Sunday, March 14, 2010

Leaders who last


I am enjoying Leaders who last by Dave Kraft.

"Here are some obvious contrasts in the way we need to lead today in contrast to the ways we've led in the past.

Past Leaders                      Future Leaders

Organisational                     Relational
Operate in committees         Operate in teams
Command and control          Permission-giving
Degreed and elected            Gifted and called
Linear and pyramidal           Over-lapping circles
Share propositional truth      Tell stories
People of the written page    People of the screen
Tightly structured                 Highly flexible
Emphasise position               Emphasise empowerment

[Page 23]

2 comments:

A. Amos Love said...

Hmmm? Leaders Who Last?

The book cove says -
"Only 30% of leaders last." Oy vey!

That means 70% of "Leaders" FAIL.

Sounds like a dangerous position
to assume. Yes?

Just wondering how you reconcile the use of the word “leader”
With what Jesus said in Mt 23:10.

The word “leader” seems like a “high place.” Yes?

Jesus always took and
recommended the “low place.” Yes?

Jesus humbled Himself,
made himself of no reputation
and took on the form of a servant.
Php 2:7

Jesus in Mat 23:10
told His disciples
“NOT” to call themselves master/“leaders”
for you have one master/"leader” the Christ.

King James Version -
Neither be ye called masters:
for one is your Master, even Christ.

The Interlinear Bible -
Nor be called leaders,
for one is your leader the Christ.

Phillips Modern English -
you must not let people call you leaders,
you have only one leader, Christ.

Today's English Version -
nor should you be called leader.
your one and only leader is the Messiah.

The Amplified-
you must not be called masters ( leaders )
for you have one master ( leader ) the Christ.

Jesus told “His disciples” not to be called "leaders" and none did.

Ro 1:1
Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ...
Php 1:1
Paul and Timotheus,
the servants of Jesus Christ...
Col 4:12
Epaphras, who is one of you, servant of Christ...
Tit 1:1 Paul, a servant of God...
Jas 1:1 James, a servant of God...
2Pe 1:1 Simon Peter, a servant...

His disciples "all"
called themselves "servants."
None called themselves "leaders." None? None.
None called themselves
"servant-leader." None.

Why are we trying to train
“Leaders for the ekklesia of God?”

Why aren’t we training
“Servants of Christ” like Jesus did?

Isn't "Servanthood" inclusive? Everyone can be a
“Servant of Christ.”

Isn't "Leadership" exclusive?
Only available to “A special few.”

If Jesus instructed “His disciples” NOT to call themselves “leaders,”
and someone calls them self a "leader," or thinks they are a "leader;"

Are they a "disciple of Christ?"

And other sheep I have,
which are not of this fold:
them also I must bring,
and they shall hear “my voice;”
and there shall be “one” fold,
and “one” shepherd.
John 10:16

One Fold - One Shepherd - One Voice.
If Not Now, When?

Be blessed and be a blessing.

David Cooke said...

Thank you for the thoughts. I think there is much merit in the idea that Jesus completely changes the definition of 'Leader'.

Two perspective might be the 'Pastor' vs 'the CEO'

I am much more inclined biblically and through shape to a pastoral model. The book however has much to offer and I have enjoyed it.

Saturday blog-sweep

 Some interesting books for pastors The State we're in Attack at dawn Joseph Scriven Joy comes with the morning When small is beautiful