Leaders or managers?
“Leaders are people who do the right thing; managers are people who do things right.” (Professor Warren G. Bennis) So where are the “leaders” in our world, the ones who “do the right thing?” We have many charismatic figures in the world — politicians, sports figures, adventurers, business executives. But do we have leaders who have the vision and set a true course to inspire others to do the right thing, those who exercise transformational leadership.
Yearning for leadership
Brexit, and the election of President Trump, have shown that the west is divided and looking for leadership — visionary leadership, transformational leadership. Even in the religious world there seems to be a lack of leadership. In the Christian world, the catch-phrase ” I accept Christ as my personal saviour” has turned a deep respect in Christ’s transformational leadership into a shallow bumper-sticker religion, according to David Kupelian in the “Marketing of Evil”
Transformational Leadership: Living Water and Light
When talking to the Samaritan woman at the well, Jesus challenged her, and then offered her “living water.” She did not understand what he meant. But to those who worship God in spirit and truth, the message is clear. True leadership comes from someone who has the power to give life — living water to a thirsty world needing a vision of a better life. In a world walking aimlessly in the darkness and in need of direction, a transformational leader will bring light. This leader will make a clear path in the gloom, so that those who follow will not be destroyed.
The scriptural analogy of the Good Shepherd speaks to the need for a leader who will provide security and safe-haven for the “sheep.” On the other hand, there are the thieves and hirelings whose exploitive self-interest manipulates and takes advantage of the “sheep” for their own profit. We need to ask ourselves, “What kind of leadership are we following? And will the end result be life or death?” Transformational leaders give us vision, inspire us, and help us understand the reality. So we can embrace life — eternal life.
Learn more about Christ’s role as the Good Shepherd
Are we appreciating his leadership in our lives?
Shepherds and Sheep
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