Navigating the Workplace as a Young Leader

Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.

- 1 Corinthians 11:1

When Paul writes to the church-community in Corinth, he calls them to follow Christ not only with his words, but also by his example. Leading others, however, is never an easy feat, and leadership is not limited to those who occupy publicly recognized roles in an organizational hierarchy. As you are sent into your vocational context, you, like Paul, can lead others by example. Navigating your work context as a young leader, nevertheless, requires certain commitments exemplified by Christ himself.

In order to lead others, you must first lead yourself. Jesus shows
us the priority of this first order of leadership by leading us all in the way of salvation. He is the pioneer and perfector of faith. Jesus went first. He knew his commitments to the Father, and he kept them above all else. Navigating your work context as a young leader begins with building self-trust before trying to earn the trust of others. It begins with leading yourself before you traverse the challenges of leading others. Know your priorities to yourself and keep them. Wake up on time each day. Spend time with the Lord. Care for your body. If you make a commitment, keep it. Just as Christ kept his commitment to the Father, even in death on a cross, keep your large and small commitments.

In addition to leading yourself, navigating your work context as a young leader also demands that you value what Jesus values. Anyone can do excellent work, but leaders set the priorities. You have the opportunity to simultaneously undo and reestablish the culture you work within. Do not give an inch to workaholic tendencies or cultures that attribute value based on the tasks people complete. Be like Jesus. Value people over productivity and projects. Pray for each person you work with and their families by name each day. Check-in with your co- workers, even the difficult ones. Ask how their kids, or cats, are doing. Make time for them outside of work. They are each created in God’s image. The Lord is at work in their lives. You set the pace and priorities through your example as a young leader. Regardless of your work context, you have the opportunity to reveal the radical love of Christ to all through revealing their incompressible worth to God.

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Caleb Dunn serves as the Assistant Pastor at Calvary Wesleyan Church in Harrington, Delaware. He is also an online Adjunct Professor in both Theology and Church History. Beyond these roles, Caleb enjoys spending time with his wife, Matlin, and their sons, Abraham and Joel, as they pursue God’s best together.