4 Basic Needs of a Follower: Leadership 101 from Psalm 23

Nearly everyone is familiar with the opening strain of Psalm 23. It’s the Amazing Grace of the Bible. We often hear it at funerals but it’s really a manifesto for life and specifically, for leadership.

In their book Strengths Based Leadership, authors Tom Rath and Barry Conchie reveal a list of the four basic needs of a follower based on a Gallup Poll of more than 10,000 followers. As a leader, you want to know what your followers are looking for.

Here they are: trust, compassion, stability and hope. While we see many leadership traits represented throughout Psalm 23, it’s interesting that we find these four basic needs addressed in order as we make our way through the verses.

1) TRUST

The Lord is my shepherd.

?We don’t hear much about shepherds these days but this was a fellow who would lay down his life for those he leads. Imagine if those you lead believed you would lay down your life for them. Because a shepherd spends so much time with his flock, the sheep recognize his voice and willingly follow him. The Bible tells us that they would run away from a stranger simply because they do not recognize his voice. Are you spending enough time with your team to build that level of trust? When you have trust on your team, the topic almost never comes up. If you lack trust, that’s all your team will focus on.

2) COMPASSION

I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul.

A leader cares for and about his team. He makes sure they have the resources they need. A good leader gives the team rest and knows the importance of a well-placed breather. He cares for their overall well-being. Team members that feel compassion from their leader won’t stray from the flock.

3) STABILITY

He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Team members want to know they’re on the right path and they are looking for guidance. Correction, even. A leader sticks with his team through thick and thin and provides a sense of security, strength and support along the journey.

4) HOPE

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Knowing where we’re headed gives us great confidence in the future. A future vision described by the leader and a defined mission on how we’ll get there keeps the team engaged and is a motivator to keep moving forward. Be sure you have a vision and a mission and that your team can articulate what it is.

What are some ways you can specifically put these principles from Psalm 23 into action with your team?