Leadership: Ambassadors of a Radically Different Future
Last year while I was working on our biblical foundations and expertise paper for class, I chose to research the life and leadership of Caleb, from the well-known story of Joshua in the book of Numbers. As you can imagine, finding scholarly research on the often overlooked Caleb was not as easy as I’d hoped. The more I went digging, however, I discovered a few precious articles from Polish scholar, Judyta Pudelko, who claimed Caleb was the only one in the story who, “Dared to directly stand up for radical obedience to God’s will.”[1] I laughed out loud when I read that line as I had just recently read Peter Northouse’s book, Leadership: Theory and Practice where I do not recall reading about leadership traits or theories correlating with radical obedience to God’s will. Before you judge where I am going with this, please give me a moment to explain. The last book I read (at that time) exploring leadership challenges and styles was handed to me by an elder from one of the largest churches in the Portland area. He had heard I started in the Doctorate of Global leadership Program and thought I should read the “best” leadership book he ever read: Spiritual Leadership: Moving People on to God’s Agenda by Henry and Richard Blackaby.
From the Blackabys’ point of view and definition of leadership, Caleb is a leader: “Spiritual leadership is moving people on to God’s agenda.”[2] The authors also claim that, “Spiritual leadership is not identical to leadership in general.”[3] Northouse’s definition of leadership is, “A process whereby an individual influences a group of individuals to achieve a common goal.”[4] According to Northouse, Caleb is also a leader–it just took him 45 years to achieve a common goal. The question I started asking myself is, who determines what is God’s agenda if a group of individuals achieve a common goal? Or more to my purpose in this week’s blog post: Might all leadership be spiritual in some form since God works through those who know him and those who don’t?[5] [6]
How might Norhthouse’s book inform me as I ask these questions?
- Northouse’s Book Offers a Balcony View and Description of Leadership:
The purpose of this book is a broad landscape of leadership practices: Northouse defined leadership and desired for his readers to understand its practice through an exploration of its wide and myriad groupings on theories of leadership. Each chapter covers one leadership theory by covering traits, skills and behavioral approaches while the second and third sections of the book expand from group theories to organizational behavior theories. Just like a comprehensive music theory book is used by all types of musicians, leaders of all types and spiritual backgrounds could rely on Northouse’s textbook approach.
Each chapter examines a leadership theory, offers a critique and is filled with multiple case studies. Building on the claim that leadership is complex and a multidimensional process, Northouse’s approach to defining leadership is founded on the last 100 years of research. Again, based on leadership’s evolving history, he defines leadership as, “A process whereby an individual influences a group of individuals to achieve a common goal.”[7] Recalling Dr. Jules Glanzer comments on two things he would do differently, it seems Kingdom of God leaders also base their priorities on how history evolves. Glanzer, a former college president, said he would have paid more attention to corporate culture and would have spent more time developing the board to another level.[8] Sometimes the most spiritual leaders just admit what they wish they would have done differently–which doesn’t feel like an agenda.
- The Strengths of Northouse’s Book Lies in its Applicability:
The strengths of this work come from multiple theories and approaches, including case studies, that are highly accessible across various sectors. For the field of communications and mediation, the most applicable chapters are 8 and 9: Transformational Leadership and Authentic Leadership. At the end of chapter 8, Northouse includes a case study about an Exploration in Leadership with a college professor leading 25 college students on an archaeological dig. Professionals working as communicators or helping resolve conflict can benefit from the Transformational Leadership approach while making connections from the theories, traits and critiques from other parts of the book. As a mediator, this case study provided me with a different perspective on resolving a conflict. Rather than always telling my clients what to do, if I apply the transformational model (as opposed to the Behavioral Approach), I can adapt a general way of thinking, “About leadership that emphasizes ideas, inspiration, innovations, and individual concerns.”[9] More often than not, my clients have no clue that I am relying on the Holy Spirit to guide our mediation; yet, providing a safe space to have difficult conversations seems spiritual at one level.
- Northouse’s Book Paired With My Own Case Studies Gives Me Insight:
As I was reading this book for our class, I had scheduled an interview with one of my stakeholders. Maryanne, a director of organizational experiences and training, sat next to me in Chipotle describing her boss, who is a vice president of the company where she works. Rather than sit through one more Zoom meeting, Maryanne asked if we could meet in person for our meeting. The only two seats left in the restaurant were at a bar style table that looked out across the Willamette Valley, so as Maryanne thoughtfully spoke about what made her boss an effective leader, I scanned the beautiful landscape in front of me while taking careful notes.
Here’s how Maryanne describes her boss:
“She’s great listener”
“Curious. Asks amazing questions.”
“Uses a calm tone when suggesting how to do things differently”
“Responds, doesn’t react.”
“She reassures with her presence–constantly reassuring her direct reports.”
“Brings perspective.”
“In the face of conflict she says, “I have your back.” When someone makes a mistake, she says, “You know how to fix this, what’s your next step?”
“She makes others feel confident.”
As Maryanne talked further about how her boss influences the culture of her workplace, I scanned the horizon once more and thought about my work on Caleb; then I recalled Eve Poole’s words from Leadersmithing:
“The leader’s ability to see the potential of the present from a vantage point in the future–it allows leaders to act in the present moment as ambassadors of a radically different future–a position that helps their organizations to achieve strategic breakthroughs.”[10]
I was surprised by Peter Northouse’s well-organized, practical approach to Leadership and how often I found myself thinking that Caleb could have written this book from his experience–after all, in his 85th year, he confidently, humbly and boldly demonstrated that he did indeed have a different kind of spirit–one that was wholeheartedly devoted to God. And I am convinced that he was an ambassador of a radically different future as helped lead the Israelites to Kingdom living. Northouse’s book gives us the ability to see ourselves as we are in the present from a vantage point in the future. It’s what Maryanne’s boss does and it’s what we are called to do.
[1] Judyta Pudełko. “Caleb, Son of Jephunneh – As an Example of Fidelity to God.” An Exegetical Study of Sir 46:7-10.” The Biblical Annals 11, no. 4 (2021): 575–96.
[2] Blackaby and Blackaby, Spiritual Leadership. P. 36
[3] Blackaby and Blackaby, Spiritual Leadership. p.37
[4] Northouse, Leadership. P. 5.
[5] Proverbs 21:1, “The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will.”
[6] Isaiah 45:4, “I call you by name, I name you, though you do not know me.”
[7] Northouse, Leadership. P. 5.
[8] Dr. Jules Glanzer, Online Chat 30 October 2023.
[9] P. 180
[10] Poole, Leadersmithing. p.11
About the Author
Pam Lau
Pamela Havey Lau brings more than 25 years of experience in speaking, teaching, writing and mediating. She has led a variety of groups, both small and large, in seminars, trainings, conferences and teachings. Pam’s passion is to see each person communicate with their most authentic voice with a transparent faith in Jesus Christ. With more than 10, 000 hours of writing, researching, and teaching the heart and soul of Pam’s calling comes from decades of walking alongside those who have experienced healing through pain and peace through conflict. As a professor and author, Pam deeply understands the role of mentoring and building bridges from one generation to another. She has developed a wisdom in how to connect leaders with their teams. Her skill in facilitating conversations extends across differences in families, businesses, schools, universities, and nonprofits. Pam specializes in simplifying complex issues and as a business owner, has helped numerous CEOs and leaders communicate effectively. She is the author of Soul Strength (Random House) and A Friend in Me (David C. Cook) and is a frequent contributor to online and print publications. You can hear Pam’s podcast on Real Life with Pamela Lau on itunes. Currently, Pam is a mediator for families, churches, and nonprofits. You can contact Pam through her website: PamelaLau.com. Brad and Pam live in Newberg, Oregon; they have three adult daughters and one son-in-law. One small, vocal dog, Cali lives in the family home where she tries to be the boss! As a family they enjoy worshiping God, tennis, good food and spending time with family and friends.10 responses to “Leadership: Ambassadors of a Radically Different Future”
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Pam, the first thing that struck me reading your post is how you were able to weave in different connections across the two semesters. You highlighted something from Glanzer’s chat with us via zoom, where he said “he would have paid more attention to corporate culture and would have spent more time developing the board to another level.” (I thought…I need to make my board…which is technically a committee of our presbytery…a greater priority). You also highlighted a quote from Eve Poole’s Leadersmithing, which made me think, “I want to do a better job paying attention to the contexts I find myself in, being mindful of said contexts in light of what I am learning.
I also liked your question: “Who determines what is God’s agenda if a group of individuals achieve a common goal?” I’ll follow your question with a question for you — What “common goals” are worth pursuing, worthy of the influence a leader exerts in helping a team or group move toward that/those goal(s)? Is there an example that comes to mind?
Travis~ I always appreciate your thoughtful comments and posts. It’s as if you are already living at the deeper thought level but you invite us all in to think alongside you. Excellent!
You wrote: What “common goals” are worth pursuing, worthy of the influence a leader exerts in helping a team or group move toward that/those goal(s)? Is there an example that comes to mind?
What first comes to mind is the discernment leaders must have before they agree to help a team or group move toward those goals. And what I see often are leaders who are doing this subconsciously but deep down are not buying in 100 percent.
When I praying through the Gospels while staying emerged in community and culture, I find myself asking Jesus to use leaders for higher purposes other than their own agendas. For example, what if the common goal for all the seconds in command were to support their firsts, not blindly but with shared vision for that leaders best whole self? I think that creates trust in an organization.
Or What if area pastors had a common goal of setting aside meeting times for prayer without any agenda? I imagine it would be tough because people are so opinionated but in my mind, prayer sets the stage for God’s goals to be discovered. On the other hand, I think of Hitler and his groups who had the common goal of eliminating the Jewish people. There was a lot of power in their efforts. What do you think?
Pam,
I have been pondering Poole’s quote, “The leader’s ability to see the potential of the present from a vantage point in the future–it allows leaders to act in the present moment as ambassadors of a radically different future–a position that helps their organizations to achieve strategic breakthrough.”
I am engaged with a new country start up for GoodSports Ukraine (www.goodsportsinternational.org). The model of establishing a new ministry field were debated long and hard in our GSI International Board and I came away with a lack of any strategic breakthrough.
The nay sayers in the group are people I respect and truly their programs are running well (Slovakia and Hungary). Then I come back to Northouse, I begin to see that they are great managers but lack the edge of leadership that would take them into a new space.
Hmmmm….MaryAnn’s boss seemed to be a good manager.
I am wrestling with how to “communicate” to managers as GSI Ukraine moves forward without their approval.
Shalom…
Russell~
You are a collaborative thinker and communicator. Around you, I never feel left out. Might this be one of your strategic strengths? By the way, what are you top 5 Strengths?
You write: I am wrestling with how to “communicate” to managers as GSI Ukraine moves forward without their approval.
Clarifying question: without whose approval? The GSI International Board?
Perhaps you ask the managers different questions first and then you go back to the board with a clarifying question that moves them from saying to Nay to saying Show us?
“Might all leadership be spiritual in some form since God works through those who know him and those who don’t?” I think you are on to something… it makes me go back to “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights,…” (James 1:17)
I am so encouraged by your emphasis on Caleb. You are right; he does not get enough airtime as a radical leader, who stood against the crowd for their own good. It seems to me that the discernment of when to use your skills and potentially take risks, like Caleb did is one part of leadership components that is necessarily spiritual. There are too many options to misstep without inviting Him to be a part of it.
Jen, I appreciate you being a thought partner on this post as we think about the life and leadership of Caleb. It’s so very interesting to me that God would include him in the story, give him the highest compliment/affirmation, keep him alive and well and yet give us as the readers such little information or background about him. I like what you said about using our gifts with discernment–how you phrased that immediately gave me the sense of how taking a risk like that builds confidence; yet, it’s grounded in humility and knowing who you are.
Pam,
I agree with Travis. You write with such syntopical ease.
Your question is a good one to wrestle with.
“Might all leadership be spiritual in some form since God works through those who know him and those who don’t?” Proverbs 21:1 states “The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.” My take on this verse is that with all of our human reasonings on leadership, God is ultimately in control in some way shape or form. I was just reading an Advent devotional from the C.S. Lewis foundation this morning that talked about God’s glory (Isaiah 40:5). C.S. Lewis did much work in trying to understand God’s glory…makes sense since he loved the mystical side of things. He described glory as “fame with God” because “how God thinks of us is…infinitely more important.”[1] So I come back to the thought that God is ultimately in charge but he choses to use us. And if we know Him, we truly gain the fame of truly being known and loved.
[1] https;//.CSLewisinstitute.org/messiah/
I appreciate your kind words, Esther.
Your last two sentences are a new thought for me and I am dwelling on that today as I write yet again another paper:).
“So I come back to the thought that God is ultimately in charge but he choses to use us. And if we know Him, we truly gain the fame of truly being known and loved.”
As I read Northouse last week, another thought occured to me as he described so many leadership traits and approaches: Thoughout the history of the world, if we were to interview all of the greatest world leaders, would they talk about or even acknowledge a Higher Power? Would the ones who didn’t know God confess that Someone Greater was working behind the scenes? Just curious. Thanks for your comments.
Asking thoughtful questions! When you write this response as a way of good leading your friend experiences and listening, I’d say those are 2 qualities I experience in you! How do you utilize your own story and who you are to draw people in?
Pam,
Peter Northouse’s practical and well-organized approach to leadership offers valuable insights that can be applied across various sectors.
It’s interesting to see how leadership theories align with real-life examples like Caleb’s. The ability to envision a different future and act as ambassadors of that vision is a powerful leadership quality.
Northouse’s book provides a framework to develop such leadership skills and perspectives.