Are you Flourishing as a Leader? Ten Issues from Thriving in Leadership by Karen Longman
Merriam-Webster gives definitions for the word “issue” as “something that people are talking about, etc.: an important subject or topic” (Merriam-Webster, 2015). Using these definitions, here is my list of ten issues identified in Longman’s book, Thriving in Leadership.
1) Responses are always better than reactions
Throughout the book, the reader can see leaders think through their decisions as well as evaluate past responses. These essays showed a group of leaders that primarily were responders rather than reactors.
2) “Pray, but move your feet” (Taylor, 2012, p. 273).
As believers, we depend on prayer to God to help us as we lead. Prayer should not be an activity that sends us to never prepare, plan, or work.
3) Relationships matter
As a member of a church staff, I am in a people business—our product is people. These people are all in relationship with each other for better or worse. I must prioritize these relationships over tasks or risk lessening my leadership impact. This emphasis is both mentioned and exemplified in the book’s essays.
4) There is too much to do
This issue is that most leaders face the challenge of being overwhelmed as leaders. If one must rely on others, but has a tendency to be a doer, then that will be a problem. “Taking on problems that belong to others leads to chaos” (Anderson, 2012, p. 102).
5) “Do something you can’t do” (Snyder, 2012, p. 291).
This simple statement was reminiscent of Blackaby’s often used statement: “Experience God doing through doing what only He can do” (Blackaby, Blackaby & King, 2008, p. 5). If I am a follower of God then my life should demonstrate trust in Him to empower what he leads me to do.
6) Successful leaders should flourish
The title of the book is explained by defining the word “flourish” as an additional element beyond effectiveness. It involves “experiencing deep satisfaction and a sense of purpose in that role” (Schreiner, 2012, p. 40). Because it is not uncommon to hear of someone who has it all but is still unhappy, the need for successful leaders to flourish is now one of my personal goals.
7) The Burden of Leadership
Being the top person in an organization can be quite a heavy burden as shown by many of the writers. People look to you for both direction and answers. This burden is most visibly heavy when there is a crisis. Leaders should lead “in a way that enables them to remain hopeful, engaged, and striving toward meaningful goals” (Schreiner, 2012, p.41).
8) Changes in Leadership Style
Longman, in her introductory chapter, does a short survey of the literature that drew focus on not only the changes in leadership styles used today, but also the leader’s evidences of these changes moving from a directive, hierarchical style to a more consensus building one (Longman, 2012, pp. 27-30).
9) Can women lead as well as men?
This is both an issue and a question. It was not specifically stated or addressed in the book but there were inferences throughout of the woman leader’s perspective as women led these Christian based colleges and universities.
10) Have a “tolerance for the mundane” (Snyder, 2012, p. 286).
This issue is one I have not seen before. It is a reminder that leadership can sometimes be tedious and boring due to the need to handle tasks over and over again. I was reminded of the leader I know personally who speaks and preaches throughout the southeast portion of the US. He uses the same sermon for few months since he goes to different venues. It is always excellent and well-received and seems fresh to the first-time hearer. However, I often wonder if he gets bored delivering the same message over and over. But, it simply is not a good usage of his time to write a new message each week. Then I wondered if Jesus got tired of delivering the same message over those three years of his earthly ministry. But then,
References
Anderson, P. S. (2012). Tell Me A Story. In K. Longman, (Ed.). Thriving in Leadership: Strategies for Making a Difference in Christian Higher Education. (pp. 99-119). Abilene, TX: Abilene Christian University Press.
Blackaby, H. T., Blackaby, R. & C. King. (2008). Experiencing God: Knowing and Doing the Will of God. Nashville: B&H.
Issue. (2015). Merriam-Webster’s Online Dictionary. Retrieved from: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/issue
Longman, K. Ed. (2012). Thriving in Leadership: Strategies for Making a Difference in Christian Higher Education. Abilene, TX: Abilene Christian University Press.
Schreiner, L. A. (2012). Thriving as a Leader: The Role of Resilience and Relationships. In K. Longman, (Ed.). Thriving in Leadership: Strategies for Making a Difference in Christian Higher Education. (pp. 39-57). Abilene, TX: Abilene Christian University Press.
Snyder, L. F. (2012). Leadership in the Fifth Dimension: Balancing Time with the Timeless. In K. Longman, (Ed.). Thriving in Leadership: Strategies for Making a Difference in Christian Higher Education. (pp. 283-299). Abilene, TX: Abilene Christian University Press.
Taylor, C.A. (2012). Leading a Turnaround and the Joy of a Third-Class Ticket. In K. Longman, (Ed.). Thriving in Leadership: Strategies for Making a Difference in Christian Higher Education. (pp. 260-281). Abilene, TX: Abilene Christian University Press.
