Dear leader,
When I read John Maxwell's book, 'The 360 Degree Leader,' my views on
leadership and influencing was changed forever. Leadership is not just about
being in a position of authority; it's about influencing - you lead when you
influence people's action, opinion, behaviour and views.
A man named Daniel was a slave, yet he had tremendous influence in the
lives of four powerful kings during his lifetime. During the reign of the first
king, he was made what we would call the Provincial Governor and Chief
Administrator, he became the third ruler of the whole nation during the rule of
the second king, Daniel distinguished himself above all other leaders that he
was put in charge over all the kingdom during the reign of the third king; one
who loved Daniel greatly. Daniel prospered during the reign of the
fourth king. Not bad for a slave!
How did Daniel have such a multi-government spreading influence for over
seventy years? He demonstrated such wisdom, knowledge and understanding that no
one else could compete with. He was a man that studied (the right books) and
was trusted by all the kings - to always tell them the truth. An excellent spirit
- wisdom, knowledge and understanding were in him, the output of which was seen
in the ability to interpret dreams, solve riddles and explain enigmas - he was
a problem solver and solution giver.
As God centred leaders, we can gain some valuable lessons for our
leadership journey from the principles and ethics with which he lived his life:
He purposed in his heart early on, in his life as a slave that he would
not defile himself. Irrespective of where he lives and what he would be required to do as a slave, he will stay
true in his heart to his God. As a result, the Spirit of the Holy God was in him,
even the pagan worshippers acknowledged this. In the area of his
responsibilities, he was faithful - there was no error or fault found in him.
He lived and worked with the utmost integrity, neither corrupt nor negligent.
Daniel; a slave who became an inspiration to Kings.
''Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before unknown men'' Proverbs 22:29
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