Northouse (2018) states this definition in regards to leadership:
“Leadership is a process whereby an individual influences a group of individuals to achieve a common goal” (p. 5).
In regards to this definition five components are mentioned: process, power, influence, group context and goal attainment (Northouse, 2018, pp. 5-6; 9-11).
Process
Northouse (2018) talks about leadership as a process that is available to all members of a group (p.5). Leadership is not based in a trait or characteristic of one designated leader, but is an ongoing interaction between leaders and followers (Northouse, 2018, p. 5).
I agree with this description and as a leader of a campus ministry I see this aspect of process in my staff, interns and students lives. The process of them growing into leaders is a journey and always a surprising one. Right away, some people have clear leadership potential, with a few rough edges to smooth out. Whereas, others have hidden leadership potential that emerges slowly and sometimes surprisingly. Without the ongoing interaction between a leader affecting and being affected by the followers, leaders would not grow and emerge (Northouse, 2018, p.5).
Power & Influence
I have struggled with the concept of power and influence in ministry leadership. Northouse (2018) says, “people have power when they have the ability to affect others’ beliefs, attitudes and courses of action” (p.9).
This is a huge part of my role, as university students are impressionable and therefore having any influence on their lives spiritually, is not something to take lightly. The influence campus ministers have is the ability to cause transformation in the lives of students and this is only through God’s power through the Holy Spirit.
Personally, God has used the word “authority” to show me what power and influence means. It has reminded me that in any position I am given, it is a God-given authority that is entrusted to me. This has helped me to step into more influential roles in ministry, with a sense of confidence, peace, healthy fear and humility. In my opinion, healthy leaders should hold the mindset of influence and power being a privilege, not a right.
Group Context & Goal Attainment
Working together in groups on common goals cannot be separated from leadership. What is leadership, if no one is following? Working in teams, can be fun and exciting, but also has many inter-personal challenges. I enjoy when I get to see different team members contributing and growing in their strengths and gifts.
Personally, as a leader of many ministry different teams, the last 5 years, I have discovered three keys to forming a healthy and growing team: 1) strong community 2) strong ownership and 3) strong vision and mission. It has been my experience, that out of these three components, healthy goals are formed and teams move forward together in the direction God is leading them.
Question: If you have led or participated in a team before, what are 1-3 things you have discovered about what it takes to form a healthy and thriving team?
Monica
Northouse, P. G. (2018). Leadership: theory and practice (8th ed.). Thousand Oaks: Sage Publications.
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I enjoyed reading your post.
In response to your question, I think that an open communication policy helps to build teams. when people feel like they are not being heard, then they become disconnected.
secondly, there must be a level of transparency. Leaders who are not transparent or often not trusted. People see them as being guarded.
Thank you Jason, appreciate your thoughts and agree!