Not Knowing....Yet
I am not even a year into the PhD program and am already realizing that sometimes the answer to a perplexing question is, "I am not sure...yet".
The key word to an inspiring PhD student is yet.
As a student, I am learning its being comfortable with the fact, that at the present moment, even after many hours of thinking and research, I am still not at an answer, but will never cease in my attempt to solving the question. It can be immensely frustrating not being able to arrive at an answer in our ever fast paced culture, which demands efficiencies and speed at the expense of critical thinking. However, the process of arriving at the answer may even be more important than the answer itself. It is in the failed attempts that force my mind to think in a different manner, to explore an unknown logic.
So as I submit model attempt #3, and remain unsure if it is a correct answer, I will continue to remind myself that the answer will come in its due time, when my mind has been strengthen and tried and proven worthy of the answer.
The key word to an inspiring PhD student is yet.
As a student, I am learning its being comfortable with the fact, that at the present moment, even after many hours of thinking and research, I am still not at an answer, but will never cease in my attempt to solving the question. It can be immensely frustrating not being able to arrive at an answer in our ever fast paced culture, which demands efficiencies and speed at the expense of critical thinking. However, the process of arriving at the answer may even be more important than the answer itself. It is in the failed attempts that force my mind to think in a different manner, to explore an unknown logic.
So as I submit model attempt #3, and remain unsure if it is a correct answer, I will continue to remind myself that the answer will come in its due time, when my mind has been strengthen and tried and proven worthy of the answer.
Game Changing Leadership
I was recently reading the book of Acts and came across this verse that left me pondering all week. The story is of Paul and Silas who were preaching in a synagogue as was their routine when traveling to new cities. They observed the Sabbath, as not to create unnecessary conflict, and solely preached the Christ. Yet, this simply profound message was enough to what its opponents stated as, "turning the world upside down." And this terminology that was used refers to the world as affecting all living inhabitants. This was not an isolated incident but rather a game changer leadership style with a global reach. What was it that so infuriated the Jews to accuse these men of turning the world upside down? By turning the world upside down, these men meant altering its state. Was it healing the blind? Restoring the sick? The message of peace, hope, and joy? No, it was the large following that created jealousy (Acts 17:5). Paul and Silas were "converting" both Jews and Gentiles to a new way of living. A way which reconciled notable cultural differences, a way which claimed Christ over the law, and a way which made the impossible, possible. For those who resist change, it was a tri-fold threat. The "behold, all things are new" message was not appealing to all. As with all circumstances, there will be those who are for us and those who are against us. Yet, the game changer leader will so alter the state of a circumstance, ultimately for the good, that it will be an honor to hear the words, "you are turning the world upside down".
The Role of Christian Ethics in Global Leadership
The following is an excerpt taken from a recent paper, "Reevaluating the Role of Ethics in Global Leadership".
The complexities of today’s global affairs require a deeper examination into ethical leadership. As globalization connects societies, both individuals and organizations are faced with advance multi-facet dilemmas. The consequences of unethical leadership behavior are far reaching and potentially more damaging than ever before. On the contrary, ethical leaders now have the capacity to make an even greater influence because of technological innovation and globalized communication tools. The ability of leaders to access information, gain knowledge, and process data is at an all-time high.
The complexities of today’s global affairs require a deeper examination into ethical leadership. As globalization connects societies, both individuals and organizations are faced with advance multi-facet dilemmas. The consequences of unethical leadership behavior are far reaching and potentially more damaging than ever before. On the contrary, ethical leaders now have the capacity to make an even greater influence because of technological innovation and globalized communication tools. The ability of leaders to access information, gain knowledge, and process data is at an all-time high.
Ethical leaders must face the challenging decisions that a global environment has handed and deal with the varying degree of consequences those decisions will produce, both positive and negative. Heifetz proposes in the book, Leadership Without Easy Answers, “The primary role of leaders is to help followers confront conflict and find productive ways to deal with it” (Yukl, 2006, p. 419). In the process of such a role, ethical leaders may find themselves faced with sorrow while confronting conflict and injustices. As Solomon states, “In much wisdom there is much grief, and increasing in knowledge results in increasing in pain” (Ecclesiastics 1:18, NASB). Yet David reminds one in the Psalms, “Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning” (Psalm 30:5). Ethical leaders have the ability to bring joyous outcomes to an organization by appropriately handling weighty dilemmas.
Lewis, in the book, The Abolition of Man, argues that man must be taught proper values. Lewis states that the corrupt man is born blinded to just values and ethics. He writes, “One must be trained to feel pleasure, liking, disgust and hatred at those things which really are pleasant, likable, disgusting and hateful” (Lewis, 1944, p. 16). Ethical behavior, argued by Lewis, is not intrinsically known to man but rather must be learned. Lewis continues by stating if a leader only learns with his head but not his heart the value of ethics, he is like a man without a chest. He writes, “The heart never takes the place of the head: but it can, and should, obey it” (Lewis, 1944, p. 19). Thus an ethical leader must first by way of knowledge learn values and then by way of heart apply them to day to day life.
Wilberforce says, “The character is first and foremost a product of understanding and embracing the finished work of Christ on our behalf and of unreservedly devoting ourselves to God” (Beltz, 2006, p. 65). Scriptural illiteracy has created a generation of leaders who are ignorant to what is right and wrong. A generation has brought up leaders who are at best lukewarm towards the things of God and as a result are half-hearted in their devotion. In John 5:39 Christ commands one to search the Scriptures. The essence of what to value and esteem is found within the words of God. The words of Scripture provide what English poet, John Milton, describes as divine philosophy. He writes, “How charming is divine philosophy! Not harsh and crabbed, as dull Fools suppose, But musical as is Apollo’s lute, And a perpetual feast of nectar’d sweets, Where no crude surfeit reigns” (Beltz, 2006, p. 8). Scriptural literacy begets leaders who value the things of God and help assist in the transforming process of reconciling man back to God.
“Any leader who thinks his or her job is about maximizing shareholder value is living in the past” (Girard, 2011, p. 1). There are many types of ethical models a leader may follow, however the ethical Christian leader’s end will be to the glory of God, their means will be through Scriptural values and, as a result, their outcome will be promoting follower’s freedom and utility. An ethical Christian leader must see their duty as conquering the offenses of society and ultimately leading people down a path of reconciliation. The world today is in desperate need of Christian ethical leaders, so may leaders rise to Peter’s call, “Shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory” (1 Peter 5:2-4). In doing so, the world will “see divine immanence in such a life…unfolding of God's agency in liberating pardon, sovereign judgment, creaturely blessing, and faithful love over against the damage brought by sin, suffering, death, and hopelessness” (Werpehowski, 2007, p. 55).
A New Kind of Leader
I recently wrote a paper on the topic of just leadership and would like to share an excerpt below. As always, thank you for reading!
The complexities of today’s global affairs require a new kind of leader. A leader that is concerned over the daunting statistics of extreme poverty. A leader that loses sleep over the injustices done unto a people group on the other side of the world. A leader who sees their duty as conquering the offenses of society and ultimately leading people down a path of reconciliation. The world is need of just leaders.
The complexities of today’s global affairs require a new kind of leader. A leader that is concerned over the daunting statistics of extreme poverty. A leader that loses sleep over the injustices done unto a people group on the other side of the world. A leader who sees their duty as conquering the offenses of society and ultimately leading people down a path of reconciliation. The world is need of just leaders.
What then is just leadership? Just leadership focuses on issues revolving around societal justice. This can be defined as, “The fair and proper administration of laws conforming to the natural law that all persons, irrespective of ethnic origin, gender, possessions, race, religion, ect, and to be treated equally and without prejudice” ("Social Justice," 2010). Just leaders focus on values. Zigarmi (2008) explains that just leaders must not focus on any one value but, “the values must be the noblest needs and value of humankind. The needs and values that serve each individual by firmly and yet gently establishing and reminding everyone of the obvious responsibility each individual has to the welfare of the whole” (p. 35). Scripture states that just leaders focus on the ministry of reconciliation. “Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation” (2 Cor 5:18, New American Standard Bible). Just leadership can then be defined as leaders who concern themselves with societal issues, implementing values that lead to reconciliation with both God and His creation.
There is much more research, debate and conclusions to be drawn in the future regarding the topic of just leadership. However, this paper is a call for all leaders to begin to examine their work through the scope of God’s call to justice. It is time for a new kind of leader to emerge. In the words of the prophet Amos, “But let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream” (5:8).
Finding a Deeper Meaning
I stumbled across this verse this morning, "Our people must also learn to engage in good deeds to meet pressing needs , so that they will not be unfruitful" (Titus 3:14).
As I read this verse I thought, "What parts of my life are unfruitful?" "Where do I lack in meeting the needs of people when it is within reason to do so?" "Do I seek out good deeds?"
As an emerging leader how does one become fruitful in their work?
The word "unfruitful" in the context of the verse comes as a metaphor meaning not yielding what it ought to yield. This means that someone can be producing results, but not the results that are desirable. In other cases this word was used in the context of meaning, "contributing nothing to the instruction, improvement and comfort of others".
One would then reason that fruitful work is work that meets the needs of others by engaging in good deeds. How does a profitable business model follow after this type of motto?
Is it possible to be both fruitful and profitable at the same time?
As I read this verse I thought, "What parts of my life are unfruitful?" "Where do I lack in meeting the needs of people when it is within reason to do so?" "Do I seek out good deeds?"
As an emerging leader how does one become fruitful in their work?
The word "unfruitful" in the context of the verse comes as a metaphor meaning not yielding what it ought to yield. This means that someone can be producing results, but not the results that are desirable. In other cases this word was used in the context of meaning, "contributing nothing to the instruction, improvement and comfort of others".
One would then reason that fruitful work is work that meets the needs of others by engaging in good deeds. How does a profitable business model follow after this type of motto?
Is it possible to be both fruitful and profitable at the same time?
Is the Alleviation of Poverty Possible?
Yet, if extreme poverty is fought with global, complex and multi-facet solutions, it can end within the next thirty years. Three solutions proposed in this essay concern the allocation of resources, access to education and gender equality.
In order for poverty to be alleviated within the next thirty years, the world’s allocation of resources must experience a radical paradigm shift. The American population makes up less than 5% of the world’s population yet consumes more than 25% of the world’s natural resources[iv]. Approximately 80% of the world’s wealth is controlled by 10% of the world’s population[v]. The gap between the world’s rich and world’s poor is shocking. How then, can the world’s poor access the wealth of the rich?
The question at stake here is a person’s ability to obtain financing. The world’s richest people have access to financial institutions, government backed banking and investing options that continue to maximize and stabilize their wealth. For extreme poverty to end, it is essential for the world’s poorest to have access to financial resources. In order to start a business, build a well or continue on in education, capital is required. It will be impossible to alleviate poverty without providing access to capital in some capacity. Currently, the American government contributes less than 1% of the federal budget to aid poor countries[vi].
In order for extreme poverty to end, it will be up to individuals to loan their resources, so that others may have access to capital. A great solution already being implemented regarding this matter is micro-financing. Organizations such as Kiva, connect the rich with the poor, allow individuals to loan their wealth to others who would other wise not have access to capital. To date, they have loaned a total of $209,908,050 with almost 99% successful payback[vii].
In order for poverty to be alleviated within thirty years, education must be at the forefront of emerging countries’ policies. One of the underline factors regarding wealth is a person’s level of education, which ultimately is correlated to literacy. Literacy is one of the key variables that will empower others, freeing them from the chains of poverty. The L.A. Times reported, “No skill is more crucial to the future of a child, or to a democratic and prosperous society, than literacy.” [viii] President Clinton stated, “Literacy is not a luxury, it is a right and a responsibility. If our world is to meet the challenges of the twenty-first century we must harness the energy and creativity of all our citizens.” [ix]
It is impossible to access education without having access to schools and teachers. An innovative solution regarding access to education is online learning. Online learning would allow underprivileged children across the world to access some of the greatest teachers remotely. Broadband infrastructure would need to continue to expand, however this is feasible within the next thirty years. It is predicted that by 2015, approximately 3.6 billion people will be able to access broadband services, 50% of the world's population[x].The role of woman in society will need to experience a radical paradigm shift as well in many countries.
In order for poverty to be alleviated within thirty years, men and woman must be given the same liberties, resulting in gender equality. Nobel Peace Prize winner, Kofi Annan, says, “Gender equality is more than a goal in itself. It is a precondition for meeting the challenge of reducing poverty, promoting sustainable development and building good governance”.[xi] Minister and author, Norman Vincent Peale, profoundly stated, “When every physical and mental resource is focused, one's power to solve a problem multiplies tremendously.”[xii] When woman are part of the solution, societies have then maximized all resources and will be able to defeat extreme poverty in thirty years.
Moving forward, it will be essential that the input of the world’s richest economies not be at the expense of the output of the worlds poorest. The rich cannot continue to prosper at the expensive of cheap labor, inhumane working conditions and in worse case scenarios slavery. Governments, corporations and individuals across the world must strive towards the complete elimination of extreme poverty. When this occurs, education will be at the forefront of policies, woman will be treated with equality and resources will be adequately distributed.
[i] http://www.onedayswages.org/about/what-extreme-global-poverty[ii] http://www.onedayswages.org/about/what-extreme-global-poverty[iii] http://www.onedayswages.org/about/what-extreme-global-poverty[iv] http://www.gizmag.com/go/6571/[v] http://www.gizmag.com/go/6571/[vi] http://www.guardian.co.uk/global-development/poverty-matters/2011/apr/08/us-federal-budget-cuts-aid-certain-casualty[vii] Kiva.org[viii] http://www.readfaster.com/LiteracyQuotes.asp[ix] http://www.readfaster.com/LiteracyQuotes.asp[x] http://www.newmediatrendwatch.com/world-overview/102-broadband-access[xi] http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/gender.html[xii] http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/resources.html#ixzz1Kq5j6mJj
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