My Jewish friend and OD colleague Robin Cook shared with me an article by Chief Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks where the rabbi delineates a Jewish approach to leadership. Take a look at it. His seven principles are worth pondering. It's really an excellent piece.
With Rabbi Sacks as my inspiration, here is another Jewish perspective, one based on the life of the Carpenter's Son from Nazareth in Galilee, as described in the four gospels.
Principle 1 - A leader takes the risk of responsible caring for others in need. We see this so clearly in the story of the Good Samaritan.
Principle 2 - A leader does not go it alone. He builds a team and a following. The calling of the 12 apostles is perhaps the shining example of this principle. And even after one of the twelve falls away from the path, a replacement is chosen.
Principle 3 - A leader speaks to the people, sharing his vision of the good society. In the Sermon on the Mount, as well as in other stories of His preaching, we see Jesus conveying the guidelines that if followed will help create a just world.
Principle 4 - A leader preaches through his living, his suffering, and his dying. Jesus lived his own 'good news,' teaching others by the way he lived.
Principle 5 - A leader creates other leaders and sends them on their mission. He inspires and empowers his disciples to go forth.
Principle 6 - A leader leaves a legacy. After His death and rising, Jesus sent the Spirit. The coming of the Holy Spirit made sure that the followers were filled with inspiration, and were well supported to carry on, on their own.
Principle 7 - A leader is a paradox. While clearly an authority, He is also a servant. This becomes so clear in the washing of the disciples feet. As leader, He recognized that, though he was teacher, prophet and king, He was the servant of all.
This is perhaps the greatest leadership principle that we have been gifted with.
What are we doing with these principles? Are we agents of transformation in this world?
Posted by Terrence Seamon on Monday June 25, 2012
