Identity Groups
RARE Leadership
Introduction
In a world characterized by diverse identities and ever-evolving cultural landscapes, the book RARE Leadership by Marcus Warner and Dr. Jim Wilder offers a refreshing perspective on leadership through the lens of Christian faith.[1] The authors’ core message revolves around recognizing, affirming, and nurturing the unique identities of those seeking their identity in Christ.[2] Before I discuss the intricacies of their perspective of identity and leadership, let’s spend a few minutes reviewing some of the core concepts of Rare Leadership.
The Concept of RARE Leadership
RARE Leadership introduces the concept of relational skills, acting like yourself, returning to joy, and enduring hardship (RARE) as essential elements of Christian leadership. At the heart of RARE Leadership is the high-octane energy of joy. According to Warner and Wilder, joy operates on the right side of the brain, which is responsible for our relationships. The right side of the brain, also called the fast track, is the one that optimizes engagement with others, regulates our emotions, and remembers who we are (connects to our memories). Our identity is at the center of the right side of the brain.[3] The left side of the brain is the planning and problem-solving side. In their book, they designate the left side of the brain as the slow track and equate it with the management tasks performed in organizations.
A key premise of the book is the need for more mature leaders. Mature leaders are described as able to keep relationships as their highest priority (even during a problem-solving phase), effectively problem-solve without blaming others, and build healthy organizational cultures.[4] Mature leaders were contrasted with “sandbox” leaders, who reverted to childish behavior to solve problems and place personal pride above the organization’s good.[5] The last point regarding mature leaders is that they can endure hardships relying on established routines that enable them to keep joy in their lives. Most often, the joy emanates from healthy and satisfying relationships.[6]
The Identity Group Recommendation
Warner and Wilder advocate for forming identity groups within Christian communities and organizations.[7] As recommended by the authors, identity groups serve as safe spaces where individuals can openly discuss their faith journeys and experiences of identifying with Christ. These groups provide a platform for sharing struggles, doubts, and triumphs. They foster a sense of belonging and help participants better understand their unique identities in Christ.[8] These groups are not accountability groups. Instead, they are to be considered a team of allies.[9]
The Importance of Identity in Christ
Identity in Christ transcends external labels and societal expectations. It allows individuals to define themselves based on their relationship with God and faith in Christ. This perspective is liberating because it liberates individuals from the chains of worldly standards and encourages them to pursue their true calling. “When we grow our identities in the world, we will mutate and become something other than what God intended. When this happens, reflections of the deformities and dysfunctions in our world mold who we are rather than the heart of Christ lying undisturbed within.”[10]
Supporting and Encouraging Others in Their Identity
RARE leadership, particularly in its focus on the “Identity” component, challenges leaders to support and encourage others actively on their journey of self-discovery in Christ. Leaders are called to create an environment of trust and openness where individuals feel safe to express their doubts and explore their faith.[11]
RARE leaders are especially good at identifying the seeds of the Christ-like image in a person’s heart. Leaders can be a catalyst for waking the heart of others to their real identity in Christ and are patient enough to allow the newly awakened seed to blossom and flourish.[12]
Conclusion
The book’s emphasis on identity in Christ is a timely reminder of the importance of acknowledging individuals’ diverse journeys in their faith. I was reminded of last week’s assignment on Identity by Fukuyama. In contrast, Fukuyama’s book left a feeling of chaos and turmoil. It is because the concept of identity got entangled with politics and resentment. Fukuyama unknowingly paints how identity mutates without having its basis in Christ. RARE also reminded me of Camacho’s book Mining for Gold. Identifying the seeds of Christlikeness in others is similar to Camacho’s call to see the good in others and to assist them in aligning with their values and purpose.
Two ideas I would want to explore further: how can a RARE leader effectively establish an identity group outside of a Christian organization? And, even within a Christian organization, how can you prevent an identity group from morphing into either an accountability group or a group focused on resentment and fear?
[1] ChatGPT, OpenAI, October 15, 2023.
[2] Marcus Warner and Jim Wilder, Rare Leadership: 4 Uncommon Habits for Increasing Trust, Joy, and Engagement in the People You Lead (Chicago: Moody Publishers, 2016), 13.
[3] Ibid., 27.
[4] Marcus Warner and Jim Wilder, Rare Leadership in the Workplace: 4 Uncommon Habits That Improve Focus, Engagement, and Productivity (Chicago: Northfield Publishers, 2021), 14.
[5] Ibid., 13.
[6] Ibid., 16.
[7] Marcus Warner and Jim Wilder, Rare Leadership: 4 Uncommon Habits for Increasing Trust, Joy, and Engagement in the People You Lead (Chicago: Moody Publishers, 2016), 100.
[8] Meneses, Robert. 2018. RARE LEADERSHIP, 4 UNCOMMON HABITS FOR INCREASING TRUST, JOY, AND ENGAGEMENT IN THE PEOPLE YOU LEAD. The Journal of Applied Christian Leadership 12, (2) (Fall): 114, https://georgefox.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/scholarly-journals/rare-leadership-4-uncommon-habits-increasing/docview/2414853602/se-2
[9] Marcus Warner and Jim Wilder, Rare Leadership: 4 Uncommon Habits for Increasing Trust, Joy, and Engagement in the People You Lead (Chicago: Moody Publishers, 2016), 116.
[10] Ibid., 142.
[11] Meneses, Robert. 2018. RARE LEADERSHIP, 4 UNCOMMON HABITS FOR INCREASING TRUST, JOY, AND ENGAGEMENT IN THE PEOPLE YOU LEAD. The Journal of Applied Christian Leadership 12, (2) (Fall): 114, https://georgefox.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/scholarly-journals/rare-leadership-4-uncommon-habits-increasing/docview/2414853602/se-2
[12] Marcus Warner and Jim Wilder, Rare Leadership: 4 Uncommon Habits for Increasing Trust, Joy, and Engagement in the People You Lead (Chicago: Moody Publishers, 2016), 142.
About the Author
Audrey Robinson
10 responses to “Identity Groups”
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Audrey,
You talked about how RARE leaders are especially good at identifying the seeds of the Christ-like image in a person’s heart. How have you identified seeds of the Christ-like image in those around you? I am very curious about how you identify those seeds. This is something I’d like to get better at.
Daron, my apologies for not responding – but somehow I thought I did answer this. Strange.
I would say that developing a heart to listen to the seen and unseen aspects of conversations with people. Often it is what they do not say that provides a window into who they are and opens up a portal to see their seeds of Christ-likeness.
Audrey,
Your posts are always so deeply spiritual and thoughtful. I appreciate that very much. Like Daron, I too am interested in “identifying the seeds of Christlikeness in others similar to Camacho’s call to see the good in others”. I also would like to become better at developing this habit in myself. Thank you ahead of time for any thoughts you have on the topic.
Tonette, would offer that you are already very good at seeing the good, the seeds of Christlikeness in others.
One key is if you are unable to “see” the seeds, ask the Lord and He will open up your eyes and your heart to see through His eyes of love.
Great summary of RARE. As a pastor, I often wonder how those who work in other contexts establish a Christian identity in a way that is influential. It seems to me that it requires emotional maturity and an established identity a part from the organization, environment or people involved. How did you connect to the ideas of RARE Leadership in the educational setting that you inhabit?
Chad,
I tell everyone that the academic environment is more toxic than corporate. Fortunately for me, by the time I started my second career in the educational setting my identity in Christ was strong. Consequently, I was able to form relationships with likeminded people (Christians) co-workers, students, and those who displayed integrity to encourage and support each others goals.
Hi Audrey,
Thanks for your post. As we covered Identity Politics in Fukuyama’s book, I kept thinking about the identity groups seen in RARE leadership. What if our politics are informed by growth in Christ, I believe the destructions we see happening would be significantly reduced.
Jean, you are absolutely correct. Not only would it solve the identity politics it would solve a whole host of other things as well.
Audrey – I loved the questions at the end of your post and how you contrasted RARE Leadership to Fukuyama. What are your initial thoughts in how we could keep identity groups from disolving into more ego-driven groups?
Laura,
One way perhaps to keep from dissolving into ego-driven groups is to encourage members to participate in different small groups. Possibly rotate every year to allow people to form relationships and community with a variety of people.