The Ultimate Goal of a Leader

What should a leader’s biggest goal be? I like that question.

Some might answer “Results,” “Company Value” or “Team Loyalty.”

I have thought about this often lately as I have been leading through these uncertain times. I found the answer in the last words of King David.

Last words are important. They mean something as life is on the way out and death is near. They especially mean a lot from a revered king and historical legend. King David was a strong, effective leader. So, I have taken his words a bit more to heart. Here is what he said on his death bed.

“A great leader is like the morning sun shining on the morning meadow with blue skies above.”

When I first read this I thought it was a bit light and fluffy. “Morning sun shining on a meadow?” Really?

And then I caught his intent. I would paraphrase it like this…

“A great leader brings peace! A right leader brings peace to their team, to their company, to their family and to themselves. That is their goal and their aim.

Wow! Are you bringing peace right now? Am I?

Let me be careful to help you understand that David was a warrior. He went to battle almost every year of his 40 years of service. That doesn’t seem to be peaceful, does it? Yet, he was called a man after God’s own heart. He resided over much discord, yet, I believe he means this: A great leader has intent for peace even if it means making hard decisions, positioning companies, removing employees, etc.

Is peace your intent? Are you working and leading to take your company into peace and prosperity? A great leader has the intent to lead a peace-filled existence and to rest in the grace and rewards of their efforts. That is a peaceful leader. That is a great leader.

The ultimate goal of a leader is to lead their teammates down the paths of contentment, rest and peace.

Posted on April 07, 2009 in Leader Development