As faith-based leaders, we can do much to turn the tide back to the early Christian traditions of our nation by voicing the Gospel in support of our business mission and values.
Live by our collective core values
Organizations should use core values to guide decision-making. The best leaders live by their values, including a culture of care. This means C-suite leadership in all of our nation’s companies and nonprofits serves as leaders for Christ. We spread God’s word by showing our society that Christianity, first and foremost, values caring.
By speaking truth, leaders and those in for-profit companies have the opportunity to correct the course that has so divided our nation. Modern leaders have a unique moment to speak up and ensure that our values are shared and spread through vocal activism in all aspects of our work and lives.
A great example of this is Coca-Cola Consolidated’s culture of care, which includes service, well-being, paid time off, maternity support, and faith at work. Their “t-factor Leadership Initiative” aims to transform workplace culture.
The company also emphasizes
1) a growth mindset;
2) continuous learning;
3) curiosity, empowerment, inclusion, and agility; and
4) honesty and integrity.
Set the vision and provide guidance
Managers and team leaders are responsible for setting the vision and guiding their teams. That includes identifying and understanding employees’ goals, strengths, and weaknesses and developing an improvement plan. It also means ensuring team members adhere to our faith, values, and principles.
The best leaders provide guidance and support for their employees, helping them understand their roles and how they can succeed. Faith-based leaders go further by encouraging and guiding their employees into the community of faith. Modern leadership means confirming that team members are faithful to the organization’s mission, values, and work.
The essence of leadership
Becoming an excellent leader is challenging. Changing work, social norms, and technology can make things difficult. Becoming an exceptional leader takes years of practice. Still, it’s possible, especially as our nation returns to its traditional and religious roots grounded in the Constitution. Awareness, a culture of caring, leading by example, and communication are all crucial aspects of great leadership in the modern era.
Philippians 2:3–4
Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others.
