What type of leader are you?

Are you a leader? If you are what type of leader are you? There are several leadership styles but only two types of leaders. You either lead by telling others what to do or you lead by showing others what to do by serving them.

As I drove into Overland Park I was listening to a Talk Radio program and during the discussion the following phrase was used: "A rising tide lifts all boats" and so I decided to share it with you.

The aphorism "a rising tide lifts all boats" is associated with the idea that improvements in the general economy will benefit all participants in that economy, and that economic policy, particularly government economic policy, should therefore focus on the general macroeconomic environment first and foremost. The phrase is said to have been coined by Seán Lemass, the Irish Taoiseach (Prime Minister) in 1959–1966.^{[1] [2]} Lemass himself attributed the phrase to John F. Kennedy.^[3] Kennedy employed the expression to combat criticisms that his tax cuts would benefit mostly wealthy individuals.^[4][5][6]

The expression also applies to free-market policies, in that comparative-advantage production and subsequent trade would theoretically increase incomes for all participating entities. It is a favorite proverb of former U.S. Treasury Secretary Robert Rubin.

I believe we can also apply this to leadership. In an environment where the leader trains, empowers and releases people to service others all involved are lifted like a boat on a tide.

Jesus gave us instructions on how to be a godly leader and we find it in Mark 10:42-45 (The Message)

41-45 When the other ten heard of this conversation, they lost their tempers with James and John. Jesus got them together to settle things down. "You've observed how godless rulers throw their weight around," he said, "and when people get a little power how quickly it goes to their heads. It's not going to be that way with you. Whoever wants to be great must become a servant. Whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave. That is what the Son of Man has done: He came to serve, not to be served—and then to give away his life in exchange for many who are held hostage."