Alex Miranda
YesterdayMay 25 at 11:33pm
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Northhouse (2015) contends, “the behavioral approach reminds leaders that their actions towards others occur on a task level and a relationship level” (Northouse, 2015, 79). The author argues leadership should examine both scopes of their skillset and determine if they require growth. In his epistle, the apostle Paul challenges his audience to scrutinize how a person acts and speaks toward others. He argues, “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Colossians 3:17, ESV). Regarding the apostle Paul, Forest and Roden (2017) maintain he was a testimony to this type of leadership. They argue Paul was a person “who opened himself up and made himself personally available to his converts in the context of daily life. This is patently clear from both Acts and the epistles” (Forrest & Roden, 2017, p. 427). Although Northouse (2015) does debate if this theory could accurately provide characteristics of effective behavior, scripture does give a foundation though of how a person should conduct themselves in either word or deed in relationship to others – for the glory of God (1Corinthians 10:31).
In the book of Exodus, the God of Abraham speaks to his chosen vessel Moses through a burning bush, declaring him to be the one to rescue His people from slavery. The shepherd Moses did not share the same sentiment as our Lord. Instead, he argues in despair, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?” (Exodus 3:11, ESV). God reassures Moses that He will be with him through this journey (v.12). Nevertheless, again, Moses argues, “Oh, my Lord, I am not eloquent, either in the past or since you have spoken to your servant, but I am slow of speech and tongue” (Exodus 4:10, ESV). However, in response to his doubt, God reminds his servant; that his accomplishments are not dependent on him alone. Instead, on the one who is giving the commands for him to lead, the Lord proclaims, “Who has made man’s mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the LORD?” (Exodus 4:11, ESV). These words should ultimately remind all leaders how a goal or vision will become a reality.
Kouzes and Posner (2017) claim influential leaders are typically those who are charismatic or show a certain level of emotion. The authors argue that “…individuals who are perceived to be charismatic are simply more animated than people who are not” (Kouzes & Posner, 2017, p. 136). Christian leaders need to be wary of thinking their charismatic emotion is why others follow their lead; God’s signs to Moses are why the people recognized his leadership (Forrest & Roden, 2017). The success of Moses was not due to his eloquent speech or use of emotional provocation; instead, it was his humility and submission to God.
References
Forrest, B., & Roden, C. (2017). Biblical leadership: Theology for the everyday leader. Kregel Academic.
Kouzes, J. M., & Posner, B. Z. (2017). The leadership challenge: How to make extraordinary things happen in organizations (Sixth edition). John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Northouse, P. G. (2015). Leadership: Theory and practice (Seventh Edition). SAGE Publications, Inc.
Daniel Tebo
SundayMay 22 at 6:37pm
Manage Discussion Entry
This week’s reading and content was a fun one for this researcher. In reviewing Blanchard’s situational leadership theory (Northouse, n.d., pp. 95-116), this researcher experienced a flood of memories covering almost twenty years and countless hours within where he was required to review various leadership examples through the S1 – S4 lens. To elaborate, the United States Air Force has often utilized this leadership theory to train, teach, mentor, and coach their very own military officers; and this researcher has learned to develop his own leadership style from his years of service – specifically as an Air Force ROTC Cadet (2005-1009), as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Air and Space Basic Course (2009), and as a mid-level Captain in Squadron Officer School (2015).
This researcher would like to take this week’s discussion forum and look at the biblical and not-so-biblical sides as they are presented through the situational leadership model itself; as well as acknowledge that the behavioral leadership model can be viewed as a proverbial first cousin to the situational theory. To do this, he would like to call attention to Matthew 22:37-40 and Matthew 28:19-20. Within these two sections of Scripture, this researcher is compelled to frame all he is and all he does through the two Greatest Commandments and the Great Commission as they are presented. Jesus taught well that His followers are to love God, love others, and make disciples; that is, to stay on task and maintain relationship. Anything less is simply labeled sin. Therefore, any evaluation of leadership theory must apply these parameters before moving forward. When done so, this researcher believes an old adage he was taught on active duty applies. That concept is found in the motto: “Mission First, People Always”. This motto reminds the leader that the task is to remain at the forefront; however, without a relentless focus on the people first, the mission will never be accomplished. To put it more clearly, the relationships (and how well they are developed) will drive the success of the tasks at hand. If the Christian leader views this theory through these paradigms, then the situational leadership model will certainly find biblical standing in various arenas today.
However, if these paradigms are misplaced and the required relationships are pursued secondary and with an unrighteousness heart, then this entire theory falls short of biblical measure and the leader must reevaluate what they are doing. Of note, this is where Northouse (n.d.) indicated the opportunistic leader finds their birth as “they will adapt and shift [their] leadership behavior to gain personal advantage” (p. 79). Jesus never once sought his own personal gain. Instead, he “came to seek and save the lost” (Luke 19:10, ESV, 2016). His disciples must do the same as they become Christian leaders amidst a fallen and lost world.
All in all, the S1-S4 approaches are valid and should be understood by the Christian leader. By mastering each and understanding how they can be applied in the biblical left and right parameters above, the Christian leader becomes a valuable asset for the Kingdom of God, no matter their leadership context and arena. There is a time and place to teach, train, mentor, and coach through various levels of direction and support. This researcher can apply this claim to his current context as a Deputy US Marshal and tactical team leader charged with executing high risk fugitive apprehensions in a very dangerous and chaotic world. When it is time to stack up outside of a door that is about to be breached and a known murderer is on the other side of said door, this Christian leader had better be directive and tasked focus because underlying that dangerous task is the deep-rooted love he has for his team and even the fugitive. He prays through the tasks at hand that the relationships within all lead to God! On the flip side, when the smoke as cleared and all are safe, he can adjust his leadership approach to teach and mentor for the next task at hand.
At any rate, thank you for the discussion and reflection this week. On a personal note, please keep me in your prayers this week. I have been sent on travel to Kentucky to assist with an ongoing warrant operation and not 72 hours ago, the task force partners down here were involved in a fatal shooting. All authorities are ok; but a fugitive lost his life and the community is hurting. Pray for our broken cities and pray for Christ to become known in deep intimate ways… while also praying I make it home to my family this Saturday! 🙂 Thank you all. I am truly honored to be on this journey with each of you!
Dan
References
Northouse, P. G. (n.d.). Leadership: Theory and practice. Retrieved from https://platform.virdocs.com/r/s/0/doc/544863/sp/198583730/mi/613679743?cfi=%2F4%2F2%2F10%2F222%2F2
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). Crossway Bibles.
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