Approval is BIG! Interestingly enough the majority of leaders have an inward desire for a pat on the back. One study, which was conducted by Kart, Shamir, and Chen (2003) found that
social identification mediated the relationship between tranformational leadership and followers’ empowerment.
Human nature is to be driven by accomplishments, and approval. When leaders find encouragement they tend to lead with more tenacity. Encouragement is the source of strength for the leader. Transformational leaders allow their source of strength to come not only from their followers, but also from a spiritual source.
Jesus himself was given approval by God The Father, when he was baptized in the Jordan River (Mark 1:9-11). This approval was not only for Jesus, but was also for those who would follow him. It is interesting to note, Jesus’ ministry began after his baptism, in which God gave signs and voice approve of His Son.
Transformational leaders must seek not only the approval of man, but also, and more importantly the approval of God. Not only is spiritual direction gained, but a moral compass is accessed when submitting to the authority of Scriptures. Insight is gained through the wisdom found in the text. When a leader knows he or she is doing right by God, they also know they are doing right by mankind. Seeking after mans approval may cause a tendancy to fulfill everyone’s own desires, causeing a necessity to please everyone, however, having godly approval is better than mankind approval, as God’s approval will meet the needs of mankind.
References
Holy Bible: New Living Translation. (1996). Wheaton, Ill.: Tyndale House.
The two faces of transformational leadership: Empowerment and dependency. Kark, Ronit; Shamir, Boas; Chen, Gilad
Journal of Applied Psychology, Vol 88(2), Apr 2003, 246-255. http://0-dx.doi.org.library.regent.edu/10.1037/0021-9010.88.2.246
