Leading for the Sake of One
Nohria and Khurana have sought to envelope us in the scholastic, practical and purposeful aspect of leadership and challenge us to live with meaning. This type of leadership requires us to delve into mindset of our audience and seek to communicate effectively and purposefully. “Leaders are the source of institutional values which, in turn, condition the actions of organizational members.”[1] Leadership caries consequence. We are men and women of influence with every word, action and decision. We all are positioned as leaders; however, the effectiveness of our leadership is always measured by the transformation of our followers. Nohria and Khurana suggest, “Ultimately, one of the most important reasons to study leadership is to enable the development of leaders.”[2] Leadership is one’s theology – it is the belief that directs one’s interaction and ability to lead a life of meaning. With this in mind, how do we measure the success of a leader? Is it ethical or practical to try to place statistics on one’s influence? I would venture to say yes.
We must be able to gain insight into one’s ability to gain the attraction and agreement of followers. One’s leadership is dependent on one’s relationship. Are lives transformed? Are followers experiencing meaning and value in their work? This type of measurement works on the position of comparative analysis. If THIS occurs than THAT with happen. Leadership enables us to understand how our lives are intertwined and how our decisions affect those around us. However, how do we assess meaning? Is it measurable?
I remember attending a conference a few years ago, where the keynote speaker compared the structure of the church to business. This man led a church of thousands; however, his leadership was steeped in his understanding and background in for-profit business. He understood that anything worth doing was worth doing well and challenged us in respect to our own ministries. He posed the question, “When did we start to believe that God is offended by excellence?” We all sat and mulled over his words. He was right. In a room full of one hundred pastors and leaders who were passionate to make God known, we feared doing it well. That is why economics must play its part in sustaining an organizational structure and financially supporting the mission. “A leader cannot continue to infuse meaning over time unless the organization can survive, and since survival depends on some minimal level of performance, a focus on meaning cannot be maintained to the complete exclusion of a focus on performance.”[3] Can our ministries survive? Are we leading others responsibly? The authors also suggest that, “…what makes a leader is not that they have special or exemplary attributes relative to others, but that they are able to fulfill vital functions that help meet their followers’ needs for meaning, social order, group identity, and goal accomplishment.”[4] Are we meeting our followers’ needs for meaning? Leadership is not simply an exercise of hopeful change, but of intentional purpose. It challenges us to lead for the sake of one person being transformed.
Who has God placed in your path? How will your interaction with one affect your influence with thousands? Meaningful leadership occurs when we treat those around us with worth and meaning. It requires us to see past differences and communicate for the sake of change. Cross-cultural and globalized leadership must be able to assess cultural needs and comprehend cultural behavior. It requires us to engage with culture and present the gospel in tangible ways that can be understood and replicated within one’s own nation, language, traditions, and characteristics. The gospel must always be protected, but the presentation must always be innovative. “The power of leaders depends upon the followers’ objectives that are embedded in their culture.”[5] Are we listening to the distinctiveness of culture or peddling an Americanized gospel?
The measurement of leadership is in receptivity – is the message heard, is it accepted, is it relevant? We must always seek to ask ourselves these questions and be ready for the answers. David Kinnaman, author and president of Barna Research Group reveals, “59% of young people with a Christian background report that they had or have dropped out of attending church after going to church regularly…and nearly two-fifths (38%) say they have gone through a period when they significantly doubted their faith.”[6] Are we listening? How can we claim good leadership when we’re losing followers? How can we claim to be good leaders when we’re ignoring those who are walking away? We must listen and respond. The authors suggest, “Leadership like power, is a relationship, and followers also have the power both to resist and to lead. Followers empower leaders as well as vice versa.”[7] Jesus Christ is the representation of good leadership. His values and His life answered the question of humanity. His influence was not contrived, but conducive to His audience. I want to conclude with a testimony from one of His followers – a man who chose not to resist, but to lead.
The jagged stones pierced against his body and blood ran down his temple, yet he reached out with batted breath and spoke one final word, “God I’ll see you in a minute. But I have one last prayer on this planet. I pray for the men who are murdering me. Make sure you forgive them. Don’t hold this against them.”[8] Saul’s eyes focused solely on this man’s prayer – a prayer that would forever change his life. A prayer that would transform Paul into the greatest of followers. Stephen’s martyrdom led to Paul’s mission. Are we living with one last prayer? Are we living with one last purpose? Are we leading so that others will follow?
[1] Nitin Nohria and Rakesh Khurana, Handbook of Leadership Theory and Practice: An Hbs Centennial Colloquium On Advancing Leadership (Boston, Mass.: Harvard Business Press, 2010), 65.
[2] Nitin Nohria and Rakesh Khurana, Handbook of Leadership Theory and Practice: An Hbs Centennial Colloquium On Advancing Leadership (Boston, Mass.: Harvard Business Press, 2010), 21.
[3] Nitin Nohria and Rakesh Khurana, Handbook of Leadership Theory and Practice: An Hbs Centennial Colloquium On Advancing Leadership (Boston, Mass.: Harvard Business Press, 2010), 97.
[4] Nitin Nohria and Rakesh Khurana, Handbook of Leadership Theory and Practice: An Hbs Centennial Colloquium On Advancing Leadership (Boston, Mass.: Harvard Business Press, 2010), 15.
[5] Nitin Nohria and Rakesh Khurana, Handbook of Leadership Theory and Practice: An Hbs Centennial Colloquium On Advancing Leadership (Boston, Mass.: Harvard Business Press, 2010), 313.
[6] David Kinnaman and Aly Hawkins, You Lost Me: Why Young Christians Are Leaving Church– and Rethinking Faith (Grand Rapids, Mich.: BakerBooks, 2011), 23.
[7] Nitin Nohria and Rakesh Khurana, Handbook of Leadership Theory and Practice: An Hbs Centennial Colloquium On Advancing Leadership (Boston, Mass.: Harvard Business Press, 2010), 311.
[8] Judah Smith, Life Is –: God’s Illogical Love Will Change Your Existence (Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson, 2015), 51.
About the Author
Colleen Batchelder
I speak at conferences, churches, companies and colleges on intergenerational communication, marketing, branding your vision and living authentically in a ‘filtered’ world. My talks are customized to venue needs and audience interests. My passion is to speak with organizations and bridge the intergenerational gap. I consult with companies, individuals, churches and nonprofit organizations and help them create teams that function from a place of communication that bridges the generational gap. I’m also the Founder and President of LOUD Summit – a young adult organization that presents workshops, seminars and summits that encourage, empower and equip millennials to live out their destiny and walk in their purpose. When I’m not studying for my DMin in Leadership and Global Perspectives at Portland Seminary, you can find me enjoying a nice Chai Latte, exploring NYC or traveling to a new and exotic destination.9 responses to “Leading for the Sake of One”
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Thanks Colleen,
You gave us some great point and facts showing the good and failure side of leadership, what should leaders do? For those kinds of issues among Christian leadership, I think the Key Verse: Isaiah 30:1-“Cursed is the leader who carries out plans without involving God ”, therefore leadership in the organizational can’t be compare with Christian leadership, but the authors have given us how to view good and failure in leadership and the important of leadership in business organizations but also should be applied in small groups and units such families and discussion groups, schools and churches. The Christian leadership dances by a different drummer, because God always wants leaders to walk in His divine path.
The key verse urges people in leadership positions to constantly seek God’s help while exercising their leadership. It further cautions those who may want to offer leadership based on their own knowledge. This verse states that for those who are defiant and do not look to God for guidance, a curse will befall them. The curse that will befall such leaders and the societies they lead will be catastrophic. Leaders should therefore, have regard for God, and no decisions should be made without seeking the will of God. Failure to walk in the divine path will lead to making wrong decisions, outcomes that will be equally catastrophic.
A leader’s actions can also impact the level of trust amongst the team they support. For example, if a leader holds a certain team member to different standards than others on the team this can cause jealously, contempt and lead to mistrust. The team questions why that person gets an easier ride, more autonomy, better projects etc. The leader needs to be transparent and honest about why they are making these decisions and let the rest of the team know how they can reach the same level of trust with the leader. Or, if the situation is different for a certain team member, the leader needs to be able to explain why in a factual and specific way.
The Christian Leader should take an Audit, which helps determine the overall strength of leader as a Christian. Is the leader a strong Christian leader, above average Christian leader and so on? As Malphurs exclaims, as Christian leaders our “mandate is to lead Christianity regardless of the context.” This audits one’s commitment to Christ, godly character, reliance on God and ability to live by example. I scored a nine on the audit and according to my score I am a strong Christian leader. This reading is causing us as Christian leader to examine their character. For an example, the anointing on your life can take you where you are headed but will your character sustain you once you are there? Thanks for sharing Rose Maria
Aubrey Malphurs, Being Leaders:The Nature of Authentic Christian Leadership, (Grand Rapids, Michigan, Baker Books:2003), 13.
Thank you, Rose! I really appreciate your questions and observations.
You wrote “…leadership in the organizational can’t be compare with Christian leadership…” I would actually disagree. Many times in Scripture we’re challenged to utilize the talents and gifts that God has granted to us. Luke 12:48 reads, “…When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required.” I recently heard a message this past Sunday, where the pastor posed a question to the audience. He asked, “Are we entering God’s presence, or are we vying for His promises?” We all mulled over his words; however, the Lord revealed that this man was missing one very important concept when it came to discipleship: Preparation. We don’t work to appease God, but we work to praise God. If our faith is without any form of action, then we’re simply giving God lip-service. The author’s suggest, “An important component of the self-concept is a person’s possible selves – the images an individual has about who he or she might become, would like to become, or fears becoming in the future” (Nohria, 659). This ties into our own conception of what it means to be made in the Imago Dei. What characteristics are exhibited? What actions are evident? Perfection has never been a goal of Christendom; however, pursuit and purpose have always been intrinsic attributes of our faith. You made a great point when you wrote, “The leader needs to be transparent and honest…” This needs to be foundational in leadership and in life.
Thanks Colleen for pointing out my mistake,
I’m sorry, maybe I didn’t explain myself clearly concerning the Word comparison between organization leadership and Christian leadership; I was saying Christian should meet all those standards and more. Our example for Christian leadership is our Lord Jesus Christ. He declared, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” in John 10:11 give us our perfect description of a Christian leader. He is one who acts as a shepherd to those “sheep” in his care. In the organization leadership, the principles of honesty and integrity are not always followed but I guess that may also be found in the church. Yes the Christians leaders should possess the good qualities that the authors listed and more; because we are light of the World. We need to measure up to God‘s standard.
The shepherd is one who has several roles in regard to his sheep. He leads, feeds, nurtures, comforts, corrects and protects. The shepherd of the Lord’s flock leads by modeling godliness and righteousness in his own life and encouraging others to follow his example. Of course, our ultimate example—and the One we should follow—is Christ Himself. The Apostle Paul understood this: “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ”. (1 Corinthians 11:1)
Do you think Christian leader is one who follows Christ and inspires others to follow Him as well? Thanks for sharing Rose Maria
Hey Rose,
I pray that you didn’t find my comment rude or criticizing. I really did enjoy your observations. Thank you for taking the time to reveal your view from a new perspective. Yes. Christians should meet the demands of leadership, and seek to meet the demands of being led by Christ. Organizational leadership only glimpses at the foundational basics of healthy leadership. In order to be effective and influential, one must always seek the Lord’s hand and His will.
I have met many young adults who have a dreams – they have passion and speak with hopeful ambition, but they fear stepping out and enacting leadership. They want to lead – but fear walking out in the reality of God’s calling. When I was in Bible College, one of the most popular prayers that I would hear on campus would be, “Lord, show me your will.” Hundreds of Christians were determined to follow Christ, yet more than half of them have walked away from the church and their passion for Christ. Why? I would venture to state, if one needs to constantly pray for God’s will, then that means only one thing – they have already walked away from it. God’s will is meant to be lived out, not just prayed for. Christian leadership not only inspires others to seek Christ, but to look like Christ – it seeks to bear the name and actions of being a Christian – an ambassador of the One we worship. Thank you again for contributing to a good discussion! 🙂
Colleen,
Great insight and perspective. I am curious of your thoughts on chapter 16 (CEO Leadership). Pablo and I both resonated with the idea that the role of a Sr. Pastor is likened to a role of a corporate CEO. What are thoughts? Agree, disagree, why? The reason for my question, is that you are a very insightful, articulate, and passionate leader. However, you are not a Sr. Pastor (although you certainly have all the gifting and ability to do so), which I think gives you great objectivity and perspective than I have on the subject. Thus, I am curious of your thoughts on the subject.
Aaron
Thank you, Aaron!
It’s interesting how the term CEO can be described in various forms. In the beginning of the book, the authors talked about the effect of resources and finances playing on the time and management of the CEO. If one is starting up a company, or planting a church, then the management and decisions fall solely on the CEO. They must operate in many different positions, such as CFO, COO and CEO, in order to profit the company/church. Their main concern and contribution is for the sake of the organization. “This logic suggests that where opportunities are scarce, CEO effects should be high. In contrast, in situations where opportunities are abundant, CEO effects should be low” (Nohria, 34). I would venture to state that I’m a CEO and a Senior Pastor. Many times, we limit the role of pastor to the context of a building; however, I have to oversee all the executive management of my ministry, preach at various churches, retreats and conference, and utilize my time to counsel and pour into pastors and leaders in the marketplace and the Christian ministry world. I may not have a church building, but I am ultimately responsible to leading counsel and providing senior level leadership to my team and wherever I preach. It’s itinerant ministry, but it’s still senior leadership.
It’s interesting, I’ve been asked many times to plant a church or lead pastor an established church, but I see God’s leading as nomadic and globalized in effect and purpose. I see God’s calling on my life as bigger than a zip code. Chapter 16 defines leadership and a CEO’s responsibility as, “Performing the totality of these functions and making associated decisions is the collective responsibility of all managers in the organization. Although the CEO is ultimately responsible for this collective managerial performance, the CEO cannot humanly be personally involved in every function and every decision” (Nohria, 435) I think the greatest form of senior leadership is one that provides a platform for others and empowers those around them to invest in the big picture of the ministry.
I recently approached a conference center who wants to invest in a young adult’s conference that I’ve created – the best part of the meeting was the collaboration. No one vied for position or fought over ownership – we all gathered together and sought to see the big picture – the picture of thousands of young people coming to Christ and giving Him glory. We were purposed in building God’s Kingdom, not our own individual success. I think leadership, regardless of the size or organizational structure, must be built on the unity of mindset and unity of participation. As CEOs and Senior Pastors, we have the awesome task of building a team that builds a movement.
Colleen,
From your blog I wrote down, “Are we meeting our followers’ needs for meaning?”
Are you saying that we are successful leaders if our followers find meaning in what we do?
Can you describe a leader who helped you find meaning in what you do? How did that person help you to find meaning?
Thank you for the great question, Marc! Your question made me think of Proverbs 22:6, which states, “Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.” This verse also applies to us as pastors and ministers of the gospel. Are we training up our team? Are we pouring into them and providing leadership that sustains them? A parent, or in this setting, a pastor cannot save – but they can serve – they can serve those that God has placed in their care and send them out fully equipped.
The authors state, “Separating power and leadership is impossible in research, as in life. More must be done to understand the different conditions under which leaders combine hard and soft power resources into strategies of smart power” (Nohria, 327). I was blessed to have an amazing youth pastor that emulated healthy leadership. He handled the Word of God with authority and led us with encouragement and charisma. His love for Christ was contagious and convicting! His leadership invited us to participate – His life invited us to live with risk and with radical faith that was counter culture. John Quelch writes, “Management gurus refer to ‘level 5’ and ‘authentic’ leadership that is more collaborative and integrative” (Nohria, 323). As teens, we were invited to collaborate and contribute in mission work, church ministry and community outreach. He made such an effect on my life that I’ve actually chosen to use an experience that I had at youth group years ago as the opening chapter of my book. Good leadership encourages us to dream and deny everything for the sake of following Christ. Good leaders show us how.
Colleen,
As I read your post, it became clear. Is it possible that the reason for stagnant church growth is that we have poor leaders? When I speak to some of these pastors with smaller churches, they sound like they are trying to survive. If leaders are not carved with influence, no one will follow. John Maxwell states, “You may be able to grant someone a position, but you cannot grant them real leadership. Influence must be earned.” Have you ever noticed how you may have a few likes on a fan page on Facebook but when you host an event, you see more people? That is because they trust the person. This book challenged its readers to research before making application. I believe stagnant churches, businesses or organizations are the results of poor leadership (which includes failing to do quality research). Your following statement is key to your blog, “I think the greatest form of senior leadership is one that provides a platform for others and empowers those around them to invest in the big picture of the ministry.” I serve at a multisite church so I rarely get to see or hear all the success stories of each church campus. However, my role is to create a platform, develop people and empower them to serve. It is a great feeling to know that even I am absent, those I have trained become active at each camps. If we are not empowering people as leaders, we need a self-evaluation. Great post…
Garfield