Running head: REFLECTION PAPER-INSPIRING LEADERSHIP
Reflection Paper – Inspiring Leadership; Character and Ethics Matter
Denise Voltz
Regent University
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REFLECTION PAPER-INSPIRING LEADERSHIP
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Reflection Paper – Inspiring Leadership; Character and Ethics Matter
Fisher and Martini’s book Inspiring Leadership (2004) was full of real life examples
of the characteristics of great leaders. Their approach to the conversation was refreshing in
that it brought flesh and bones to concepts and theories. The science behind leadership can
lose some concreteness if we cannot put it to the test. This book proved over and over again
that great leadership requires character, ethics, service and sacrifice. This book proved the
theory that moral excellence paves the way for great ethics. Rae and Wong (2012) state
“Most ethical theories in modern times have focused on doing the right action or making the
right decision when confronted by a moral dilemma. The virtue theorist holds that there is
more to morality than simply doing the right thing” (p. 37). This theory is represented plainly
in the writings of Fisher and Martini in our subject book.
One virtue they focus on is the virtue of Servant Leadership. Servant leaders are
humble, team players, generous with their time and resources, mentors, and great listeners
who follow up what they’ve heard with action. They are empathetic and encouragers of
others, who display a love for the people they serve (Fisher & Martini, 2004). Jesus is our
excellent example of the servant leader. Not only did he teach, guide, encourage and love his
disciples, he also died for them so their ultimate future could be a successful one. Even in his
hour of great distress before he mounted the cross, Jesus laid aside his own desires for the
greater good of all. Within the concept of love as their “simplest definition” Fisher & Martini
prove to be accurate if that “love” we express resembles the agape love that God has for us
and that Jesus displayed. Our “lasting legacy” that Fisher and Martini charge us with is that
of servant leadership to the end that the Father’s love is expressed through us to others.
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So much of servant leadership puts power back into the hands of others. As a servant
leader our job is to empower others in any way we can. Comparing this to Utilitarianism as
an ethical theory, servant leadership would be difficult in which to adhere. Utilitarianism as
described by Rae and Wong (2012) states that “the act that produces the greatest good for the
greatest number is the moral thing to do” (p.32). Servant leadership on the other hand looks
to the greatest good for the individual served and what could be described as the loving thing
to do in a given situation. For example, in my work I have the privilege of running several
teams of volunteers. Part of that is raising up leaders who may or may not have the necessary
skills in that capacity, but they do have the potential. I have repeatedly been in a situation
where the potential leader is given “authority verses responsibility”, a concept our staff
learned from Craig Groeschel, Pastor of Lifetv. They, at times may not accomplish the task
required with the same amount of excellence our staff would prefer but we allow them to
experience their results to be built up in that process through the authority in which they were
give. This is the goal even if the rest of the team may not meet the objective with excellence.
We know that the learning experience for the one in a leadership position will bring about the
required future change and development of the whole team in the long run. The results are
not only in our setting where we gain, but within every setting of their lives for that
individual. This runs in direct contrast to the theory of Utilitarianistic ethics. Decisions using
this paradigm would always include the desired outcome, in our case “excellence”, in its
equation. It would not have a focus on empowering the individual.
Fisher and Martini’s book (2004) challenged me as a leader to be mindful of the
characteristics that make up good leadership and ultimately good leadership decisions. As a
leader I am more mindful of the fact that I’m leading by example, not just in doing the right
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things, but also in being the right thing. A friend of mine shared a quote with me the other
day that said “Management is getting the right things done, leadership is doing the right
things.” This encapsulates the ideas in the book. Our thoughts informs our ethics, which
inform our actions which informs our character and ultimately our destiny. This idea in the
book quoted by Frank Outlaw (p. 1) has no spiritual connotation to it, but it speaks so much
truth into who we are as people of God. Again and again Jesus charged us with the matters of
our hearts and minds, not so much our outward actions. As a revolutionary leader Jesus knew
if we didn’t look inside first we would never master our motives or besetting actions. For me
personally this book serves as an inspiration to me of the hard work of others in a long line of
great leaders and gives excellent examples to emulate. It will certainly be a book that I return
to time and again to refuel and rethink who I am.
In my critique of this book I took small exception to parts of the chapter on
empowerment. Specifically the summation entitled Harnessing the Power Within. Even
though the author’s recommendations of positive thinking are promising, I felt the topic of
optimism was shallow to some degree and minimized the sufferings and trials of Americans.
Yes, we may not suffer monsoons like our Chinese neighbors but someone reading this may
have suffered other horrors, losses and griefs. Statements like “Be optimistic and look on the
bright side” reminds me of some of the Christian cliché’s so easily passed from brother to
brother in the face of suffering when they don’t know otherwise what to say. In my journey
with the Lord I have faced my share of trials. Later, this made it difficult for me to have
empathy for others that were hurting. In my mind’s eye the pain of others didn’t see to
compare to my situations. A wise person shared with me that to them it is still pain, and they
are still feeling and experiencing it. In that I could empathize. So for me my desire was that
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this section could offer a little more depth into the idea of suffering and how that can
empower us verses minimizing it and offering the cliché answer.
I am grateful for my experiences in trials for they have formed and developed me into
a better person. In looking at the faith component to my own leadership I would have to say
that without faith I would be an awful example to follow. My relationship with Christ has
literally made me into a “new creation”. The Bible speaks to this in 2 Corinthians 5:17 where
it states “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the
new is here” (New International Version). Fisher and Martini (2004) describe the importance
of leaning into a higher power as a leader and adhering to Biblical concepts, such as the
Golden Rule, forgiveness, seeking heavenly rewards, rest and the concept of evil in our
world. With a Biblical worldview these concepts are easily embraced. However, I also
believe that the concepts they laid out for those without a Biblical worldview are
embraceable as well because they speak universal truth. Non-Christians can be good people,
with a strong moral fiber, who model great character and who God uses in the lives of others.
However, what my faith brings to the equation is a power through the Holy Spirit that
transcends who I am on my own. This power is the difference between being the average or
being someone who is burning with a holy fire, bright and warm that illumines a world of
darkness. The non-Christian does not have a power outside of themselves to tap into for
truth, wisdom or even the love that good servant leadership demands.
REFLECTION PAPER-INSPIRING LEADERSHIP
References
R. Stewart Fisher and Perry J. Martini. (2004). Inspiring Leadership: Character and Ethics
Matter. King of Prussia: Academy Leadership.
Scott Rae and Kenman Wong. (2012). Beyond Integrity. Grand Rapids: Zondervan.
www.blueletterbible.org. (2013, December 1). Retrieved from www.blueletterbible.org.
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