The Joy of the Lord, Fuel for Resilient Leadership
Introduction
Marcus Warner and Jim Wilder did amazing work in Rare Leadership. “RARE” is an acronym for what they call the four essential qualities of a mature Leader: Remaining relational, Act like Yourself, Return to Joy, and Endure Hardship.
I can’t agree more with the statement below in the praise of the work of Marcus and Jim right at the beginning of the book.
I loved Rare Leadership in the Workplace! Marcus and Jim make a compelling, scientifically verified case that the key to mature, effective leadership is “the high-powered fuel of joy. This book will convince you of that truth and provide a practical roadmap to returning to joy daily so you can do your most exceptional work.[1]
The presence that transforms us making us children of God, remains in us and will produce the “RARE” qualities to help us remain rare.
Remaining Relational:
“One of the key characteristics that separates mature leaders from sandbox leaders is their ability to remain relational when they deal with problems.”[2]
Marcus and Jim argue that staying connected with people, even under stress, is the foundation of good leadership. Leaders should prioritize relationships over tasks because strong relationships foster trust and collaboration, leading to better results. I love how the authors bring in brain science.
Fast track and slow track
In stark contrast, leaders who learn to run on the fuel of joy find a sustainable source of motivation for themselves and others that never runs dry. This doesn’t mean that you are happy all the time or that you never experience upsetting emotions (usually caused by upsetting people). Running on the fuel of joy means you find ways, every day, to build a little joy into the relationships you have.[3]
Acting like myself
It’s vital, as mentioned by the authors, to maintain authenticity. A leader’s true character is tested not when things go smoothly, but during challenges. Leaders who act congruently with their core values and beliefs inspire trust and loyalty from their team.
Remaining Relational and Enduring Hardship
As mentioned by Marcus and Jim, A leader’s ability to persevere through challenges is vital to leadership. The presence of joy enables a leader to remain relational with those on their team and the people they lead.
A Surprise in Surprise
When I decided to settle in Arizona, God blessed us, and we bought our home in Surprise, Arizona, a new suburb on the west side of Phoenix. My wife and her friends filled my Joy reservoir with a surprise party on August 20 as I turned 50. They had been planning for something amazing behind my back for a long time, and I had no clue. I thought she had worked on my birthday, so I did not expect much to be done on the day of my birthday besides visiting with a family in the neighborhood. At the neighbor’s house, I met a surprise of about 50 people with my printed pictures singing Happy Birthday. I did not know there was a crowd of friends, some we had not met for a long time, waiting to surprise me with a unique Birthday gift.
I had not felt such joy for a long time; I thought it was comparable to how I felt on our wedding day.
“Joy is the positive energy that comes from sharing a relational connection. If I have a good weekend camping with my friends, I can run for days on the emotional energy created by the joy we shared.”[4]
Give me Jesus’ Joy, the Fuel for Resilient Leadership
As I read this amazing book, I was reminded of Upper Room’s Give Me Jesus.
Give me Jesus
Give me Jesus
You can have all this world
You can have all this world.
Give me Jesus
Give me Jesus
You can have all this world
You can have all this world.
I agree with the authors, and I believe we need the Joy of Jesus every day to fill our joy tank. The fuel of his joy will enable us to endure the hardest places in our lives, whether in the workplace or other areas. The Joy of Jesus is the fuel for resilient leadership.
Thank God for Jesus and for a surprise in Surprise.
[1] Jim Wilder and Marcus Warner, Rare Leadership in the Workplace: 4 Uncommon Habits That Improve Focus, Engagement, and Productivity (Chicago: Northfield Publishing, 2021).
[2] Wilder and Warner.
[3] Wilder and Warner.
[4] Wilder and Warner.
About the Author
Jean de Dieu Ndahiriwe
Jean de Dieu Ndahiriwe is a Clinical Correctional Chaplain and former Child Refugee from War-torn Rwanda. A member of the Maxwell Leadership Certified Team, Jean is passionate about Servant Leadership and looks forward to seeing more leaders that inspire Lasting Peace and Justice for all, especially "the least of these".4 responses to “The Joy of the Lord, Fuel for Resilient Leadership”
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Jean,
Great post! I really liked your point “One of the key characteristics that separates mature leaders from sandbox leaders is their ability to remain relational when they deal with problems.”
It is so important as leaders to remember to not make it about ourselves. Well done!
Thanks, Greg,
Appreciate your interaction.
Blessings.
Great post!
You mention:
A leader’s true character is tested not when things go smoothly, but during challenges. Leaders who act congruently with their core values and beliefs inspire trust and loyalty from their team.
What is one piece of advice you would give to leaders to always act and react to their core values?
Thanks, Alana,
That’s an excellent question. I would encourage the leader not to give up when challenges arise but to keep focused on instilling those core values in the team for support.