Growing up

I am sure that words like empowerment and autonomy don't sit comfortably with all, although this site speaks to people in the workplace, not theologians.

However, a balance is needed. The overriding objective of all committed and authentic leadership, is to mature others to the point where they are net contributors not net dependents. The job is only really done when those who follow become leaders in their own rights, thus perpetuating a healthy trend.

The restraints on a progressive model also have a biblical root. The formation of early Israel was intended to give them nation status and an independent identity. Though God most certainly avoided creating a ntion of dependents, His intention was never to instil a destructive, self-serving form of independence. As such, judges were raised to restore and reinforce the boundaries of the culture - for those on either side of such boundaries. When their need for independence raised the demand for a king, God indicated that they were over-reaching, but even then He allowed it - notwithstanding the fact that their actions amounted to rejection of God. The consequences left the nation divided and in exile.

A famous model by Messrs Blanchard and Hershey, relating to Situational leadership, inadvertantly mirrors sound biblical principles. It argues that leaders need to differentiate their leadership styles as followers move through various phases to maturity. From an initial state of enthusiasm without knowledge, they subsequently lose confidence, then gain knowledge, before maturing in both. 

That model is characteristic of how God matured Israel into a nation. It is also characterised by the growth and maturity of children, who initially need to apply the values of their parents, before slowly internalising those values. Eventually they even shrug off their parents to validate their own world views, but once they mature they take their place alongside the adults or move on, depending on their adult world views. 

Such forces and the related leadership styles are all a valid part of transforming individuals into real, vital stakeholders, but it only works effectively if the underlying creative tension drives them to a place where they can stand up for themselves and assume a meaningful role in the collective (be it a firm, a church or society). Thus the Apostle Paul wanted to see his followers "grow up in all things" (Ephesians 4:15).

(c) Peter Eleazar @ www.groundwon.blogspot.com