leadership

Flipping the Leadership Model “Upside-Down”

One of the most disheartening things I’ve seen in Western missions is leadership that continues to drive an attitude of “I know all the answers” and “I need to be the one making the decisions” and “Nothing happens without my being there, providing my input.” It really shames and dishonors local leaders, especially when the Western leader is trying to build relationships with nationals in overseas cultures with different contexts and social environments. These nationals are extremely bright and intuitive. They sense the arrogance and pride quickly, and they want nothing to do with it. This style of top-down leadership erodes empowerment and trust, and causes so many difficult, long-term issues. It’s the opposite of Jesus’s leadership approach. Let me explain …