailey, Boyd, Harvest House Publishers, 2018)

Faithful leaders rely on God by walking in faith and trusting Him in all circumstances. They seek God for wisdom and share their knowledge with others. Faithful leaders walk in step with God and teach others to do the same.

Learning to Lead Like Jesus uses real life examples and biblical stories to help one understand who Jesus is. It also helps one assess if they already exhibit any of these traits and what areas they need to improve upon in order to become a better leader like Jesus.

I know for me, certain areas hit home. For instance, I like to think I am a glass half-full type of person. However, I often find that my mind wants to immediately go to the negative, and I have to catch myself from allowing those thoughts to develop. Another area that struck me was loving the unlovable, or to put it more positively (glass half-full!), loving the challenging people God has put into our lives. Lastly, I know I need to invite accountability when it comes to self-improvement and healthy decision making.

So, what steps are you going to take to be a better leader and to grow in the likeness of Jesus?

Learning to Lead Like Jesus: 11 Principles to Help You Serve, Inspire, and Equip Others