LEADERSHIP Series: Theory and Practice of Leading

The literature on the theory and practice of leadership has been around a long time. Studies have emerged from many disparate disciplines that have shaped and augmented that literature. Each writer, some intentionally, many without intention, have reflected a particular worldview.

One’s worldview consists of at least three attributes, it:

• Assumes something about origins (fundamentally either matter or spirit - first cause - is eternal);
• Defines the problems that beset the human being (at the core it’s either sin, or some evolved set of environmental/societal drivers); and finally,
• Ultimately offers a solution to the human condition.

Our view worldview then determines what we believe about the intent, behavior and impact humans have on each other and the role that leaders and followers play in that dance of interaction.

From Plutarch’s Lives, to more moderns writers like:

• Selznick (1957 – who wrote on the concept of the infusion of values and purpose);
• Greenleaf (1977- who, from reading Herman Hesse’s Journey to the East deduced the concept of the “servant leader”);
• Burns (1978 – who developed the concepts of ethically and morally transformational leadership); and,
• Bennis, Blanchard, Kotter, Maxwell and others who have built on these foundations and added powerful insights -

we have developed a body of literature about the ways leaders need to think and behave to motivate followers - each writer offering valid ideas and processes on leadership. Interestingly, they all have a basis in Scripture. “Wisdom” was there in the beginning.

God tells us that effective leaders are first followers of Him. It is then these followers lead by example; therefore, effective leadership begins after a heart is changed from its original nature to a Christ-centered nature. A heart changed will shape behavior toward yourself and others.

Man’s theories come and go. God’s laws have remained constant.

Have you considered your worldview and how it shapes your leadership? The answer matters – today at work and eternally.

Proverbs 8: 22-23 (NASB) The LORD possessed me [Wisdom] at the beginning of His way, before His works of old. From everlasting I was established, from the beginning, from the earliest times of the earth.


Copyright ©2009 by P. Griffith Lindell