The leadership style we choose is not a one-and-done decision.
Alissa Kennedy / Unsplash |
Is your leadership style still working? |
There are many leadership styles from which you can choose: a servant leader, a transformational leader, etc. Each style has its advantages and disadvantages. Because of our personalities and professional experience, we may feel more comfortable with one leadership model than with others. The dilemma leaders face is that the style we choose is not a one-and-done decision. As we serve different congregations or take on different roles in the same congregation, we need to adapt the way we lead to fit the context. In 2 Chronicles 10, we read that Rehoboam ascended to the throne of Israel. People told him that his father led the kingdom with a heavy hand (v.4). They asked Rehoboam to adopt a different leadership style. Although the elders agreed that Rehoboam should use a less despotic approach than his father, he continued in his father’s harsh ways. Because we lead organizations through different seasons, it’s a good idea to be well-versed in several leadership approaches. To discern the style that is needed, it is crucial that we first recognize the need for change. Ask yourself: is staff or volunteer morale going up or down? Does the organizational culture seem healthy? A second step is to prepare yourself for the change. When we change our leadership style, we may need to shift from habits that are comfortable to behaviors that require intentional practice or coaching. To do this well, we need to change our mindset so we can consistently embody a new approach. Whatever leadership style you’re using might be working today, but how can you adapt your approach to meet new demands and embrace new opportunities for you and the organization you serve? |
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| It’s tempting to think there’s a formula for leading people, but it’s important to read the context to understand how the Spirit is moving, writes the vice president of spiritual foundations for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship/USA.
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| In his words and his gestures, Francis communicated the need for Christian unity and love, says an expert on the Latino presence in the U.S. Catholic Church.
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| When we shift perspective as leaders, we pause, slow down and consider fresh possibilities in the face of challenges, writes a director of programs and grants for Leadership Education at Duke Divinity.
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| By Elizabeth Tamez Méndez |
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| The executive director of the Fuqua/Coach K Center on Leadership & Ethics at Duke University reflects on teaching — and modeling — leadership.
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One of the organizational dynamics that influences our approach to leadership is the size of the organization we lead. Ministers may feel frustrated when they do not recognize this.
The first church I served had about 100 members — but when you lead a church with several hundred members or a few thousand, things change. For example, in smaller congregations, ministers are generalists who are responsive to each individual need.
In larger organizations, ministers must become specialists who delegate some of the member care to others who are gifted in that work. Churches in crisis require a different kind of leadership than churches that are stable. It’s all about discerning what’s needed and cultivating the habits that are necessary to be the leader that is needed right now.
Never forget that the leadership approach that helped you get where you are may not be the approach that takes you where God is leading you next. You can always reach me and the Alban Weekly team at alban@duke.edu. Until next week, keep leading! |
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| Editor Alban at Duke Divinity School |
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