Untitled - St.Francis Magazine

St Francis Magazine Vol 8, No 2 | April 2012 successful management of a crisis can be similar, there are differences. Fundamental principles of leadership are very different. Leadership among Christians is committed to servant leadership modeled on the life and ministry of Jesus. It values community, modeling a life of faith, obedience, commitment, seeking the welfare of others, honouring others, and laying down our lives for the sake of others, including our enemies. David Teague, in his book, ‘Godly Leadership’, makes a telling observation. He says: “Leadership is built on relationships. We see this clearly in Jesus’ own leadership team, the Twelve Apostles”. 27 It is these relationships in community that are formative in the practice of good and godly leadership in all the stages of crisis preparedness and management. There may come a time for the leader to take a more directive and authoritative leadership role, in order to ensure appropriate care is provided for all those involved; leaders need to be ready and willing to do this. 28 It was noted earlier that the leadership of the organization bears ultimate responsibility and is accountable for leading the organization forward in preparedness, management and evaluation of risk and crises. As Brown’s study showed, one of the factors in worker longevity after a crisis was clear and authoritative leadership. 29 Decisive leadership can create certainty in the midst of uncertainty, provide direction in chaos, relieve other parties of trying to determine what is best when they are under pressure and bring wisdom into stressful and disruptive situations. Decisive leadership is possible where leaders have built a ‘trust deposit’. This is done through the policies and procedures 27 Teague, D and H. Shepard (2010) Godly Leadership. Interserve, Grassroots Mission Publications:67. 28 Hicks, op cit:204. 29 Brown, op cit:1. 175