Leadership Lessons: A Transformative Journey
I recently enrolled in a one-year leadership course called the Fearless Institute Boot Camp, offered by Mavuno Church, a local church with head-offices in Nairobi, Kenya. I chose this course based on recommendations from friends I admire and because it offers transformative leadership training. In this first month of January, I learned several key lessons grounded in biblical teachings and real-life experiences, which I'd like to share with you. These lessons have been eye-opening and provide profound leadership insights for self-reflection.
The Four Levels of Leadership
According to John C. Maxwell in his iconic book "Becoming a Person of Influence," there are four leadership levels: Modelling, Motivating, Mentoring, and Multiplying, arranged in the order of their impact. As one grows, their level of integrity, nurturing others, having faith in people, and helping others also grow. Maxwell encourages leaders to listen more, understand, connect, empower, and ultimately produce other people of influence.
Personal Transformation
This journey of self-improvement begins with self-reflection, understanding one's contributions to issues, and adopting an inward-out approach. This begins with mapping a framework for self-improvement, emphasizing the importance of listening, easing command-and-control tendencies, and placing faith in others. This transformation will positively impact your relationships with others.
Cultivating Good Character
According to Pastor Muriithi, the founder of Mavuno Church, "a good character originates from the heart". A good character is the essence of good leadership. He therefore reminds leaders to guard their hearts against temptations and corruption by examining their hearts and reflecting on any weaknesses. He also reminds leader to maintain humility by practices like being generous, obeying the Ten Commandments, fasting, praying, and spending time with God reinforce character. Participation in church ministry also serves as a stronghold against moral lapses.
Aligning Motives with God's Will
Leaders should seek to understand the motives that drive them, examining distractions like the pursuit of money, power, fame, and ego. Surrendering to God’s will often means relinquishing identities, possessions, and relationships to prioritize God. Heightened awareness of worldviews that normalize sin and staying alert to a biblical perspective by studying the Bible and questioning, like the Bereans, is essential. Leaders should also read widely to broaden their knowledge.
Embracing a Visionary Mindset
Leaders should adopt a big-picture perspective in their plans and dreams, casting compelling visions larger than themselves, embodying solid principles and contextualized views. Bill Hybels, in his book “Courageous Leadership,” emphasizes leadership as a spiritual gift essential for casting compelling visions and engaging congregations. He highlights the significance of fundraising, decision-making, communication, developing leaders, and navigating cultural changes to maintain church relevance. Hybels' principles, used in establishing Willow Creek Community Church, offer in-depth insights into building impactful church networks. Drawing parallels with Mavuno Church in Kenya, I see similarities in organizational models, discipleship groups, church networks, rhythms, and visions of turning ordinary people into fearless influencers of society.
Leadership Application in Life
The teachings extend beyond church leadership into personal and professional realms, serving as a management reference for future leadership challenges at work and home. The teachings emphasize local discipleship groups as pillars for spiritual growth and advocate for dynamic leadership styles suited to different situations. Leaders are encouraged to focus on excellence in service, engage in coaching and mentoring to multiply themselves, and remain accountable as good stewards of God’s resources. Applying the three Cs—Character, Competence, and Chemistry—in hiring and collaboration is also essential. According to Pastor Muriithi, placing faith in others fosters transformation, positively impacting relationships and creating a collaborative and supportive environment where everyone thrives.
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