Note: A few years ago I heard Johnny Hunt, pastor of First Baptist Church, Woodstock, Georgia and one of my personal heroes, teach at least one lesson on insecure leaders. I was reminded of that lesson recently, but unfortunately I don’t remember the specifics. So while the contents here are mine (I think), his work certainly inspired this post.
When we think about leadership, study leadership, or aspire to leadership, fear is not the first word to come to mind. But when we begin leading, fear often shows up.
I must admit, as a young leader I never saw it coming. But the Bible is full of examples of fearful leaders. Guys like Moses, Saul, Jonah, and Peter just to name a few. Many of those guys overcame their fear and learned to trust God beyond their limitations. Others (i.e. Saul) allowed fear and insecurity to rule their lives and destroy their influence.
All leaders face fear. Many leaders battle with personal insecurity. But the best leaders recognize the difference between humility (profound dependence on God) and insecurity (frustrated dependence on self).
Take a look at these marks of an insecure leader and see if you can relate to any of them:
1. Insecure leaders view legitimate questions as personal attacks.
2. Insecure leaders are threatened (and resentful) of the success of others.
3. Insecure leaders are quick to criticize people who are not present but slow to coach those who are.
4. Insecure leaders distance themselves from difficult decisions….sometimes avoiding them altogether.
5. Insecure leaders focus more on building their personal image than the health of their people.
6. Insecure leaders are quick to cast blame for failures and slow to give credit to others for successes.
7. Insecure leaders minimize the contributions of people who are not like them.
8. Insecure leaders undervalue people who are more difficult to like…allowing personality to overshadow commitment, competence, and character.
9. Insecure leaders avoid transparency.
10. Insecure leaders value uniformity over empowerment.
11. Insecure leaders misuse the Bible to promote their personal agenda.
12. Insecure leaders are quick to remind others of past mistakes and slow to remember their own.
13. Insecure leaders are intimidated by the influence of others.
14. Insecure leaders are either brutally honest (being harsh and abrasive with the one needing to improve) or frustratingly dishonest (refusing to be upfront about needed change).
15. Insecure leaders measure personal success by the success of others.
16. Insecure leaders find personal self-worth in the success of their organization.
17. Insecure leaders don’t see anything constructive about criticism and will eventually make others pay for giving it.
The truth is I am a recovering insecure leader. At one time or another, most leaders have faced many of these fears and have even been paralyzed by at least a few of them.
Perhaps Solomon knew that when he wrote:
The fear of man is a snare, but he who trust in the Lord will be exalted—Proverbs 29:25.
So if you’re not too chicken, please add to the list by clicking the comment button below.
I can think of
the scripture verses and biblical characters that support all 17 items on your
list. I appreciate that you made me go find them.
I appreciate
what God is doing with & through your ministry
18. Insecure leaders take shortcuts by mimicking true leadership behavior because they don’t take the time to grow into that role naturally.
Phillip, that is so true. Thanks for the feedback.
Dwsebring, Thanks for getting biblical. Blesssings to you.
Every Leaders need to read this.
Keota, Thanks for passing this along!
Wow! if we could only be as Moses and let God have His ways with our own insecurity…He’ll turn us into a kind of leader like His own Son, Jesus…full of compassion and humility
That’s my prayer too, Jay. God bless you and your leadership!
Great list!