A Leader for this Time

“I can’t imagine a more important task than consciously choosing who I want to be as a leader FOR THIS TIME. We must understand the time we are in, focus our energy on what is possible and be willing to step forward and serve others.” — Margaret J Wheatley

 

This message resonates deeply me right now.

In today’s world, it calls us to consider not just how we lead, but why we are doing it, and who we are becoming as we do so.

The Power of Choice in Leadership

Leadership is less about reacting to every little circumstance, looking for fault, putting out fires—it is about responding to each situation we find ourselves in, without distraction, noise and reaction. It is to be approached with (dare I say it) reverence and intention. With the chaos buffeting us in every direction, where we have priorities demanding everything from us, the facts are that each of us has the ability to decide how we show up, what the values are that guide us, and where we invest our time and energy. We must do this or suffer enormous overwhelm, burnout and confusion.

You can feel the tension arise, your blood pressure change, the rage start to stir within. But can I implore you the next time something comes up in your day that demands a knee-jerk reaction (assuming it isn’t life threatening and requires an instant response), ask yourself this question

• Are we leading with clarity and vision, or are we caught up in fear and reactivity?
  
• Are we seeking what is possible, or are we focused on what we are led to believed is failure, or missing on some level?
  
• Are we stepping forward to serve others, or are we waiting for the ‘proof’ or evidence of things to change before we will take decisive action?
  

The best leaders are those who anchor themselves in truth, discern the times they are in, and make decisions based on wisdom, not pressure.

Understanding the Times

Scripture often speaks of the importance of discerning the season we are in. In 1 Chronicles 12:32, the sons of Issachar were described as men who “understood the times and knew what Israel should do.” This ability to perceive the bigger picture and act accordingly is a crucial aspect of leadership. The gift of discernment is a gift where there is no clarity. So ask yourself these questions in your reflections:

• What are the needs of this time?
  
• Where are people looking for hope, stability, and truth?
  
• How can we position ourselves to serve effectively?
  

When we slow down and seek wisdom, we can lead with clarity rather than being overwhelmed by noise and distractions.

Focusing on Possibilities Instead of Problems

In a world filled with challenges, it is easy to become discouraged. Yet true leaders recognise that where we focus, we move toward. If we constantly focus on limitations, fear, or negativity, our leadership will reflect that. Instead, we must train ourselves to see what is possible—to ask:

• What opportunities exist despite the challenges?
  
• How can I bring light and direction where others see only confusion?
  
• What simple, practical steps can I take to bring positive change?
  

This mindset shift is not about ignoring reality—it is about leading from hope and wisdom rather than choosing in on fear.

Stepping Forward to Serve

Ultimately, leadership is an act of service to others. Despite the poor attempts to create that differently, it is not about power, status, or recognition; it is about making an impact. And that is what I love about the work I do, I can create impact. What I have learned as a woman in my late 50s is that the most effective leaders look for ways serve first. They look for ways to lift others up, to bring clarity where there is confusion, and to create environments where people can thrive. It’s not about control, or micro management, or puffing people up to get them to do more.

Servant leadership is clearly defined in the very best development circles:

• Servant leaders listen more than they speak.
  
• They invest in others rather than seeking their own gain.
  
• They create solutions rather than waiting for someone else to act.
  

And who was the greatest example of servant leadership I have ever encountered? Jesus Himself modelled this. In Mark 10:45, He reminds us:

“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many” — Jesus of Nazareth

 

As faith-based leaders, our call is to emulate that same awareness and become more like Him. The desire to serve, uplift and inspire to do this with love, purpose and most of all discipline.

Who Do You Choose to Be?

Leadership is not passive. It is not reactionary, it is not micro management or control True leadership is pure intention.

Today, right now, you have the opportunity to decide who you will be as a leader. From today are you able to draw the line in the sand? Will you be someone who reacts to circumstances, or someone who anchors themselves in wisdom and moves forward with purpose? Will you focus on problems, or will you seek what is possible? Will you hold back, or will you step forward to serve?

Now is the time.

Choose to lean into the God given gifts that you already have: of courage, wisdom, and faith. The world needs leaders who will rise to this moment—not by force, but by the desire to serve with strength and clarity and purpose.

What kind of leader will you choose to be today?