Day: August 11, 2016

Leading is Transforming

Lessons from A Christmas Carol

Leadership and leader-follower relationships, are about transformation of people and organizations for the better. That clearly was the theme of A Christmas Carol. As a result of being led by spirits of Christmas past, present and future, Scrooge was transformed. These mentors led him through a series of purposeful and sometimes painful experiences that changed Scrooge’s life. Through their guidance He came to an understanding of his own selfishness and the needs of others around him. Eventually Scrooge chose to use his resources to transform the lives of others because he himself had been transformed.

Defining Transformational Leadership

James MacGregor Burns called this transformational leadership. Leaders recognize higher needs in followers (love, hope, meaning, esteem) and engage them fully by seeking to meet those needs and convert followers into leaders. According to Burns,

“transforming leadership raises the level of human conduct and ethical aspiration of both leader and the led. Leaders engage with others in such a way that leaders and followers raise one another to higher levels of motivation and morality.”

Though leader-follower relationships begin with transactions, they shouldn’t end there. As leaders earn credibility and trust through their transactions, they also gain more power to influence and elevate followers in transformational ways. According to Burns, moving followers, “to higher levels of motivation and morality,” is one of the primary evidences that leadership exists. It implies regard and respect for and commitment to followers.

Jesus as a Transformational Leader

Over more than 2,000 years, no leader has influenced more people or changed the world more profoundly for good than Jesus of Nazareth. In Jesus we have what is arguably the best example of a transformational leader. Witness His relationship with His disciples. Jesus understood they had both intrinsic value and very human needs. At their first encounter He engaged them in a transaction He initiated, filling their boat with fish. That clearly elevated His credibility. Jesus also made other promises to disciples; He delivered on those promises and His credibility grew. His genuine regard for followers was manifest in the many acts of love, kindness and service He extended to them.

Relational Dynamics are Key

These relational dynamics demonstrated His commitment and eventually transformed His disciples. Actually, His actions deepened their commitment both to Jesus and to the common purpose they shared with Him. By teaching, healing, challenging and loving these mostly uneducated and sometimes cowardly followers, Jesus transformed them into courageous and committed leaders. His mission and values became their mission and values. In fact, so powerful was the transformation that they boldly carried on the organizational mission in ways that cost most of them their lives.

Yet, the power to lead and transform didn’t come through any worldly position Jesus may have held. Instead it came through the relationships Jesus shared with them and the love, commitment, respect, sacrifice those followers experienced. It is a clear illustration that leadership is not a position; it’s a relationship with enormous potential to achieve and transform for the better. In our church growth consulting we encourage this type of leadership for pastors. While they may be tempted to wield power, would be leaders must recognize that transforming individuals and organizations requires them to understand and act on the needs and wants of followers. This approach shows them how to motivate church members. And when they do that they’ll be leading and helping to maximize church growth.

by Len Moisan

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- Jennifer Scott, Director of Development - The Cabbage Patch Settlement House

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- Dan Jones, CEO - 21st Century Parks

“The campaign has truly been a miracle. People were committed from the beginning, but…even raising $650,000 seemed like a stretch. To nearly double that amount is incredible! When the plan they developed allows you to hit a goal like that, it builds such a sense of community. The momentum built by the campaign is spilling outside the walls of our church and benefiting others in the process.”
-Father John Hollowell - Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church

“For those of us who don’t do this everyday, The Covenant Group instilled confidence in us. They helped us get through the fear and apprehension by providing us with a process, training and motivation. They taught us and helped us plan in a way that was for the better. We have built lasting relationships with donors and we will continue to steward these relationships long into the future.”
- Sue Finke, Director of Institutional Advancement - Covington Catholic High School

“No one anticipated we could raise this amount. Even the Archdiocese is surprised. The funds raised represent about 15 times our annual giving. But it’s not just the financial results. People stand around talking more than they did before the campaign. There is also a renewed and energized spirit among the parishioners. It’s the most exciting thing to happen in our parish in the last 100 years.”
- Gary Libs, Campaign Co-Chair - St. Mary of the Knobs Catholic Church

“The Covenant Group’s process involved a lot of people in our congregation doing small tasks … that built ownership. They took our vision and put it into a concrete plan. They helped us understand the importance of making our vision clear and laid out the steps to make the vision a reality. Their process built consensus and showed people how they could help. Their methods are based on a solid theological foundation that includes key documents, prayer support, and requisite training … all of which were invaluable.”
- Daniel Montgomery, Pastor - Sojourn Community Church

“Everything The Covenant Group did to help us…in the initial stages was helpful…the development of the case statement; our materials; the training of our Board members; strategies; all these steps laid the foundation for eventual success. They brought such a high level of professionalism, a wealth of experience and a strong track record of integrity and success… just being associated with The Covenant Group helped us.”
- Nancy Doctor, Development Director - Wellspring

“The structure The Covenant Group provided was excellent. It allowed our members to use their God-given talents to benefit the church community They helped us develop a plan and identify key leadership candidates to chair the effort, as well as engaging between 80 to 100 people to carry out the work of the campaign. It was truly a whole congregation effort and The Covenant Group helped facilitate that. They helped us reach our full potential as a congregation.”
- Ron Poisel, Pastor - Christ Lutheran Church