Unit 8. Mapping Your Leadership Journey
You and I would agree with Jesus, James, Paul–and a host of contemporary voices–that affirm:
“Every tub has to sit on its own bottom.”
Yes, I know that’s not sophisticated philosophy or Holy Scripture (even if in desperation a preacher tried to use it as a sermon text), but the sentiment is there.
Let’s try again:
You must map and travel your own journey toward servant leadership/discipleship.
Jesus: …”take up his cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23-25, Commentary).
James: …”I will show you my faith by what I do” (James 2:18).
Paul: “I press on toward the goal … ” (Phil 3:12-14, Commentary).
Throughout my journey, I have tested and often found helpful many “mapping practices.” From those let me suggest nine as “clues only” for you in your mapping of your own servant leadership journey.
Activity 8: How to Map Your Journey
- Open your Action Plan document.
- Think ahead to the next 12 to 18 months of your leadership opportunities.
- Write down what you choose specifically to do about your leadership journey. Keep it brief–for now.
- Include the key players on your leadership ministry team in the plan.
- Let the questions and comments of this unit serve only as prompters in your mapping.
1) Self-development. Will you choose to live and lead as a servant?
Robert Greenleaf’s path to servant leadership was largely a path of self-development. Although a lifetime of experiences, relationship, and influences intersected his path, consciously and joyfully he chose to become “servant as leader.” Dream and reflect; keep a journal, especially about “markers” on your path. (Action Plan)
2) The Master. Will you, as a Christian in life and leadership, doggedly choose to follow Christ as your model and strength?
Mapping your journey should start with a liberating vision, prayer, and Scripture about kingdom directions, the ethical use of power, and the value of humankind. Jesus is the primary guide for such a journey. (Action Plan)
3) Examples/Models. Will you pay attention to those you know who practice servant leadership?
Write down why you consider them servant leaders: Who are they as persons? How do they feel about themselves, about you? How do they do what they do? Name them; write it down; tell them so. (Action Plan)
4) Reflection. Will you reflect, ponder, meditate on your life experiences, behavior, events, and the human spirit?
“Light your own lamp;” get to know yourself better. Practice a healthy withdrawal into silence and aloneness–the Master himself did so. Reflection explores meanings, not just information; it also builds a guardrail against an aimless or “workaholic” life. (Action Plan)
5) Relationships. Will you build relationship and community into the center of your life?
The very test of servant leadership is to set as a priority, serving the needs of those you lead. Listen to people; care about what they are truly saying. Tell your own stories and learn from stories of those along your path. Enlarge your band of travelers on the journey. (Action Plan)
6) Roles and Tasks. What roles and jobs give you an opportunity to practice servant leadership? Your life?
Home? Church? School? Community? Society needs? Business? Your job description? Mapping a servant leadership path requires an awareness of authentic expectations made of your life. (Action Plan)
7) Self-Assessment. Will you thoughtfully inventory your servant leadership strengths and limitations?
One way to chart the direction you want to go is to ask the question: “Where am I now in the journey?” To what extent do your gifts, skills, and practices contribute to servant leadership? Build on your strengths; plan for development in areas of limitation. (Action Plan)
8) Focus/Priorities. Will you be intentional, but realistic, about development goals?
The practice of servant leadership takes time and work and patience. Focus on your direction toward “servant as leader;” target and enjoy the intersections on the journey not just the anticipated destination. (Action Plan)
9) Life-Long Learning. Will you continue to thirst for knowledge, for understanding, for wisdom?
Keep on learning about the long bright pathway called servant leadership. There is much to learn and put into practice if we are to “love God with all the mind.” (This course and its resources may help serve your purpose.) Your own reading and thinking should make a rich servant leadership journal. (Action Plan)
Back to Unit 7/Next to Course Conclusion/Back to Principles: Exploring the Journey