The Flock that Flourishes

Shepherding well to help our teams to thrive

It’s hard to forget the impactful moments in our journeys through life. For me, one moment was in front of 25 CEOs of commuter airport terminals of all sizes, from all over the country. It was early in the research phase of my trajectory toward championing the shepherd leadership message. Deep inside, I held my breath.

I provided each of them with a sample job description from a modern-day shepherd.

I provided each of them with a sample job description from a modern-day shepherd. It listed pro-active measures to keep sheep healthy and responsive measures to overcome obstacles. I boldly asked them to review the document and decide if a shepherd’s role in caring for sheep applied to their role of supervising teams and leading organizations. They discussed this in groups of two or three. And, in a matter of minutes, their heads began to nod in agreement.

Shepherding Parallels

Surprising to many of them, they quickly saw the parallels between their responsibilities as leaders and those of the shepherd on the hillside. As senior leaders, they immediately recognized their duty to equip their team for optimal performance, safeguard their colleagues from threats and predators (whether from inside or outside the flock), and swiftly intervene when danger is lurking.

As these executives interacted with the content, they identified even more parallels. They affirmed that the requirement to be knowledgeable of lambing practices or, in their words, “the needs of new employees” was relevant. They associated easily with the importance of knowing which pastures were most bountiful during each season of the year. Also, they understood the necessity of using ingenuity to solve challenges to prevent the flock from wandering into hazards, keeping them resilient, strong, and productive.

These leaders immediately wanted to know more. They wanted to master the skills and learn the tools that are essential to shepherding well. And, they were committed to helping the people on their teams do the same.

Shepherding Well

The picture of the diligent, caring shepherd is a tangible role model to hold high. A shepherd standing in a pasture surrounded by his/her flock gives us the visible representation of an invisible concept. As these leaders were exposed to this truth, they instinctively understood this role held the secret to helping people thrive.

Mental light bulbs went on around the room. It was clear they were beginning to understand their responsibilities related to shepherding would be key to their colleagues’, and therefore the organization’s, ultimate success.

Shepherding well takes focused intentionality and determination.

Shepherding well takes focused intentionality and determination. The leader must value what it means to provide for a team’s needs. Leaders must establish a work environment of mutual respect and genuine support. Leading well requires being physically present and emotionally attentive, whether toward someone the leader has chosen for the team or one he/she might not have selected had they been asked.

These behaviors, as seen in a wise shepherd, work together to help each “sheep” thrive. These executives recognized the biblical principles of Provision, Protection, and Presence, lived out in a trustworthy shepherd, are the answer.

A Shepherding Essential: Trust

Yet there’s one more characteristic that’s essential for the long-term success of the shepherd and the flock. Sheep willingly follow because their shepherd or shepherdess has earned their trust.

The price for earning the trust of the sheep comes with the personal sacrifice the shepherd makes in always doing what is right and best for the flock. Selflessly. Humbly. Unrewarded. Sacrificially. The shepherdess may be called upon to give up her own comfort and expend her personal resources. A shepherd may be called upon to forfeit the convenience of quick decision-making or the control over his schedule and time.

A true shepherd moves beyond service (the act of doing something for someone) to sacrifice (the act of giving up something valued for the sake of something more important or worthy). True shepherds serve those they lead. They sacrifice their desires in submission and surrender to the Father, for the good of those entrusted to their care.

The Good Shepherd

It is the shepherd, not the hired hand, who is most invested in the sheep. And it is in the care of a good shepherd where sheep and flocks thrive.

This shouldn’t surprise us. It’s a biblical principle. After all, Jesus himself, the Good Shepherd, tells us the purpose of his service and sacrifice. Also in submission and surrender to the Father, it was to give us an abundant life, rich and satisfying both now and into eternity.

There is no better example to follow.

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Holly Culhane is Founder & President/CEO of Presence Point, a ministry that equips leaders to live into their calling as shepherds in the lives of those they lead and partners with multipliers who wish to do the same within their sphere of influence. She can be reached at Holly@PresencePoint.com. Holly serves on Christian Leadership Alliance’s Advisory Council.

Learn more about Outcomes magazine.