Leadership in the Making

The Making of a Leader: Insights from a Timeless Story

Would you like to be a person who is not a leader but has the leadership title or a person who is a leader without a title?

An age-old story comes to mind, one that offers valuable insights into what it means to be a leader. Before I share the story, I’d like to explain how it has shaped my understanding of leadership. It has presented me with two distinct images: one of a leader by title and another of a leader in action who doesn’t realize they are a leader.

On one hand, we have a person with a leadership title who needs to refine their leadership qualities. On the other hand, someone may not hold a formal title but is actively demonstrating leadership, often without even recognizing it. This second individual would likely never consider themselves a leader or among the ranks of leaders. The question is, which category do you find yourself in?

Now, let me share the story with you.

Once upon a time, a wealthy master prepared to go on a trip. Before he left, he called his three servants together and entrusted each of them with a different sum of money or talent, often referred to as responsibilities, assignments, or gifts. The talents were very significant! However, he did not give them the same number of talents.

To the first servant, he gave five talents.

To the second servant, he gave two talents.

To the third servant, he gave one talent.

He instructed them to use the money wisely while he was away.

Here’s what the servants did with the talents for which they were each responsible. The first servant, who received five talents, worked diligently and traded with the money. He successfully doubled his investment, resulting in ten talents! In other words, he turned his five into ten.

The second servant, who received two talents, also worked hard and managed to double his money, giving him four talents.

The third servant, who received one talent, was fearful and did something slightly different but quite common. Instead of using the money, he dug a hole and buried it in the ground.

When the master returned, he asked each servant to report their progress.

The first servant proudly presented the ten talents he had earned. The master was delighted and said, “Well done! You have been faithful with what you were given; I will put you in charge of even more.” ^[1]

The second servant showed the master his four talents. The master was also pleased and commended him in the same way.

However, the third servant returned with only the one talent. He said, “Master, I knew you were a tough man, so I was afraid and hid your talent in the ground.” ^[1]

The master was furious. He called the servant lazy and wicked, explaining that he could have at least put the money in the bank to earn some interest. He took the one talent away from him and gave it to the servant who had ten talents. Then, he commanded that the lazy servant be thrown out. ^[1]

This story has been used to convey multiple lessons, and I have a new set of insights to share. The first lesson revolves around the making of a leader, particularly as illustrated by the wealthy master who went on a business trip. A person with a leadership title must undergo a transformation process to become a true leader. The second lesson is the making of a leader, highlighting the servants who demonstrated leadership characteristics despite not holding any official titles, as seen in the example of the servants with the five and two talents. A person with leadership qualities who lacks a leadership title is a prime candidate for becoming a great leader. While I would love to elaborate further, you must wait for my next installment. Please come back next week for the first lesson.

There are individuals in a leadership position who have been set up with the perfect opportunity to become leaders. At the same time, there is someone else who may not hold a formal title but has what it takes to be a leader. Both situations provide valuable opportunities for growth and development in leadership.

---

[1] Matthew 25:14-30 NLT, Bible.com, accessed March 10, 2025, https://www.bible.com/bible/116/MAT.25.14-30.NLT

All Scripture references used by permission, see our Scripture copyrights.