20231125 4MAT Book Review Blanchard Assignment DKuhl

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Liberty University *

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Feb 20, 2024

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Lead Like Jesus 4MAT Book Review Douglas A Kuhl LEAD-510: Biblical Foundations of Leadership November 16, 2023

Contents Lead Like Jesus .............................................................................................................................. 1 Abstract .......................................................................................................................................... 1 Concrete Response ......................................................................................................................... 2 Reflection ........................................................................................................................................ 4 Action .............................................................................................................................................. 5 Bibliography ................................................................................................................................... 7 ii

1 Lead Like Jesus Abstract Ken Blanchard, Phil Hodges and Phyllis Hendry in Lead like Jesus Revisited: Lessons from the Greatest Leadership Role Model of All Time emphasizes servant leadership based on the principles demonstrated by Jesus. Blanchard and co-authors explore the idea that effective leadership involves serving others rather than commanding them. The book highlights four key leadership domains: heart, head, hands, and habits. It encourages leaders to adopt a mindset focused on serving, influencing, and empowering others, drawing inspiration from Jesus' leadership style. It emphasizes humility, empathy, and selflessness as essential qualities for effective leadership. In Lead Like Jesus , Ken Blanchard delves into three pivotal leadership concepts that reshape traditional perspectives. The first concept underscores the holistic nature of leadership, emphasizing the need to lead from multiple dimensions: heart, head, hands, and habits. This holistic approach suggests that effective leadership doesn't merely stem from intellect or action but involves an alignment of emotions, intellect, actions, and consistent behaviors. The book gets off to a great start, addressing our need to lead with a heart committed to Christ. The authors feel that “the greatest leadership role model of all time is Jesus”. 1 An analysis of the leadership characteristics exhibited by Jesus during his lifetime and ministry is presented in the book. The focus on leadership moves away from simply influencing individuals to accomplish tasks to molding the hearts and souls of people so they can win at life. 1 Ken Blanchard, Phil Hodges, and Phyllis Hendry, Lead like Jesus Revisited: Lessons from the Greatest Leadership Role Model of All Time (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2016), 9.

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2 Blanchard's second notion revolves around the dichotomy of fear and pride that often influences leaders. He advocates for a balance between humility and confidence, recognizing that leaders oscillate between these two emotions. “Pride and fear always separate us from God, from one another, and even from ourselves.” 2 By cultivating humility, leaders remain open to learning and collaboration, while confidence enables them to make decisions and inspire others effectively. Lastly, Blanchard introduces a framework of leadership development comprising four stages: Novice, Apprentice, Journeyman, and Master. This model illustrates the progression of a leader's growth and skill development, from initial stages of learning and acquiring knowledge to mastery and a deep understanding of leadership principles. The incorporation of these ideas by Blanchard results in the creation of a comprehensive leadership model. This model encourages leaders to maintain a healthy balance of humility and confidence as they navigate the difficult terrain of leading others. This approach emphasizes the dynamic nature of leadership, accentuating the continuous evolution toward mastering the multifaceted skills required for effective leadership. Concrete Response I believe a lot of my career in the military I was constantly comparing myself to others around me. I can remember as a young lieutenant really having no idea what I was doing. I had minimal training, and I was one of the youngest commissioned officers ever in my unit. I had a large unit to lead. Normally, a lieutenant would get a platoon to lead. My first assignment was a combination of a bunch of separate elements that supported the platoons. I was an engineer officer and had a section of heavy earthmoving equipment, I had 2 Ken Blanchard, Phil Hodges and Phyllis Hendry, Lead like Jesus Revisited: Lessons from the Greatest Leadership Role Model of All Time (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2016), 59.

3 a large maintenance section, I had the supply and communications section and then the cooks. I can remember going out with the heavy equipment operators on a big project. We were re- routing a stream to prevent it from flooding out a farming district. Someone else did the design work and all I had to do was get all the equipment to the project site, keep the equipment running and keep the project on schedule. The only problem was I had no idea what any of that entailed. This was a National Guard Unit, so we only worked on the project one weekend a month. I was finishing my last year in college and so I had some free time and needed extra money. I volunteered to come in and work on that project two extra days each week. I humbled myself and told the guys I was supervising I had no idea what their job was or how to do it, but that I wanted to learn. They loved training me. Which really meant they took me as their young apprentice. Soon I could operate every piece of equipment and I knew how to do the maintenance on that equipment. I also learned what it took to order the food for a weekend drill and plan the menu to feed 150 soldiers. I also got experience in the supply room inventorying and accounting for all the unit’s equipment. In the two years I held that position I moved from being the proud young lieutenant who really knew nothing to a journeyman officer with a pretty well-rounded knowledge of the unit. I could have been ruled by fear and pride but instead I humbled myself and developed new skills. Reflection As someone training to become a pastor, I anticipated finding deeper theological insights and direct scriptural references within Blanchard's Lead Like Jesus. While the book commenced with a promising tone, I encountered sections that lacked the robust theological depth I was seeking. The integration of biblical teachings into leadership principles felt less explicit than I

4 had hoped for, leaving me yearning for a more profound intertwining of faith and leadership. The exception to this would be Part III which I thought was excellent in this regard. The gradual shift towards a focus on the secular business world as the book progressed was somewhat disappointing. As a student in the Master of Divinity program, I expected more tailored examples or case studies relevant to the specific challenges pastors encounter in their roles. I longed for content that would directly address the nuances of pastoral care and spiritual guidance, areas crucial to pastoral vocation. I felt Lead Like Jesus fell short in catering to the intricate challenges pastors often face within congregational settings. A more comprehensive exploration of these challenges, coupled with detailed insights or real-life scenarios pertinent to pastoral roles, would have heightened its relevance and utility within our studies. Aligning the leadership principles with the unique demands of ministry could have made the book more impactful and resonant for those preparing for pastoral service. In conclusion, while "Lead Like Jesus" presents valuable leadership insights, its potential resonance with pastoral training could be amplified by incorporating deeper theological connections and tailored examples addressing the specific challenges of pastoral roles. Enhancing the integration of biblical teachings into leadership principles and offering a more focused exploration of pastoral care and spiritual guidance would further enrich its relevance and value within ministerial studies. Action I'm planning to introduce a new approach within the men's group I lead every Monday. Following a hiatus because of the completion of the book we were studying and the Thanksgiving break, we're back after a three-week pause. My objective is to embed principles

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5 emphasizing the cultivation of supportive relationships. I aim to transform our group into a community of men who, as Blanchard describes, prioritize honesty and truthfulness. I envision creating an atmosphere where vulnerability and authenticity flourish, fostering a space where we hold each other accountable on our spiritual journeys and align with God's calling. I want to incorporate some of the seven questions Ken suggests in chapter 29 when developing the habit of community. While we've made strides in this direction, I aspire to see us become even more open, honest, and vulnerable. On a weekly basis, my focus will be on integrating the servant aspect inherent in servant leadership. This involves individually coaching each of the three guys in my group to help them achieve success and pursue their goals. To also have them do the same for each other. I aim to have this group provide continuous support, monitoring each of our progress, recognizing our advancements, and guiding our efforts towards new directions when necessary. Additionally, I'm committed to fostering a culture where we fearlessly pose challenging, introspective questions, fostering growth and fortitude in our faith. I believe implementing these changes now will lead to tangible growth within our group by the end of this class. I hope to be able to report favorably on this outcome during week eight. A second pivotal area I'm keen on refining is the development of my life's purpose. While I've delved into this aspect in previous classes, I'm inclined to explore it through Ken's structured approach. Aligning my values, a cornerstone outlined in the chapter on forging a compelling vision, is a priority. I recognize the significance of articulating goals and intend to dedicate time to enumerate potential obstacles that might veer me off course as a leader. I perceive a strong correlation between this endeavor and the mentoring initiative I aim to establish during my tenure at Liberty. Establishing a clear vision and goals for my ministry is imperative; it will not

6 only guide my leadership but also provide a foundation for mentoring future leaders, fostering a continuum of purpose that transcends time. Crafting a written purpose delineating my identity and painting a vivid picture of my future holds profound importance. To emulate Jesus' leadership style, I realize the necessity of a visionary direction to follow. Embracing servant leadership, I'm propelled by a fundamental query: Am I here to serve or to be served? Undoubtedly, my conviction lies in service, seeking to embody the essence of leading like Jesus. This inside-out approach to servant leadership anchors on a defined purpose, one that echoes who I am and serves as a beacon guiding my path. In Conclusion, I'm revamping my men's group to prioritize honesty and vulnerability while aiming for deeper community connections using Ken's suggested questions. Through servant leadership, I'm guiding us to support each other's success and growth. As I refine my life's purpose, I'm inspired by Jesus' servant leadership, anchoring my direction in a defined purpose that echoes my identity. This deliberate approach promises progress within my men’s group and a clearer vision for my leadership journey.

7 Bibliography Blanchard, Ken, Phil Hodges and Phyllis Hendry, Lead like Jesus Revisited: Lessons from the Greatest Leadership Role Model of All Time . Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 2016.

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20231125 4MAT Book Review Blanchard Assignment DKuhl

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