Key verse:Matthew 5:16: “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good deeds and moral excellence, and (recognise and honour and) glorify your Father who is in Heaven,” (AMP).

The first point of leadership is that we lead from our lives, yet many individuals still approach leadership roles solely focused on the idea of leading others. Good leaders first develop the ability to lead themselves before they can effectively lead others. Leaders understand themselves, so, they can lead themselves and others successfully. The renowned leadership expert Warren Bennis said that the best leaders lead themselves. True leaders do not wait until they are in a position of power to become leaders; they look for every opportunity to lead and develop along the way. In his book,“True North,” Bill George notes that, “the hardest person you will ever have to lead is yourself.”

Leading yourself means that you take a deep look at who you are, where you have strengths, and where your areas of opportunity could be getting in your way. One may ask, does the idea of “leading yourself first” conflict with concepts like being a “servant leader”?Leading yourself is not about leading yourself only or about taking care of yourself; it is about making sure that you are the best leader you can be before you expect the same of others. Once you are comfortable with whom you are, then leading others authentically becomes much easier.

Leadership is leader’s ability to illuminate the path for others, providing direction and hope, especially during challenging times. The Bible says let your light so shine before men. How will people know that you are leading well? It is by the level of light you radiate in your leadership. A leader provides guidance and inspiration to his team members.

Leadership is about positively influencing the people to achieve outcomes that will foster the growth of an organisation. Leaders are like light. Light neither withholds nor discriminates. It does not stop in the middle of, say, a room and decide not to light up that table. Great leadership does not pick and choose where or upon whom to shine. Leaders share generously. Sometimes we are asked to lead through challenges. Leaders are mirror that reflects light. They provide support and encouragement to those they lead. Sometimes small acts of just listening, giving an encouraging word or acknowledging others can be extraordinary and have lasting profound effects. Serving those we lead is an example of love-based leadership. They also reflect light by “lightening” the load of others.

Leaders are result-oriented. They deliver the numbers, the project, the deal and the plan. Leaders establish a bar of performance, a standard or an expectation that others can see and understand.Nobody really wants to follow a phony or a fraud. Leaders believe in people. They have confidence in people around them and they show it. At the root of inspirational leadership is the faith the leader shows in those he or she leads.

Stretch them. Leaders help to build their team members. A leader is interested in helping people to develop.

A leader wants people to grow. A leader relies on his ability to inspire people to get the job done.

Leadership is not about holding a title or position. It is influencing people to achieve their goal.

Leadership is influencing people to follow you. If you call yourself a leader and nobody is following you, you are just taking a walk. Give a piece of yourself to those you lead. Share how you have succeeded.Share something of value to those around you that is about you, but not shared for your benefit.

• Today’s nugget: Leaders illuminate the path for others. Phone contact: 07032361509. E-mail: [email protected]. Joel Ejiofor, business coach & strategist