Reality check
A few realities have come to light over the past few weeks. There are things I had “running in the background” of my mind but never really paid attention to them. One of the main things is that there seems to be a leadership crisis not only at a global scale, but also at an organizational level. I am also finding that faith-based leadership challenges seem more damaging to followers in Christian settings than in secular settings. I make this claim based on first-hand observation and my thinking is that “the damage” is probably because the expectations (for a Christian leader) are quite high. The Apostle Paul wrote to the church in Corinth and told them: “Follow me, as I follow Christ.”[1] (1 Corinthians 11:1). I don’t know if this same confidence, mindset and courage exists among leaders and I wonder why.
The answers I would give to this question are likely instinctive and System 1 type of answers according to Kahneman. They would be something along the lines that we have become more self-serving and self-centered; that we are all broken and in need of redemption and so on[2]. Additionally, instinctive, System 1, type of responses to this critical topic would also resonate with either of the “default” framings outlined by Parrish, which are 1) The emotion default, 2) The ego default, 3) The social default, 4) The inertia default. [3]
Opening up to new ways of thinking
Inasmuch as these instinctive assertions are cognitive, Kahneman suggests that we should consider slowing down and allow System 2 to monitor and control our thoughts and eventually actions. In this topic of the leadership crisis, time is showing us that suggesting new models is not the solution (to the crisis). Thinking about the leadership crisis from a youth lens gets even more complicated. I remember the first master’s program I took in 2008/9 was heavy on leadership principle and we learned about moving from autocratic leadership styles to more transformational styles of leadership. Despite the logic and allure, we are still deep in autocratic leadership and self-serving leaders evidenced by the situation in many of our countries. In my country, we’ve seen the generational negative impact of this autocratic and self-serving leaders despite having a vibrant constitution and democratic space that gives agency to the people. I’m observing that our instinctive swaps to address leadership gaps and challenges may have some flaws.
Paradigm shifts
Kahneman makes a great assertion that “many people are overconfident and prone to place too much faith in their intuition.” Perhaps this is why simply switching styles and models of leadership doesn’t achieve the positive outcomes we want to see. Maybe we should do the hard work of understanding the times and seasons we are in, the core needs of the day, the mental models prevalent in society and then prepare (Mine for Gold) and install effective leaders and leadership. When I consider the workings of the model and approach Christ gave us for leadership, it offers a complete mind shift: “You know the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and the great one’s exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be a great among you must be your servant….”[4] (Mathew 20:25-26). And then when dealing with conflict and issues there is (Mathew 5:28) that urges us to “turn the other cheek” and not do anything to harm those who have hurt us. [5]To me, this posture is rare and is very unlikely to happen (in reality) but should it, it would be transformative. I think there would be more peace, solutions to the climate crisis, healthier societies, communities and organizations and an embodiment of love.
[1] 1 Corinthian 11:1
[2] Kahneman, Daniel. Thinking, Fast and Slow. London: Penguin Books, 2012.
[3] Parrish, Shane. Clear Thinking: Turning Ordinary Moments into Extraordinary Results. NY; Penguin Press, 2023
[4] Mathew 20: 25-26
[5] Mathew 5:28
About the Author
Alex Mwaura
8 responses to “Reality check”
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Alex, I think your call to pay attention to context is wise.
On that note, after reading your post I’m curious about your opinions on leadership in Africa. I hear much debate about leadership in nations which have economically flourished under leaders who are, shall we say, more of the benevolent autocrat than the term-based democratic representative of the people. Perhaps we can discuss views on this sometime.
Yes, Joff. There are debates on benevolent dictatorship and if that might be a better style. It would be great to have this discussion sometime. In my view, I don’t think it addresses the root causes of issues affecting African nations but definitely does have some short-term benefits.
Alex,
I enjoy coming to your posts as they consistently contain connections in thought and content to the Scripture. Thank you for that.
When reading this, I am struck by the universal nature of the need. Leaders of firm conviction and selfless leadership. As you look into the context of the United States, from where you are, do the needs and shortfalls seem the same? If not, what do you notice that is different?
Thank you Darren. Your feedback is appreciated and I enjoy the discussions too. Interesting question. When I look at what is happening in the United States, Kenya, Russia and other countries, I see self-serving leaders. I don’t see principles of care and concern for the citizens and there is little listening. I also think the need for leaders to be selfless and have a mindset of servitude is different from shortfalls/shortcomings. The latter is just who are we and can be improved once recognized. The former is a different way of looking at the role of a leaders (as relates to followers). What do you think?
First of all, you reference Parrish. According to the book sequence on my shelf, that’s so next month!
My question is around autocratic versus transformational leadership. It is a bit different from Darren’s in that I want to test if and when to use either approach. I’d like to replace ‘autocratic’ with ‘authoritative’ in keeping with the Matthew passage of not lording authority over others. In your daily context, is there a clearly better approach across the spectrum between authoritative and supportive leadership?
Thanks Rich. You raise a good point. There are instances where one can/should switch styles e.g. when resolving a crisis, a level of singular authority is required. I am also okay with your replacement of the terms autocratic and authoritarian. In daily life, supportive and servant leadership yields better outcomes and does not take away the leaders authority. I think it even grows one’s respect in the context of a team.
What an insightful reflection! You’ve beautifully connected Kahneman’s observation about overconfidence and intuition to the larger challenge of leadership in contest. It’s so true that simply adopting new styles or models without deeper understanding often falls short. As you point out, leadership must be grounded in discernment—truly grasping the needs of the time, understanding the prevailing mental models, and thoughtfully cultivating leaders who embody wisdom and humility. It takes time to change our biases and automatic thinking that has been very present in our life’s history. The continual practice of system 2 thinking to develop effective pathways towards a new, transformative leadership norm.
Your reference to Christ’s model of servant leadership is a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of this approach. The idea that good leadership comes through serving others challenges the authoritarian leadership we often see. It’s a call to have empathy, humility, and selflessness, which could indeed lead to the healthier, more peaceful societies.
I love how you tied this to the bigger picture—solutions to global issues like the climate crisis, and fostering love in our communities and organizations. It’s rare, as you mentioned, but the rarity makes it all the more valuable and worth striving for. This perspective truly inspires a vision of leadership that serves not just individuals but the greater good. Thank you for sharing this profound and hopeful vision!
Thank you Jess for the detailed feedback. I appreciate it. These readings and discussions are deeply challenging my mindset and paradigms in relation to what is happening around us (whether within our organizations or in our countries) and the role we can play in improving the state of things. And when I consider options, I keep coming back to the model shown to us by Jesus Christ. Let’s remain hopeful.