ENHANCING LEADERSHIP EFFECTIVENESS
presentation by Jane Gardner
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What can be said to high priests about leadership? Many of us have defined
our life of service by providing leadership in congregations, districts,
stakes and regions. Some among us have particular gifts in the area of
administration, but is there more? What makes our leadership effective and how
can we improve?
Leadership has been closely tied to the concept of power. At its worst,
leadership has been the naked use of this power to prevail. However, new
models and theories are emerging which include more shared methods of goal
setting and achievement.
James MacGregor Burns identifies one such leadership style as:
"….inducing followers to act for certain goals that represent the
values and the motivations--the wants and needs, the aspirations and
expectations--of both leaders and followers."
This “transactional” leadership has "give-and-take" at its
foundation. While this kind of leadership moves closer to a Christian style,
Burns goes on to hold up a more sensitive and constructive approach,
identified as ‘transformational leadership.’ He says, "Transforming
leadership ultimately becomes moral in that it raises the level of human
conduct and ethical aspiration of both leader and led, and thus it has a
transforming effect on both."
As others gain a richer quality of life, we are also blessed. As leaders,
we are called to be transformational; to be agents of change in the lives of
others, to take people beyond where they think they can be, to be ministers of
vision.
Jesus Christ models servant leadership. As high priests, we are called to
live out this model in our everyday lives. Quite frankly, as high priests we
have, at times, been self-serving rather than ‘servant.’ This may be
because of our backgrounds, training, accomplishments, personalities and a
whole host of other factors. However, we are called to be like Christ: humble
servants to those we are called to lead.
This is a good time to share my testimony of Eleanor. As a child in the
Chicago District, I attended a girls group led by Eleanor. There were 9 or 10
girls spread throughout the metro area and on Sunday nights we gathered at the
church to learn, worship and have fun. Eleanor reminded me of my grandmother.
One special weekend Eleanor invited all of the girls to her home. My mother
drove me to Eleanor’s on Friday night. We were the first to arrive. We sat
and talked while we waited for the others. But as the appointed hour passed,
it became obvious that no one else was coming. My mother offered to take me
home and reschedule the activity for another weekend.
I will never forget Eleanor’s reply. She said, “No, you leave Jane with
me. We have much to do. I’ll bring her to church on Sunday.” Eleanor and I
spent the weekend together. It was one of the most special times in my life.
She taught me, she played with me, she coached me, she LOVED me. Being a child
from a large family, I had never received so much individual attention in my
life. She fed my soul.
I realize now that Eleanor was my grandmother’s age. Her
children were grown and on their own. I am so thankful that she didn’t say,
“I served my term while my children were at home. It’s someone else’s
turn.” Eleanor and I formed a life-long bond. Until the time of her death, I
was the recipient of her love through cards, letters, and visits. Every
exchange included words of encouragement and vision, pulling me beyond the
status quo. She was a servant leader to me.
Peter O’Toole has said: “Leaders must become leaders of leaders.”
This seems especially appropriate for high priests to consider - we are called
to nurture servant ministry in others.
The Covey Leadership Center espouses that a principle-centered leader
understands the different approaches required for people and things: in
management the focus is on things, efficiency and control; in leadership the
focus is on people, effectiveness and release. Leaders are to be efficient
with things, but….effective with people.
The Leadership Center lists three factors that they believe determine a
leader's effectiveness:
- pathfinding - creating an exciting vision;
- empowerment - teaching people to become relatively independent and part
of interdependent, self-managing teams; and
- team building - involving people in activities that improve the team's
productivity and cooperation.
Sounds like a good match with ‘ministers of vision’ to me.
