Running head: REFLECTION PAPER-INSPIRING LEADERSHIP Reflection Paper – Inspiring Leadership; Character and Ethics Matter Denise Voltz Regent University 1 REFLECTION PAPER-INSPIRING LEADERSHIP 2 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. REFLECTION PAPER-INSPIRING LEADERSHIP 3 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 REFLECTION PAPER-INSPIRING LEADERSHIP 4 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 REFLECTION PAPER-INSPIRING LEADERSHIP 5 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. 6
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