Balancing Business Leadership and Faith-Based Leadership

For years after finding my Christian faith, I lived life as two different sides of a coin: "Business" Mary and "Believer" Mary. At first, I wasn't sure how to integrate the two openly until one day, I realized that I was ONE person, leading ONE life, and keeping the two sides separate wasn't being true to God's will. Now, I not only walk the path of an openly faith-based leader, but I encourage others to do the same.

Scriptural Reference: James 1:8 (NIV) "He is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does."

As James warns, being divided in our identity and values can lead to instability. Integrating faith into leadership can bring alignment and strength.

A Business Leader and a Person of Faith

A business leader is a person who leads the employees of an organization to collective success. A faith-based person puts God first above all else, and success is measured in intangible ways. Can one be both a business leader and a person of faith?

Yes! I believe you can be both and I'm proof that it's possible. You don't have to choose one over the other. With a few mindset shifts, you can embody both business leadership and faith-based leadership. By choosing to follow God's guidance, you will also naturally be creating the building blocks for business success.

Scriptural Reference: Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."

This verse reminds us that trusting in God's guidance in all aspects of life, including leadership, can lead to clarity and success.

Serve Others First and Prosperity will Follow

Business leaders often talk about investing in the company to grow. The first mindset shift of a faith-based leader is to understand that investing in the company means serving every single person on your team. Serve others first, instead of being self-serving, and success and prosperity will follow.

Scriptural Reference: Mark 10:45 (NIV) "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

Following the example of Jesus, who served others, can be a guiding principle for business leadership, too.

Love and Accept All Unconditionally

The second mindset shift is to be accepting and loving of all. God teaches us to love unconditionally, and this teaching can be brought to the business place.

Scriptural Reference: 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NIV) "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."

These verses remind us of the attributes of unconditional love, which can guide our interactions with colleagues and employees.

From Ownership to Stewardship

The third mindset shift as a faith-based leader is the transition to being a steward of the company’s resources. All that we have is blessed to us by God, including our company. Instead of promoting ourselves or the business, we promote how we are ambassadors for God. As his ambassador, we have been entrusted with the well-being of everyone in our company and are held accountable for their personal and professional growth.

Scriptural Reference: 1 Peter 4:10 (NIV) "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms."

This verse emphasizes the concept of stewardship, using our talents and resources to serve others as a reflection of God's grace.

In conclusion, these three mindset shifts, rooted in biblical principles, enable us to honor God while excelling in business leadership. Choosing God first does not rule out succeeding in business; rather, it enhances our leadership qualities. By serving others first, practicing unconditional love, and embracing stewardship, we transform ourselves into not only good leaders but great leaders, following the path that Christ set before us.