In today’s world, technological advancements, global political power and societal upheavals have created complex challenges.
Unfortunately, traditional leadership models are inadequate to address the spiritual, socio-economic and moral dimensions of the crisis. In order to navigate the complexities of the 21st century, God is raising leaders to transform the local churches and global marketplaces.
Andrew J. Dubrin defined Leadership as the ability to inspire confidence and create support among others to achieve organisational goals.
Transformational leaders birth positive changes by moving group members beyond their self–interest.
They ignite a passion for the good of their organisation through a shared vision. Below are Biblical examples:
Biblical examples
The Bible is a pool of characters who demonstrate transformational leadership. Examples are our Lord Jesus Christ, Paul and Solomon.
Jesus Christ transformed ordinary fishermen (Peter, James, John, etc) into Apostles. He offered them a vision to execute (Acts 4:13, Matthew 28:18-20).
The Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary emphasises how Paul, through the Authority of the Gospel, converted the Epicurean Philosophers to Christianity ― Acts 17:18.
King Solomon brought transformation to their national development agenda.
Both the Temple and the Palace were built in seven years and 13 years respectively.
Richard Vuit, et al, assessed competence, commitment and cooperation as tools for organisational transformation.
Attitudes
Transformational leaders need interpersonal relationships, visionary lifestyles, values and principles:
Firstly, the ability to connect and interact with individuals and groups to achieve specific goals is a hallmark. Communication, managing emotions, integrity and ethical conduct in an organisation is emphasised.
??John C. Maxwell’s book, “17 Essential Qualities of A Team Player”,??
Michael Deaver appreciated former US President Ronald Reagan for his team spirit with the ordinary people.
Vision thrives through stronger bonding, releasing the ability to run with the vision.
Secondly, they possess a thrilling vision; a clear futuristic plan to be achieved.
Michael Hyatt expounded that visions inspire leaders, mobilise teams, align resources and overcome obstacles.
Visions have the following components; Firstly, state clear visions. In Habakkuk 2:2, God instructed the prophet to write the vision in clear statements to eliminate ambiguity.
This enables team members to grasp its core mandate.
Secondly, the vision must be action-oriented.
Direct strategic goals are explored to break the vision into specific, measurable objectives and timelines for key performance indicators.
Visions are embraced if the leader is genuinely committed to it.
Finally, when visions are meaningfully communicated to followers, they serve as a bridge between the ideation and actualisation stages.
As remarked by Michael Hyatt, “The way a leader shares his vision influences its acceptance and the organisation’s overall success”.
Transformational leaders employ Kingdom values and principles to underpin the behaviours of workers.
Consider the values and principles below;
Values and principles guide decision–making, modify behaviours and motivate employees.
Values are intangible qualities that influence our choices to reach the desired goals.
Examples are integrity, respect, kindness and love.
Principles are set rules that control standards of moral codes based on God’s Word.
They determine the success of ethical living.
My perspective is that a reward system should be available to reward workers with exceptional values and principles in every organisation.
Richard Vult suggested that values and principles reduce corruption in an organisation.
The clarion call is for leaders to be stewards of the resources we manage at all levels.
Local churches, global marketplaces
They are Spirit-filled and affect the ills in cultures and systems.
Their faith is wrapped in deep biblical teachings.
As salt and light, they impact the global economy, digitisation and globalization.
Transformational leaders adopt interpersonal relationships, clear visions and a life of integrity.
They change people and organisational systems.
They also eliminate barriers and employ expertise and resources to fulfil a goal.
Charles Swindoll said we influence the global marketplace through the character of Christ.
True transformation is a quest for excellence.
The writer is with the Church of Pentecost,
Teshie Nungua Area,
Ghana – Accra.
