Leadership Virtues for Todays’ Women Leaders in the Marketplace

Audrey Linton shares how female leaders can exhibit Christian values in the workplace via their leadership style

Leadership is often described as a lonely place – especially for men and women navigating the complexities of workplace dynamics, such as office politics and toxic cultures. However, the workplace can also present one of the most rewarding and purpose-filled opportunities for Christian leaders to bring God’s love, wisdom and authority into spaces that so desperately need it.

In this article, the focus will be on Christian women leaders, although Christian men can certainly gain valuable insights they can apply to their own leadership journeys. As marketplace Christian leaders, our default position should always be the Word of God. What does the Bible say about how we should show up as Christian leaders? What behaviours should we cultivate, and what impact should we be striving to make? Here are three leadership virtues we can reflect on.

1. The ability to exercise wisdom
In Proverbs 31 we see the woman’s ability to exercise wisdom. Verse 26 reminds us that ‘She opens her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.’ As Christian women in leadership, we must first be aware of the culture we are in and then seek to influence it for good. Leadership sets the tone for the environment. While workplace challenges are inevitable, as an ambassador of Christ, we have the spiritual authority to bring His wisdom, truth and power into the environments He has placed us. Exercising wisdom means being able to read situations clearly, make sound decisions, and stay grounded in God’s Word amidst the pressures of leadership.

We should seek fresh ‘manna’ from the Lord each morning, asking for guidance and strength to make the right decisions and to lead with integrity. Yes, we will fall short at times, but it is in our daily regrouping and refocusing on God’s Word and presence that we are restored and equipped for the day ahead.

2. The ability to look after our team
The second leadership virtue is the ability to look after our team. A common reason employees leave their jobs is because they feel undervalued. In fact, employees are often more dissatisfied with their leaders than with the company itself. As Christian women leaders, we have the ability – and the responsibility – to nurture the talent entrusted to us. We are called to build platforms for success, helping our team members grow and reach the next level of their potential.

At times we will need to call out bad behaviour, discipline staff, and make tough decisions, but as we do so, we must ensure we maintain a posture of respect and dignity, dealing with issues swiftly and fairly.

Additionally, as women leaders, we may encounter challenges, like being undermined. We may struggle with imposter syndrome or have our agentic traits trivialised or masculinised by employees or other leaders. But the story of Esther in the Bible offers powerful lessons for Christian women leaders. Esther used her voice and her position to bring about change, yet she didn’t do it alone; she had supportive allies.

Women leaders! Build a circle of trustworthy allies. You do not need to be the lone hero! Find mentors, coaches and people who can speak into your life, encourage you, and hold you accountable.

3. Get behind the vision
The third leadership virtue is to get behind the organisation’s vision – understanding what is within your capacity to influence. Proverbs 3:27 says, ‘Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do so.’ God has placed resources, skills and opportunities into our hands to make a difference. Whether you are in a leadership position for a season or for a longer period, seek God’s guidance to discern what is in your power to change for the betterment of your organisation, for those around you, or within you. Christian leadership is not always about changing the organisation; it’s often about what God is trying to change in us to refine our character, deepen our dependence on Him, and equip us for the work ahead.

Conclusion
Christian women in leadership have a unique calling and an incredible opportunity to bring the values of the Kingdom into the marketplace. May you be encouraged as you navigate your leadership journey, knowing God is with you, and that you are equipped to lead in a way that honours Him and transforms the world around you.

AUDREY LINTON

Audrey is a leadership development consultant, author, and founder of P31 Consulting. Visit www.audreylinton.com for more information.