Leading with Love vs. Leading with Fear

"May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all." -2 Corinthians 13:14

In many organizations, the driving force is fear. Workers are afraid of losing their job, so they work themselves to the bone. People fear failing, or not being accepted, so they do whatever is asked. Perhaps there is a fear of authority, due to past experiences.

Whatever type of organization, fear can be a powerful motivator, but it is often not the best one. When speaking of unhealthy fear, where people feel afraid to express themselves openly or feel fairly comfortable and appreciated, love goes much further in motivating people and keeping them with you alongside your mission.

What does love look like in an organization? Here are the characteristics of love as cited in 1 Corinthians 13:

• Patient

• Kind

• Not jealous

• Doesn't boast

• Humble

• Honors others

• Not self-seeking

• Forgiving

• Doesn't delight in evil

• Rejoicing in truth

• Always protects

• Always trusts

• Always hopes

• Always preserves

In today's competitive organizations, some of these attributes are quite a contradiction. Boundaries and processes are in order, for sure. But, wouldn't we get so much further by motivating others and setting an example in love versus fear?

Related resource: Billy Graham: Leading with Love: 5 Timeless Principles for Effective Leaders by Matt Woodley

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