“A true leader prepares the way for others to follow.”

— JT Zahradnik

Forerunner: someone or something that came before and paved the way for something today.

When I hear the word “forerunner” a few things that come to my mind are: politics when referring to the candidate who is leading the way in the polls or a vehicle that Toyota makes or actual running. This all do relate to the word “forerunner” but I would like to present a new way for you to think about the word “forerunner.” If a “forerunner” is someone who paves the way, could this be applied to leadership? Isn’t a leader simply someone who goes first or “leads” the way? For me, a true leader prepares the way for others to follow. Not only will the leader make a path for others to follow but will get out of the way so others can lead as well. The path doesn’t end with them but is a stepping stone for those behind him them to go even further.

As I have thought about this idea of a leader being a “forerunner” I think about the difference between a leader and a tyrant. A leader wants what is best for their followers. A tyrant is focused on themself. A leader equips others to lead when they are gone. A tyrant holds all the power so when they die their so-called “dream” dies with them.

My inspiration for this idea of forerunner and paving the way is from John the Baptist. You can read about his short ministry in the Bible in the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. But for this entry I want to focus on Luke 3:4b-6:

“A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him. 5 Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth. 6 And all people will see God’s salvation.

The whole point of John’s ministry was to prepare the way for the Lord and that was it. Once Jesus showed up and begin his ministry, John got out of the way. John could have become bitter and angry at Jesus but we never see that from him. Rather John gladly steps out of the way so Jesus can lead and even goes as far to say, “He (Jesus) must become greater; I must become less” (John 3:30). That is truly a humble leader. I believe “A true leader prepares the way for others to follow.” But I think it goes even a step further:

“A true leader not only prepares the way for others to follow but also knows when to get out of the way and watch others take the lead.”

This is what I hope to accomplish with my blog. To help prepare the way for others to become better leaders in every area of their life. To prepare the way by sharing my experiences (good and bad) as a leader to help others who may be going through the same thing. To prepare the way for others and help them take the lead.