I often meditate about what attributes a dynamic leader might possess or need for these interesting and often troubled times. I thought it might be helpful to think of synonyms for the word lead. Merriam Webster suggests “conduct, direct, guide, marshal (also Marshall), pilot, route, show, steer, usher.” One might also think of such terms or words as initiate, find a solution, or develop a plan. Merriam Webster suggest antonyms for lead including: “undermine, unsettle, sabotage, subvert, corrupt, and follow”.
For some, the word subservient comes to mind. Many think of subservient as the opposite of lead. According to Collins Dictionary the word originally meant usefulness from the Latin root word subservientem “ to assist or lend support.”
In a well-functioning team, whether that be a romantic partnership, a team for farming or building, or a response to a violent domestic or community event, it is imperative someone initiate the lead by calling a meeting of interested parties to formulate a response plan. This does not usually mean a leader dictates a plan he or she just formulated. Sadly, that approach may be mistaken for leadership.
In the day-to-day life of a family or any business organization most tasks are routinely assumed by the best trained person or the one who is handiest. An approach to new tasks or situations will normally be initially addressed by who is most skilled and available or by a pre-trained person or team.
In some religious or cultural communities leadership of the family or larger group is assigned based on gender. In the United States initially voting and, thus, political leadership was assigned solely to Caucasian, male, landowners. It was not until the 19th amendment to the constitution was ratified in August of 1920 that adult females were granted the right to vote. Voting for what we now refer to as African American or Native Americans and those who were 18 years or older also did not come quickly or easily. In recent years there is new state legislation many belief is intended to again restrict voting rights and thus access to power/leadership positions.
The above directly relates to the historic argument and attempt to limit leadership in families and the body politic to Caucasian males. Some would trace this concept of leadership in the United States to the influence of mostly males labeled leaders of the Christian Church. In some other countries the beliefs perpetuated by the leaders of other religious groups also limit leadership role to adult males of certain ethnic origins and often financial class or status.
In many Christian churches, including many of the more theologically conservative mega churches in the Midwest of the United States, there is a renewed attempt to draw adult males into the daily mission of the church; to clarify and strengthen their role in the church and the family. Sadly, the central message may be the adult male is responsible for the overall direction, vision and leadership of the family and the church. It is not difficult to find some old and New Testament passages which seem to validate this belief. Depending, however, on one’s translation and interpretation of certain terms, the historical context and other factors many Christian churches have come to believe and teach that leadership of the family, the church and the body politic is meant to be shared irrespective of gender, status, or other factors. There is no scientific evidence which suggests that leadership should be based on gender, ethnic origin, financial status or any other social constructs. There is a lot of evidence that many of us humans have very specific, innate abilities which makes us more qualified to perform certain tasks.
For a significant group of males, the reexamination of leadership roles has resulted in a crisis of identify. Many of us males learned to equate identity with gender roles. The same is true for some women. The existential question becomes”. “Who are we if we are not our roles?” If we men are not the recognized head of the family; the one responsible for the spiritual and financial health of the family and the body politic then we are forced to redefine our spiritual purpose.
Who are we males if not our gender roles? We are males who are confident enough in our basic worth/sacredness to share the leadership of the family, community, nation, or business ; financially, emotionally, physically and spiritually. We do not need to prove our worth by being in charge although we stand ready to take charge when needed and appropriate. Females also do not need to prove their worth by being in charge. Whether males, females, non -binary, heterosexual or one who identifies as GLBT + we are all at our best when we practice both strength and humility; when we strive to discover and sharpen our particular skills; when we engage with the same and opposite gender to discover our spiritual purpose for today; when we attempt to discern what the god of our understanding wants or requires of us today.
Written July 10, 2022
Jimmy F Pickett
coachpickett.org