Can You Lead Where You Haven’t Been?
There’s a popular leadership idea that says: “You can’t lead where you haven’t been.”
Think about that for a moment…it sure sounds wise.
And it preaches well.
After all, would you trust a guide who’s never climbed the mountain you’re about to scale?
I myself often operate under this idea in both the leaders I follow and the areas I’m willing to lead others.
But is it Biblical?
Let’s dig a little deeper…
Observation: What It Says
The idea is fairly simple: You need to demonstrate success in an area before you can effectively lead others through it.
This implies a leader must be proven, qualified, and experienced. If not, they're disqualified in the eyes of those they lead.
The logic checks out. Would you want to learn carpentry from someone who’s never built anything? Would you rather learn accounting from the person who’s been a partner in a major firm or the guy who never really went anywhere in that field?
Experience gives you credibility in the eyes of those you are leading.
So, where do we see this in the Bible? Here a few examples that seem to support the idea:
Psalm 78:70-72 tells us David led with “integrity of heart” and “skillful hands.” His leadership was built on a history of faithfulness, first as a shepherd of sheep, then as a shepherd of God’s people.
In 1 Samuel 17:34-37, David tells King Saul about the times he fought off lions and bears, and that convinced Saul to let him face Goliath.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 says that the comfort we’ve received from God enables us to comfort others. After all, you can’t share what you don’t have.
But there’s a little more that’s often read into the meaning of this saying, “You can’t lead where you haven’t been.”
Interpretation: What It Means
This principle is intuitive on the surface. A leader has to have been there first, because they are the ones in front, leading. And we naturally want to follow people who’ve walked the road before us, who’ve reached the top of the mountain and know how to get there.
(At least, we think we do…the data would suggest that people follow whoever looks the part, not whoever is the part.)
But I’ve heard this principle interpreted more often in the negative sense.
First, it’s often used to disqualify ourselves from leading:
“I can’t lead people into this thing.,” “haven’t been there,” “I haven’t had ‘success’ in it,” or “I don’t really know what I’m doing, do I?”
Sound familiar? Have you ever said any of those things to yourself?
I’ve more often heard it used to disqualify ourselves from following, especially in a work environment (i.e. towards bosses):
“Who are they to lead?” “They don’t know what it’s like,” “They don’t have to work like we have to work.”
But, when I use the word “disqualify,” I really mean “excuse.” If I disqualify myself, then I don’t have to do the hard work of leading. If I disqualify others, then I don’t have to follow someone who God appointed to lead me. Now I have a “good” excuse.
And that makes me feel better.
Application: How It Works
When It’s Brilliant:
It makes sense not to follow someone who hasn’t had success, since we naturally want to follow those who’ve succeeded in the areas where we want to grow. That’s why mentorship and discipleship are so powerful; it’s why we have apprentices in certain industries. In business, I have a deeper understanding of the issues my employees are facing if I have worked in the job they are doing.
For example:
I want to be taught carpentry by a master carpenter, not the weekend woodworker
I want to learn business from someone who’s built hugely successful organizations, not the six-figure sole proprietor
I want to learn accounting from the partner in a big 4 firm, not the guy who never went anywhere with it
It seems to be Biblical as well:
John 13:14-15: Jesus didn’t just tell His disciples to serve; He demonstrated it by washing their feet.
1 Peter 5:2-3: Peter reminds leaders to serve as examples, not just authority figures.
Philippians 3:17: Paul encouraged believers to follow his example, not just his instructions.
And yet, the Bible doesn’t always limit leadership to those who’ve already “been there.”
When It’s Foolish:
How many amazing athletes do you know of that made horrible coaches? How many bosses have you had that are great at what they do but terrible with people?
Those accounting teachers were the two accounting professors at my college. The one with less experience had far greater success teaching it.
And we see some examples where this principle doesn’t play out like we think it should:
Not all successful people make great leaders
Many top athletes struggle as coaches or owners
The Pharisees had knowledge and public status, but Jesus called them “blind guides.” (Matthew 15:14)
And we have plenty of examples where God has chosen the foolish things of this world to shame the wise (1 Cor 1:27):
Abraham didn’t know where he was going when brought his family out of his homeland to follow God
David was the youngest in his family and had never led anyone when he was anointed as king
Jesus had never even tasted sin, yet He became sin for us
Final Thought
Yes, you can lead where you haven’t been. And we’re often called to do just that.
No worries. God has been there. And He will never leave you or forsake you.
You may be in a position where you need to lead others into the unknown. God may be bringing your business into a place you’ve never been before. You may be thinking you’re not capable of leading others there because you haven’t been through it yet yourself.
That’s OK.
It’s more than OK.
In fact, it may be the best place you could be.
He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Most gladly therefore I will rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest on me.
