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Why humility for a leader is not always enough
by Glenn Williams
The chances are many leaders would be divided on the significance of that statement alone.Some equate humility with weakness, whereas others argue that when it is absent, leaders lose the ability to listen – to their peers, staff, customers, constituents, congregations, friends, their closest advisors, including their own families.
Inevitably what happens is every dimension of our leadership identity and experience becomes consumed by our ego and unhealthy pride. In How the Mighty Fall And Why Some Companies Never Give In, Collins describes this as “arrogant neglect” and “hubris born of success.” He states that when it is present in leadership, the organization is in its first stage (out of five) of organizational decline.
In his landmark research comparing ‘good to great’ companies with companies that failed to make the leap from good to great, he presents a framework of concepts that emerged from his research that were distinctive in the good to great companies.
One of those concepts I am focusing on in this article is Level 5 Leadership. Not merely because I think it has considerable merit, but because Collins holds it up against the popular practice of appointing ‘celebrity’ leaders who are quick to point to their messianic endeavors in building successful organisations and turning them around.
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Aid that Increases Poverty? A Case Study in Unintended Consequences
by Scott Wisely
Papuans were totally self-sufficient for thousands of years so it is a difficult task to convince them that they are hopeless and helpless. But in the last decade well-intentioned outsiders have made significant headway. The Papuans, who viewed themselves as “the people”–strong, free, brave and capable–are becoming dependent on government, mission, and aid organizations.Beliefs are what shape us. If you convince someone he is poor, he will act poor.
I teach a college class of aspiring teachers about poverty and education. I asked them, “Who convinced you that you should get everything free?” They blamed the outsiders. I asked, “Who made schooling and medical services free here?” When they named the head politician I asked where he was from. They got quiet because he is a local.
I called to their attention the many campaign posters promising giveaways. I said, “If I came to you and said ‘Oh, you poor Papuan student, I feel so bad for you. You were malnourished as a child and came from a single parent family. This is really hard what you are doing: working and going to school. You can’t do this. I will pay your school fees and I will give you clothes and food and a place to live and spending money. I’ll do your homework for you and take your tests.’ What do I believe about you? That you don’t have what it takes. You are weak and I am strong. You are poor and I am rich. You are stupid and I am smart. Is that what you are?
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Next BAM course – August 23-29
Our next Business as Mission intensive is being held on the Sunshine Coast from August 23-29.Those who attend the intensive then have the option to complete a Cert IV in Front line Management. Employers may be eligible for government funding to have their staff complete this course
To find out more information and to register your interest in attending please visit our website.
If you know of others who may be interested please pass on this link to them.
Visit the BAM website
