Inside Out Leadership Development
Introduction
In other parts of the world where they are so deep into their traditional way of living, the distinction between the role of a man versus the role of the women is so visible. In Micronesia, the role of the women as individual, as wife or mother, and within the community though different from the men’s, it complimented the men’s. The men’s role could be more visible in some ways as the traditional leaders of the clan; women have many important roles as well. Women are credited for child-bearer, contributors to the economic life of the family and community role as political role on the sidelines. Not only this but, they are powerful anchor within the family as well. For example, it is through women that properties such as land is passed down to the next generation. And the older women in the family linage is more influential making and keeping peace among the aterenges (Chuukese word meaning group of related families). [1] In Micronesia, the roles of the men and the women most of the time is blindsided by their visibility. But in reality, it complements each other.
Aspects of The Reading
According to Morgan in her book, women encountered certain expectations that are different from their male counterpart, therefore there is a need for this ‘Holistic Leadership Development.’ There are seven aspects that are divided into two frameworks which focuses on both internal formation and external formation. The internal formation focuses (a.) not only recognizing, but to be firmed that they are called to do God’s work [2], (b.) knowing what your given and work to improve upon it [3], (c.) work on improving awareness and being relational.[4]
The external formation deals with (a.) how life at home in the family supports[5], (b.) being aware of what is going on and available with the vocation[6], (c.) developing the understanding of how and the practicality of leadership[7], and (d.) dealing with the perceived expectations and establishing authenticity.[8] After reading all this, it makes me wonder, is this gender specifics? Can this be applied to men in ministry as well?
With regards to leadership development whether male or female, there is the need for development in any of this area that is lacking.
Both male and female are designed to be ‘co-laborers’ in God’s work as it was illustrated in Genesis [9], that includes being in leadership role as well. One article differentiates how male and female are distinct in their style by stating that male are more ‘authoritative and task-focused,’ while their counterpart are more ‘cooperative and emphatic.’[10]
My Takeaway
What have I learned from this? First, I am still not sure about the difference of how a women and a man would. A leader is a leader regardless of the gender, just as it regardless of race and ethnicity – It is only our perceptions that affected how we look at male female in leadership. Both male and female needs to develop their ‘aspect of leadership’ in the area for by which is lacking.
[1] Mac Marshall, “The Role of Women in Micronesia: Then and Now,” Micronesian Seminar Discussion, 1999, https://micsem.org/micsem-discussion/womens-role-in-micronesia-then-and-now/..
[2] Anna R. Morgan, Growing Women in Ministry: Seven Aspects of Leadership Development (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2024), 12.
[3] Ibid (34-36).
[4] Ibid (52-55).
[5] Ibid (77-80).
[6] Ibid (101-104).
[7] Ibid (128-132).
[8] Ibid (156-160).
[9] Rob Dixon, Together in Ministry: Women and Men in Flourishing Partnerships (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2021), 23–25.
[10] “Gender-Based Differences in Leadership: Male vs. Female Leaders,” Gender Studies, last modified May 23, 2024, https://gender.study/organisation-and-leadership/gender-differences-in-leadership/.
About the Author
Noel Liemam
2 responses to “Inside Out Leadership Development”
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Hi Noel, I enjoyed reading your post.
How might Morgan’s holistic leadership development model be adapted to support both men and women in ministry, especially in areas where their growth needs may differ but their calling is shared?
Dr. Liemam,
I really appreciated your thoughts on men and women in leadership, especially when you wrote, “A leader is a leader regardless of gender, just as it is regardless of race or ethnicity. It is only our perceptions that affect how we view men and women in leadership. Both male and female need to develop their aspect of leadership in the area that is lacking.”
As you engaged with Morgan’s book, what new insights or perspectives stood out to you or challenged the way you think about women leading in ministry contexts?