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2020 | Book

What’s So Hard About Leadership? Stress, Crisis, Trauma, and the Resilience Factor Read chapter Read first chapter

Biblical Principles for Resilience in Leadership

Theory and Cases

Author: Carlo A. Serrano

Publisher: Springer International Publishing

Book Series : Christian Faith Perspectives in Leadership and Business

Part of: Springer Professional "Wirtschaft+Technik" , Springer Professional "Wirtschaft"

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About this book

Through sound exegetical methodologies and the current research on organizational leadership, this book uses biblical examples to explore the realities of leadership fatigue. Addressing topics such as stress, crisis, and pressures in leadership, this book offers biblical principles in each chapter that practically connect theory with application. The chapters explore topics such as leadership transitions, the value of followership, crisis management, and leadership in large organizations. Using contemporary organizational leadership research, grounded in biblical theology, this book will appeal to those studying leadership, organizational behavior, and human resource management.

Table of Contents

Frontmatter
Chapter 1. What’s So Hard About Leadership? Stress, Crisis, Trauma, and the Resilience Factor
Abstract
After a summary of the most recent examples of leadership failure, this chapter invites the reader to consider the realities of leadership fatigue. Leadership not only involves decision-making and problem-solving but also consists of the leader stepping into the emotional, relational, and psychological complexities of the follower. These internal and external pressures are a recipe for moral failure unless one learns how to develop the resilience to bounce back. This chapter sets the stage for the book by presenting the Bible and, individually, six biblical leaders as exemplars for how to overcome the pressures of leading in a variety of contexts.
Carlo A. Serrano
Chapter 2. Amazing Grace: The Bible and the Gift of Leadership
Abstract
What else can one say about leadership? There are countless books, journals, and articles devoted to defining, defending, and even re-imagining leadership. However, not enough literature exists on the blessing of leadership from a biblical perspective. Leadership functions are directly mentioned in all of the spiritual gifts’ lists found in the New Testament. Rather than unpacking the various definitions of leadership, this chapter drills down into the concept of leadership as being a gift from God and how the theological underpinnings of leadership foster resilience.
Carlo A. Serrano
Chapter 3. When Bigger Is Not Better: Moses the Shepherd
Abstract
Leading a herd of sheep is one thing; driving a million people across a desert is another or is it? Moses is arguably the most critical leader in the Hebrew Scriptures, yet not much literature exists on his leadership from the perspective of organizational leadership theory or leadership fatigue. This chapter examines the mediating factors that led to Moses’ most critical leadership error, as well as how he bounced back from his failure. This chapter also explores the unique leadership issues that arise from a large organizational context. Finally, this chapter wrestles with the question: Is bigger better when it comes to leadership?
Carlo A. Serrano
Chapter 4. When the Only Easy Day Was Yesterday: Joshua, the General
Abstract
The hustle culture of twenty-first-century entrepreneurial leadership does not always value patience, suffering, and followership. There are valuable lessons one can learn during the developmental phase of leadership. Hidden within the narrative of Joshua one finds that “following well” may develop the resilience one needs to lead under pressure. This chapter explores the lessons Joshua learned from Moses as he transitioned from follower to leader. It then connects those lessons with the strategic decision-making that Joshua made while under intense organizational and environmental stress.
Carlo A. Serrano
Chapter 5. Should I Stay or Should I Go? Samuel, Reputation, and Transition
Abstract
An excellent reputation, a track record of success, and the ability to cast vision are the recipe for effective leadership. However, what if those qualities are not enough? What if the best decision a leader can make is the decision to step out of leadership? Sometimes, moving on is the most strategic decision that a leader can make. This chapter looks at what is arguably the most pivotal moment in the organizational life of the nation of Israel and discusses the power of transition in the organizational design.
Carlo A. Serrano
Chapter 6. Power, Wealth, and Morality: A Tale of Two Davids
Abstract
On his best days, he was a leader who valued honor, discipline, and justice. On his best days, he was an exemplar of servant leadership. However, on his worst days, he was vengeful, quick-tempered, and self-seeking. How does one go from being a man “after God’s own heart” to a man of “much bloodshed” (1 Sam. 13:14, 16:18; 1 Chr. 28:3)? This chapter looks at the paradoxes of Israel’s greatest king and how leadership fatigue eventually led to the downfall of United Israel. This chapter also discusses how leadership failure does not have to be the final chapter in a leader’s legacy.
Carlo A. Serrano
Chapter 7. Leading in the Upside Down: Peter the Rock
Abstract
To say that Peter received mentoring from the most exceptional leader who ever existed would be a massive understatement. Jesus taught Peter a great deal on servant leadership. Yet, even with all the lessons that Peter learned from the Master leader, he still struggled under the pressure of rapid growth, cultural diversification, and decentralization in the early organizational life of the Church. This chapter looks at the leadership of Peter to examine how power, service, and mission inform leadership decision-making.
Carlo A. Serrano
Chapter 8. Leading Under Pressure: James and the Shadow of Jesus
Abstract
Leaders deal with a variety of internal and external pressures, such as environmental uncertainty and ever-changing group dynamics. However, another pressure impacts leadership decision-making and behavior: the weight of leadership itself. Although the Bible gives little mention to the leadership of James, it does offer a glimpse into the power dynamic of the early Church. This chapter examines the decision-making of one of the pillars of the early Church, a man many scholars believe to be the brother of Jesus Christ.
Carlo A. Serrano
Chapter 9. Bouncing Back: Closing Thoughts
Abstract
After a brief synopsis of the biblical leaders not covered in this book, this final chapter offers insights into how modern leaders can develop resilience by reflecting on the practices of ancient leaders. Samson, Esther, and the Apostle John are presented as exemplars of resilient leadership along with a discussion on the servant-leadership nature of Jesus’ and Paul’s ministry. Finally, this chapter summarizes the resilience principles found in the previous chapters, which may serve as the best defense for leadership fatigue and the fallout that comes with ethical and moral failure.
Carlo A. Serrano
Backmatter
Metadata
Title
Biblical Principles for Resilience in Leadership
Author
Carlo A. Serrano
Copyright Year
2020
Electronic ISBN
978-3-030-37101-2
Print ISBN
978-3-030-37100-5
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-37101-2