Leadership

This is a topic that many people like to discuss. It is like the weather. Some friends in Singapore call it NATO: No Action, Talk Only.

People fail to lead not because they fail to try. Many, many pastors desperately want to move their churches and or organizations forward only to have the organization to continue to do the same old things the same old ways.

I have been privileged to be part of two world-class organizations. One at the University of Cincinnati led by Dr. Bill Nester and the other at College Hill Presbyterian Church led by Dr. Jerry Kirk. In each instance the top men were passionate, visionary, excited, mobilizers who chose strong people and turned them loose. Neither was a "micro-manager".

Both took great pleasure in seeing the men and women on the team excel. They were generous with praise, intentional with feedback and gracious during failures. Failures were common but learning from them without hostile attacks was paramount.

Both men were smart but not interested in always being right or knowing everything. They were able to personally motivate others and knew how to get others on board their vision.

The best class I ever had on the topic of leadership was taught by Dr. Edwin Friedman, a Rabbi and family therapist in the Bowen tradition. he taught us how to examine our family histories and see the things we wanted to affirm but remove the bad habits flowing down from the past generations.

Starting tomorrow I will carry on Dr. Friedman's tradition and help Christian leaders understand themselves and their people better in hopes they will become more influential. I certainly do enjoy leading such a group. The students generally love to learn about their own history. Second, no two families are the same. Third, looking at genograms and hearing the stories of courage and comedy is a wonderful experience. Fourth, I always get to see people grow, change and become happier.

I hope you can attend some day.

Call if you are interested in a later group learning.