Leadership Part 3

Timeless Leadership: A Conversation with David McCullough, an article in the Harvard Business Review.

The author of books including _John Adams_, _1776_, _Truman_, among many others conducted an interview with the editors of HBR (march 2008). It was a fascinating analysis of leadership from an historical basis. McCullough began with a plea: "We need leaders and not just political leaders. We need leaders in every field, in every institution, in all kinds of situations. We need to be educating our young people to be leaders and unfortunately that's fallen out of fashion."

McCullough talked about how leadership requires a unique combination of talents acquired through a set of learned experiences in line with a certain amount of unique talents. For instance, George Washington, had an incredible ability to spot talent even in places where it wasn't obvious. He also was able to let his leaders do their jobs with freedom and he was not afraid to let them fail and it is through the failure that he was able to assess their leadership and strength.

One of the key talents today has to do with the leader having real strength and talent in the arena of listening. Listening beneath the surface. To hear what they aren't saying as well as what they are saying. Knowing how to ask questions. Knowing how to direct the topics to see the deeper and more significant thoughts and actions of the leader or potential leader.

I work with people who have some of the greatest potential for leadership today. I love it! I get to see fledgling efforts. I also see weak initiative, even in the midst of strong potential. (I hate that!)

I overheard a conversation a couple weeks ago between a senior and a Teach For America Representative which gave me great concern. It was obvious this student had great leadership potential. She carried herself well. She had held a number of significant leadership positions on campus. She was well recommended by her professors and peers. It was obvious that she was seriously interested in TFA as a career. When pushed by the recruiter to fill out the application and move onto the next interview, she resisted. When asked by the recruiter, why she wouldn't apply, her answer was (and I'm not joking about this), "I am afraid that I would apply, go for the interview and then be rejected or not placed." I could not believe that someone who seemingly was the right fit in every discernible way would not risk failure by filling out an app!

I have great concern for a certain type of person who fails to risk for the sake of a 'possible' failure. I know many of these folks have never failed at anything. but we know logically that failure will come. In time a level of failure will be apparent. It happens to all of us.

I know for myself that it is only in my weakness that His strength is made obvious. I know this is a paradigm shift, from the lone woman (faith unknown)who chose to not risk. But in all of God's sovereignty His strength is made perfect in weakness.

Leadership 2

I just finished directing a break-out on Leadership for the Greensboro Greek Conference. Forty eight fraternity and sorority students from all over the Eastern Seaboard attended the Leadership class.

So what is the primary lesson to come out of this program: Servant Leadership! In John 13, we studied Jesus washing the feet of the disciples. This had fascinating applications for our group.

Remember when Jesus selected his disciples. The Gospel of Mark says He chose 12 that they might be with Him. It seems like this 'withness' is Jesus' primary value. When we look at His choices - there is no apparent reason for their liklihood of being together. Several fisherman, a tax-collector, a political zealot among others. At best this august group was a random conglomeration of worldviews, occupations, lifestyles etc. Not necessarily a group we would select to lead a ministry or a cause or an organization. But this is who Jesus chose.

So back to John 13, when Jesus is planning on leaving He provides His final training, by washing their feet. The job reserved for the lowliest servant in the household. The act of course symbolizes humility & serving and maybe even brokenness.

In the Leadership Breakout, we discussed Jesus humility and talked about - that the world's emphasis on leadership is getting position and power, butthe Kingdom of God is based on service & humility.

Somehow in God's economy this equals out to true leadership. Putting others ahead of yourself builds camraderie & trust. Humbling yourself before those you ar 'leading' builds trust & relaibility. 'Washing someones feet' allows them to see how far down you are willing to go to lift them up.

Leadership...

There is a lot about leadership lately. Fidel Castro resigns, leading Cuba into oppression for 50 years. The charisma of Barak Obama who leads by confidence and personality. Hillary Clinton who leads by knowledge and experience. Gene Nichol who attracts thousands of students yet alienates hundreds of alumni and state leaders.

So what is leadership anyway? Who gets it? How do you keep it? Can it be measured? What are the God-given components of leadership?

From the scripture it seems like leadership is founded in 'The last must be first.' Jesus, Himself a leader who led uncompromisingly, led by serving - "I have come to seek and to save the lost." When David, one of God's mighty men, decided to 'count' his greatness, God put his leadership on hold.

Then just to prove where power and leadership come from in Daniel. This one is thrown at us: "The decision is announced by messengers, the holy ones declare the verdict, so that the living may know that the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone he wishes and sets over them the lowliest of men." Daniel 4:17. God is the one who is sovereign! God is the one who disburses power and authority. He disburses it to WHOMEVER He wishes!

Do we get that? Do we understand that Power either worldly or Godly is not based on my placement, family heritage, wisdom, politics or whatever. It is based completely on what God decides!