"But unique to

missions is the

environment in

which those skills

must be applied"

VISIONS  

October 2008

Vol. 59, No. 4

Good Leadership:

Applied or Denied?

Nobody wants to be a “bad leader.” Nobody wants to be known as a bad leader. Nobody sets out to become a bad leader. And certainly, nobody desires to leave behind a legacy of bad leadership. Yet sadly, ineffective leadership can be found throughout every level of missions. With the myriads of resources (and I do mean myriads) that are available on the subject, one wonders why ineptitude in the performance of leadership responsibilities is so prevalent.

One answer is to be found in the gulf that exists between being knowledgeable about leadership principles, competencies, and skills, and with their application. There are books, tapes, conferences, seminars, workshops and webinars galore that cover every facet on becoming an emerging “good leader.” Others abound that guide seasoned leaders into honing and refining their leadership skills. But unique to missions is the environment in which those skills must be applied.

In foreign settings, the local context, cultural values, linguistic nuances, normative leadership styles, and the people’s idealistic expectations of expatriates puts added pressure on missionaries to be effective as leaders. In most cases, it takes time to begin to get it right as one works through a cultural learning curve. In home offices, mission executives and administrators must balance the pressures of attending to the needs and demands of their varied foreign missionary force, homeland churches’ expectations, board of trustees’ directives, departmental staff quirks - all this coupled with limited financial resources. Is it any wonder that it is challenging to be an effective leader in the mission environment!

The LeaderLink program, sponsored by CrossGlobal Link and The Mission Exchange, has been designed to address these leadership challenges which are peculiar to missions. In 2009 LeaderLink varies in that it will feature two Advanced tracks that are opened to anyone in missions and no Foundations track. Topics include: strategic thinking and planning, leading organizational change, managing transition, essentials of Drucker and personal growth plans. All are designed to make good leaders even better.  If you are reading this Visions issue, you qualify to come! Join us Feb. 28-March 5, 2009 at a quiet retreat center in central Florida, basking in the warmth of both the sun and fellowship of other mission-minded leaders.

Marv Newell

Executive Director

CrossGlobal Link