- (1) Having the right connections and by networking
(2) A great idea and the faith or “guts” to go for it
(3) Working harder and smarter than everyone else
(4)Being at the right place at the right time
I would agree that these are things which distinguish one leader from another. However, I view this list more as observations about distinguished leaders rather than instructions on how-to set one's self apart as a leader.
Consider this:
- (1) Networking
If you're not naturally gifted at networking, you'll waste your time and energy attempting to improve something you're not good at. You should focus that energy into something you are gifted at.
(2) Ideas & Guts
If you're not an idea person, you can't force yourself to have ideas. Likewise, if you don't naturally have guts and tenacity, you'll drain yourself physically and emotionally acting contrary to your nature if you try to be gutsy.
(3) Work Harder and Smarter
People without a natural drive for excellence can put in more effort occasionally, but it isn't sustainable. To consistently work harder and smarter than others, you have to have a natural drive and be a self-motivator.
(4) Right Place, Right Time
On the one hand, this is somewhat an issue of luck (or providence depending on your perspective). On the other hand, it takes a natural instinct to discern when is the right place and the right time. Normally there are plenty of leaders around the right place at the right time, but only one person steps up to the plate with the right idea and the guts to pull it off. Everyone else let's the opportunity pass. The leader who sets himself apart can sense when it's the right place and the right time.
With all that stated, it's not a bad idea to work on areas of weakness, but you can't be something you're not. You can't develop instincts you don't have. Instead of focusing on being mediocre at something you're bad at, focus on being the absolute best at something you're good at.
This is going to sound snarky (it's not meant to be), but where's Edmonson's Scripture? He alludes to Numbers 13 and the Parable of the Talents, but this only seems to barely scratch the surface.
ReplyDeleteThis is a good example of where I would like to see e-figures like Edmonson rely on Biblical induction. He has a great number of sources to draw from: the life of Christ, the Epistles of Paul, and, notably, the Book of Proverbs. How did Paul, for one, distinguish himself in the apostolic church?
Admittedly, Edmonson's post was meant to be just a brief overview. But in that regard, he could have couched his points around some main Scripture.
I do agree with the general response of his readers that his original wording was (unintentionally) dubious. It should have been "How does a young leader best develop his or her gifting?" The idea of "breaking apart from the crowd" is too loaded. To drop an equally loaded term, it's a very modernist point of view, the sort of thing that lead to the many cults of personality (Graham, Dobson, etc.) in recent times.
There seems to be a push for young leaders to "create a sensation" in their local community.
This paragraph especially gave me pause:
"Several wrote that a young leader should 'leave his ego at home' or something similar. I agree with that too, but I think the issue here is more of the motivation of a person’s heart, not in their objective. There is nothing is wrong with a person wanting to grow in their leadership and influence, provided their motivation is for good and God’s glory, not their own."
Hence why his readers took issue with the word of "breaking out" and "setting himself apart." These idioms imply personal glory. A young leader's goal should be to magnify Christ by building up his local church.
Perhaps he means "How can a young leader prove worthy to take on further responsibilities within his church?" In that regard, 1 Timoty 3 gives us the framework, and Edmonson could highlight how a young leader could develop the gifts of hospitality (much neglected in the modern church), teaching, etc. as well as developing a good reputation in the local community beyond the church.
"I do not think there is anything wrong with a young leader desiring to improve his or her skills as a leader or in their desire to become the best leader he or she can be. In fact, I would encourage it. We approve of this ideology in other fields, such as the area of sports, so why not in the area of leadership?"
Because the issue is Biblical leadership. He's committing the logical fallacy of a false analogy. Sports is meant for pure entertainment, and is also a career that is highly competitive and difficult - the average athlete has a relatively narrow window in which to prove his worth to a team, and main his physical prowess. Other careers like professor or lawyer can allow for years to develop the craft.
Leadership in a church community is a much different entity. Besides, there is an element of the ludicrous to athletic popularity. The only people who can name the best athletes of Socrates' era are the historians who are simply studying the era to understand the great political and philosophical movers. Athletes prove their ability in a very flighty endeavor, yet are used to sell everything from cars to razors - things unrelated to their career.
I really don't think Edmonson wants to import our attitudes about sports or other careers outside of the clergy to Biblical leadership.
Furthermore, the networking bullet point is a bit disconcerting. We all know individuals who have gotten advancement because of associations, not because of merit.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to see an older pastor discuss the following topic: "How to recognize and reward good leadership." In other words, how can an elder board recognize strength of character and conviction instead of mere force of personality or popularity? I'm sure it's a battle elder boards have to wage all the time.
I think that may be my next blog series. What does the Bible say about leadership?
ReplyDelete