“We are the largest non-profit in the state.” “We are known across the country as an organization of quality and excellence.” “Our leadership has made us what we are today.”
“The leaders of this organization are tough but fair.” “The CEO dreams big and always has a positive outlook on the life of the company.” “We are a solid system and everyone knows what their job is.” “Our leadership communicates with us and keeps us informed.”
“I haven't seen our CEO for a while – I know she is busy.” “Many of us in the company are not sure who we are any more; it seems like the direction of the organization has changed and we aren't who we were when we signed on.” “Our leadership sends us confusing signals or no signals at all.”
These three different perspectives on organizational leadership lead us to examine the role that leadership should play in the life of an institution. But defining the purpose of leadership is a difficult task and not easy to nail down.
Does leadership exist to make money and ensure the financial wealth of the employees of the organization? Is the role of leadership a legal one - representing the stakeholders in matters of contract, commitment, accountability, and integrity? Do the leaders of an organization serve as the generals: planning the strategy and demanding the execution of the plan with excellence? You may decide to answer “Yes” to each one of these questions. Leadership must take hold of important fiduciary obligations. Leaders must enter into legal relationship with others on behalf of the organization. Strategic planning must roll off the desk of organizational leaders.
But how about this one: Does leadership exist to serve others and bring unification to the organization? Well, maybe, but it is more important that the company is making money, meeting its legal obligations and providing a good business model for the future. Or is it? What is the primary focus and priority of organzational leaders?
I have been spending some time reflecting on the book of Ephesians. This incredible letter of Paul provides some deep doctrinal statements as well as some "rubber-meets-the-road" practicalities. One of these pragmatic statements in found in Ephesians 4: 11-13. Paul is exhorting believers to make every effort to maintain unity among themselves (4:3). Then, in verse 11, he turns his attention to the leadership roles within this spiritual organization.
“It was he [Christ] who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service....” The leadership within the early church (apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors/teachers) was raised up for a common purpose: to prepare....to prepare God's people for service. These appointments of leadership were not instituted to provide status or importance of the positions, but rather to mobilize and train others to serve.
Notice as well the purpose for the service: “...works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up, until we all reach unity...” The service that each member brought to the organization was to build, edify, and support the entire group. Unity was the goal. Leadership existed to assist others to serve and that service existed to strengthen each part of the institution so that a unity might reign within the group.
Paul continues to mention another purpose of the service. “...works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up, until we all reach unity....and become mature, attaining the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” Unity and maturity! Who would not like to work in an organization where the leadership was focused on unity and maturity? Unity does not mean always agreeing, but it does mean knowing how to fight in a way that preserves respect, honor, and integrity. It means being determined to resolve conflict by keeping the interest of the entire group as the focus of debates. It means consciously putting aside the agendas of individuals and embracing the call and mission of the organization. Maturity, on the other hand, does not mean perfection or infallibility, but it does mean seeking forgiveness for wrongs, honest communication and honest feed-back, and a commitment to life-long learning.
This passage is certainly written from a spiritual perspective and about a spiritual organization. But for those non-profit organizations (churches and para church institutions), these words seems to be directly applicable down to every spiritual detail. For those organizations that are not founded on spiritual principles, the goals of maturity and unity within the company seem to be blue-chip priorities.
Paul might say that the role of leadership is to prepare others to serve in order to bring unity and maturity to the organization. Just some thoughts to consider.
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