Insecurity must not be confused with humility. Insecurity, like pride, is a focus on your self. Humility comes when you have a proper view of yourself in light of the Lord who is holy and above all. Humility comes from understanding that we are not God but we are loved by Him.
When leaders lead in an insecure posture they don’t lead effectively. In fact, insecure leaders can damage the organization or ministry they are leading in at least four ways:
1. Insecurity crushes leadership development.
It takes a secure leader to develop others and hand them significant responsibility. After all, they could take your place. They could more effectively do some of the things you do. A secure leader knows that part of his or her responsibility is to create future leaders. Ironically, the leader who develops others will always be in demand to develop more.
2. Insecurity stifles honest conversations.
When someone finds his or her worth in the role, insecurity is rampant, and conversations are stifled. It takes months to discuss what could have been discussed in a few moments. So much time is wasted talking around issues instead of addressing them head-on.
3. Insecurity creates a lack of clarity.
Insecurity fights against clarity because an insecure leader is afraid to declare a direction. People may not like it, after all. Or the leader could be wrong. So the insecurity creates confusion and paralysis.
4. Insecurity fosters a “no risk” culture.
When a leader is insecure, the leader will be unwilling to take risks and make bold moves. This is why being a Christian in leadership should be so liberating. Being a Christian means we are already accepted and approved, so we are free to take risks. If they don’t work out, we still belong to Him.
