Leadership that leads from the ground. 

Paul’s response to accusations about his authority and motives wasn’t what was expected and neither does it align with some leadership styles today.

Hows was an upside down leadership model .

“Now I am ready to visit you for the third time, and I will not be a burden to you, because what I want is not your possessions but you. After all, children should not have to save up for their parents, but parents for their children. So I will very gladly spend for you everything I have and expend myself as well. If I love you more, will you love me less? Be that as it may, I have not been a burden to you. Yet, crafty fellow that I am, I caught you by trickery! Did I exploit you through any of the men I sent to you? I urged Titus to go to you and I sent our brother with him. Titus did not exploit you, did he? Did we not walk in the same footsteps by the same Spirit?” 2 Corinthians‬ ‭12‬:‭14‬-‭18‬ ‭

Paul’s leadership model was:

1. People over profit, v14 “what I want is not your possessions but you”. This is not the attendance figures but the development of the character of people. This kind of leader is not trying to gain for themself in any way, financially, social status or any advantage personally. 
2. Parental approach, v14 “children should not have to save up for their parents, but parents for their children.” The big question is always this: are you developing people to surpass you, to carry the baton further than you, or are you simply wanting to create dependency on you? 
3. Pour out your life, v15, “So I will very gladly spend for you everything I have and expend myself as well.” This leader gives everything, nothing is wasted, they pour out their lives as an offering. In doing so they become even more influential.
4. Pure love, v15, “If I love you more, will you love me less?” Authentic leaders love regardless whether it is reciprocated or not. Their motivation is pure. It does not wait for applause. 
5. Preemptive transparency, v16-18, “Be that as it may, I have not been a burden to you. Yet, crafty fellow that I am, I caught you by trickery! Did I exploit you through any of the men I sent to you? I urged Titus to go to you and I sent our brother with him. Titus did not exploit you, did he? Did we not walk in the same footsteps by the same Spirit? Paul addressed potential issues before they became a reality. Even before he needs to he is inviting scrutiny into his leadership.

This is not about being a better leader but about being a different kind of leader. An upside down leader.