Laying Foundation for a Leadership Culture
I’ve been thinking a lot since the re:group conference about the development of a leadership culture. I’ve written about it. I’ve wondered if it can be developed inside a groups ministry and then spread to the rest of a church. It’s been on my mind constantly. See also, My Most Intriguing and Haunting Takeaway from re:group 14.
Yesterday I started to put some of my thoughts together and I think I got off to a reasonably good start. Essentially, I’ve concluded that whatever I think I can do ultimately, it could start with my own development.
Here are four early links in the chain reaction:
- I downloaded The Leadership Challenge by Kouzes and Posner. It was a great read in the early 90s and again around 2002 (when I bought copies of the 20th anniversary edition and took my team of community leaders through it at Fellowship of The Woodlands). The 25th anniversary edition looks like it will make a huge contribution to this project.
- Chapter 2 of The Leadership Challenge takes you through the process of developing your own personal values (according to research “personal values drive commitment. Personal values are the route to motivation and productivity”).
- I remembered a note I’d made about writing a “code of ethics” while reading Todd Henry’s Die Empty. When I looked back at my notes on chapter 6 of Die Empty it turned out to include a great exercise that will help me develop my own code of ethics (which plays right into the development of personal values).
- I read a short section of Keith Yamashita’s contribution to the latest addition to 99U’s book series. A great set of four questions for finding and living your purpose. Yamashita pointed out that “the first step in living your purpose is distilling it.” He followed with these great questions:
- How will the world be better off thanks to you having been on this earth?
- What are your unique gifts and superpowers?
- Who have you been when you’ve been at your best?
- Who must you fearlessly become?
I think I’m off to a great start.
What do you think? Have something to add? Have a question? You can click here to jump into the conversation.
Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above may be “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I may receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
