Times and Cultures: How They Impact Leadership.
Introduction
These two books, ‘Understanding the Times’ and ‘Understanding the Cultures,’ by Myers, gives us a lens to see and to understand how ideas and beliefs affect both leadership and the community. Both emphasize the need to understand the truth, the people and how to live our lives wisely as we engage and relate to society. These books give leadership the reason to be intentional in carrying themselves and to have a positive impact within society or their community. In ‘Understanding the Times,’ we see the convolution of ideas, thoughts and/or teachings that influence the way people not only think but behave. And in, ‘Understanding the Culture,’ we see the importance of how we are to participate and to interact with and on not only issues, but what is present within to make our mark – especially for leadership within society.
The ‘Understanding Times’ and Leadership
As we see in this book, how different beliefs such like Christianity, Islam, Secularism, Marxism, Postmodernism and the others, posed to propagate themselves as the guide. For leaders, as they become aware and have the understanding of this which is bases of their belief and action [1], it will help them to deal with and to position themselves. Secondly, we also learn that to be a true leader, one must be firm on moral principles, instead of taking the popular side. [2] He continues to explain that this is how trust is earned when a leader leads others through difficult issues. And thirdly, leaders are encouraged to participate and to give voice and to take part in their society with regard to issue in a thoughtful and caring way.[3] Leaders should set an example for others when addressing these issues. They must exercise truthfulness instead of manipulations.
The ‘Understanding Cultures’ and Leadership
In the ‘Understanding the Culture,’ Myers shows the connections between modern topics such like media, technology, justice, and family is connected to our beliefs.[4] As leaders becomes more aware of the culture and how to react appropriately, it helps them lead effectively. In addition, as leaders are aware and embraced the culture, they must also inspire improvement within the culture by showing honesty, humility and caring. [5] He referred to this as the type of servant leadership which inspires people and build trust. Thirdly, is that a leader must live faithfully in every role. And that leadership is not only a or the title, but the opportunity to serve others and to make a difference.[6] As leaders incorporate their faith into their vocation, they are creating an environment that value the people and the truth.
The Summary and Conclusion
In a short summary, we have learned how worldviews shaped our thinking (Understanding the Time) and how to live out our Christian faith in the culture (Understanding the Culture). And to embrace it would (a.) ‘build our moral strength and clarity, and (b.) ‘build our cultural understanding and positive influence.’ In combination, they beneficial for a leaders strengthen in their moral foundation and to improve their capability in working with people from various backgrounds. [7]
[1] Jeff Myers, Understanding the Times: A Survey of Competing Worldviews (Manitou Springs, CO: Summit Ministries, 2015)
[2] Ibid
[3] Ibid
[4] Jeff Myers, Understanding the Culture: A Survey of Social Engagement from a Christian Worldview (Manitou Springs, CO: Summit Ministries, 2017)
[5] Ibid
[6] Ibid
[7] ChatGPT.
About the Author
Noel Liemam
9 responses to “Times and Cultures: How They Impact Leadership.”
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Noel,
In looking through Myer’s book on Understanding the Culture, which of the ones that he discusses do you feel impacts you the most given your current context?
Thank you, Jeff, for your comment. One example that I could think of is engagement and participation in the islanders’ community. Yesterday, we were attending an anniversary dinner. This is something that is kind of new in the Micronesian Community back home and here within the States; they celebrated the life of a loved one’s a year after they passed away. Yesterday, part of the program included prayer (novena), a prayer for the loved one. It is not my faith; should I excuse myself? I stayed through the whole program for I value my relationship, but it does not mean I believe in that ritual. At the moment, I may be wrong, but I believe that would be the appropriate reaction. Thank you, Jeff.
Hi Noel, your blog effectively summarizes the two books and aligns well with our leadership studies. How do see Christianity, Secularism, and Postmodernism each frame the purpose of leadership?
Hello, Graham, thank you for your comment. I will try to reply. Based on the reading on Understanding the Time, my personal take is that Christianity, Secularism and Postmodernism only provide the readers the concepts, the ideas, or the beliefs for by which our leadership mapping could be formulated. As Christian leaders, I believe we could adapt the concepts from the other -isms, however, Christianity would supersede all. Thank you again, Graham.
Hi Noel, in your conclusion, you mentioned building a culture of understanding and positive influence. What do you think might be some first steps to take in going about doing that?
Hello, Diane, thank you for your comment. I believe that a culture of understanding is tolerance or patience that comes from the love of God. When we know and understand the limitation and we bear with it as demonstrated upon us from our God. Since this is something is God-enabled, I would say that’s the start. Thank you again, Diane.
Hey Noel, Amen to moral grounding. This is much needed. How can Christian leaders maintain moral clarity without becoming isolated from the very culture we are called to influence and serve?
Hello again, Daren, thank you for your comment. That is a good point that I would like to know more about. One thing that I could think of is that ‘moral clarity’ is an adjective that occurs when engaged with the ‘culture we are called to influence and serve.’ And grounding in ‘morality and basing our leadership decisions on the ‘Imago Dei’ (according to Dr. Jaime) would lead us to moral clarity. Thank you again, Daren.
Thanks Noel. I was reading the part about how leaders “must be firm on moral principles, instead of taking the popular side,” yet must also “embrace the culture.” That sounds tricky! How can a leader practically and effectively balance this tension between maintaining a moral compass and genuinely embracing a culture with potentially conflicting worldviews without appearing manipulative or judgmental?