What is the core of leadership? Honestly, this is a question that I have not considered very much before, even though I regularly write on leadership principles. But I believe that how you answer that question will define what kind of leader you are.

I have been reading a new book lately by Nancy Ortberg called Unleashing the Power of Rubber Bands: Lessons in Non-linear Leadership. I will be doing a full review on this book later, and even plan to post an interview with the author as well. However, I was so stirred by how Ortberg answers this question in the second chapter of her book, that I had to share some thoughts on the topic right away.

Ortberg addressed this issue by stating that she believes that the core of leadership is "hope." At first I didn't quite get the point. I sat in my reading chair thinking, "hmmm...   interesting perspective, but it'll never fly in the real world." But then as I read on, and got drawn in by her argument to this point, I started to get it. By the end of the chapter, I was like...  "duh, the core of leadership is hope!"

In a nutshell, leaders have the task of giving people hope. Ortberg says, "Leadership is the hope that we can change the things that need to be changed and create what we cannot now imagine...   Hope dispels fears. Hope readies us for round two." I could go on, but I'll let you get the book to read more about what Ortberg says.

This got me to think about what it means to me to be a leader. In the workplace, it means that I should build up and encourage others. Help them by holding up their arms and getting them through difficult and challenging times. In my ministry it means that I am supporting others in discovering who they are in Christ and what God has made them to do. It also means that in the ministry we spend less time getting comfortable in our bible studies, and more time getting out to give others in our community hope as well.

It has even challenged me to think about other things that I can do to spread hope. I was recently talking to some friends from Zimbabwe. Just before they were set to return to their home country we talked about what is needed most over there. In case you are not aware, the economy there is in shambles. Inflation is in the millions of percent, and unemployment is 90-95%. These are conditions that most of us would even have a difficult time imagining. My friend tells me that the people want to work, but the jobs just are not there. He also tells me that the biggest need then is to help these people get started in some sort of 'business' that they could do on their own. Even something as simple as a sewing machine will help someone to create work in making clothing that they can sell locally.

It sounds to me like there is an opportunity to create hope here. I will be talking to my friend more about how we can get some of the needed things to the people over there, and I plan to share this opportunity with you all. I think that it could be a great opportunity for all of us to be leaders who are realizing that the core of leadership is hope.

So get the book, consider joining me in spreading hope, but think about how you are creating hope in the world around you today. For hope is the core of leadership...


Unleashing the Power of Rubber Bands: Lessons in Non-linear Leadership
By Nancy Ortberg / Tyndale House

Consultant, coach, and columnist Nancy Ortberg offers an insightful look at the qualities, attributes, and practices that turn ordinary leaders into extraordinary ones! Her unique perspective on vision casting; managing tensions; nurturing healthy conflict; motivating others; and fostering creativity, passion, and trust will bring out the best in even the most seasoned leaders. 256 pages, hardcover from Tyndale.

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