Dear Leader,
I trust this meets you in pursuit of wisdom.
If you have followed my letters for a while, you would have been used to my belief in this statement – leadership is not a title.
There is nothing wrong in having a title, but Leadership is far more than a role; it is a series of disciplined attitudes that guide how a leader thinks, behaves, and serves.
Every effective leader I have studied grew through different stages, and each stage reveals a model worth studying and embodying. This week, I’ll like you to reflect on seven models that shape enduring leadership.
1. The Teacher
The teacher-model reflects clarity, insight, and the commitment to elevate others. A leader who teaches expands people’s mind, nurtures their competence, and creates room for people to grow. Your Influence deepens when you share your knowledge intentionally.
2. The Soldier
This model embodies discipline, courage, and unwavering resolve. Leaders will always face pressures that test conviction. The soldier-leader stays focused, defends his or her core values, and confronts challenges without hesitation. They understand sacrifice and remain steadfast in difficult seasons.
3. The Athlete
Because leadership never occurs overnight, the athlete-model highlights preparation, stamina, and resilience. Leadership requires training both mentally, emotionally, and strategically. The athlete-leader embraces continuous improvement and understands that consistency is the true mark of strength.
4. The Farmer
Growth follows a process. The farmer-model teaches patience, diligence, and long-term thinking. Leaders sow ideas, develop people, and nurture opportunities with care. They understand timing and recognise that meaningful results emerge through steady, deliberate effort. Leaders understand better the law of sowing and reaping.
5. The Worker
The worker-model reminds us that leadership demands effort, not entitlement. Leadership is not handing out instruction, it is labour. Leaders labour with excellence, take responsibility seriously, and ensure that what they deliver reflects integrity and competence. Credibility is built through consistent work. Leaders model work!
6. The Vessel
More than competence and gift, Leaders are vessels. A vessel carries value. The vessel-model represents character, purity of intent, and readiness. Leaders must guard what they carry (their vision, principles, and wisdom). The inner life of a leader ultimately determines the quality of what is poured out to others.
7. The Servant
Finally, the servant-model stands at the peak of leadership maturity. Here, personal ambition gives way to purpose and service. The servant-leader prioritises people, listens with humility, and measures success by impact and upliftment. Service remains the highest expression of leadership.
At different times, every leader reflects these models. As you grow on your leadership journey, ask yourself this week: Which model am I living out today, and which one must I strengthen next?
I am rooting for you,
The Great Owete