"BEHOLD, THE VIRGIN SHALL BE WITH CHILD AND SHALL BEAR A SON, AND THEY SHALL CALL HIS NAME IMMANUEL," which translated means, "GOD WITH US." (Matthew 1: 22-23)
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ... And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth." (John 1: 1, 14)
As we celebrate the birth of Christ this week, I would like to consider the leadership implications of His coming.
There's a myth that permeates some leadership environments. Its the idea that the leader must be separated from those he or she leads. This involves keeping followers at arms length - or further. In the framework of culture analyst, Geert Hofstede, these leaders maintain a high power distance.
I don't agree.
For some time now, I have been defining leadership as intentional influence that takes place in the context of a relationship. Unpacking that definition shows that leadership is up close, its personal. It can not be done at a distance. It cannot be done effectively by maintaining a high power distance.
If God, the Creator and Sustainer of the universe decided to come and be with us and to dwell among us, how much more should we as human leaders choose to be with those we lead?
We too should be among those we lead.
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1 comment:
Awesome post, J. Lee! I SO agree!!
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