Summer 2015
The theme for Summer 2015 is “Succession.”
Five steps for targeted staff development
Many years ago, when I heard the term succession management, I immediately thought of the 9-Box Model. This model plots team members in one of nine boxes based on their performance (high/medium/low) and their potential (high/medium/low). The 9-Box Model makes it easy to identify “A-players.” After all, that is where organizations should focus their investments, at least according to what I learned in graduate...
Your organization’s long-term health depends on it.
One of the most successful examples of leadership transition was the transition of power from Moses to Joshua. Moses recognized Joshua’s inherent leadership qualities early on. He gave him opportunities to develop his skills, personally mentored him, entrusted him with increasingly sensitive tasks and exposed Joshua to his interactions with God on Mt. Sinai. Over a period of 40 years, Joshua earned ...
Dr. Gregory Alan Thornbury on evangelicals, culture and leadership
CLA President and CEO Tami Heim recently interviewed Gregory Alan Thornbury, Ph.D., president of The King’s College in New York City. He has been called “Jonathan Edwards Meets Rolling Stone” by Russell D. Moore and “America’s First Hipster College President” by The American Spectator.Thornbury previously served as professor of philosophy...
Serving as trustees of the next generation
In Christ-centered ministries and universities, there is an added dimension of the call to serve. This is valued when we recruit and employ that passionate and energized member of our team who not only is professional and knowledgeable, but also called by God to be part of the purpose and mission of the ministry. We forget, however, that those who are called into a ministry are often open to God’s next call. Disce...
One organization’s journey of change
Two years ago, our organization took a look at our leadership landscape and decided to address our lack of gender balance head on. Having operated as an egalitarian organization for some years, we were nowhere near representing that balance on our leadership teams. Knowing that for many Christians, theology is a significant barrier, our first step was to clarify our position in writing and distribute it widely. This gav...
The keys to seamless leadership succession
How would you feel as the new president of a Christian organization knowing that all five of the former founders and presidents were still actively involved in the ministry? Does just the mention of this send shivers down your spine as a leader? Well, this is my reality as the new president of the C.S. Lewis Institute, and I couldn’t be happier!
You are now wondering, “Is this guy crazy or just pl...
How releasing authority strengthens leaders
We don’t need to look hard in Scripture to find examples of strong relationships where responsibility and authority bound two individuals together in fulfilling the purposes of God: Moses and Joshua; David and Solomon; Eli and Samuel; Paul and Timothy. Each of these unique connections required unselfish leaders to move forward in tandem and agreement in order for the greater work to be accomplished.
To...
A path of blessings, growth and success
“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” -Prov. 11:25
When Susan was hired as the executive director of her pregnancy center in 2006, she knew the calling was strong, and it was confirmed by the confidence that the board seemed to have in her abilities to lead an organization. But she had no experience in pregnancy center work, and as the job responsibili...
Why understanding the next generation is vital
When I (Lee) was ordained in 2014, a couple of my close friends gave me the gift of a wristwatch. Since receiving that gift, it has taken on a deep sense of meaning for me. More than just a timepiece, it has become a way of helping me better understand the world around me. A good wristwatch tells more than just the time; it describes a bit of the world around you.
When you look at a wristwatch, you will, ...
The importance of developing future leaders
Leadership is always a temporary assignment — always. It is a temporary assignment because leaders do not ultimately own the teams, ministries or organizations they lead. They simply steward what the Lord has entrusted to their care for a season. Wise leaders embrace the temporal reality of leading, and they prepare the ministry for the future. Because the assignment is fleeting, developing others for leadership ...