Models of Leadership

Recently I have been thinking about the nature of leadership. Specifically, I have been thinking about models of leadership in American life as demonstrated by recent presidental leaders.

It seems like there is one model of leadership, exemplified by Bill Clinton, that sees leadership as being relationally connected to people, trying to figure out where they want to go, and then take them there. This type of leader may stand above the crowd, but sees themself as part of the crowd. This type of person is a pragmatist. A person who uses their connections and influence to find what works.

On the other hand there is the more idealist model. Instead of leading by connection this person leads by conviction. They stand apart from the crowd, and point the way, believing that people will follow. They see themselves as set apart from the crowd to make the right decisions, some which are popular, some which are not. George W Bush is more this model.

Obviously, this is broad generalization. At times Clinton was idealistic and Bush pragmatic. But in general I think there is a vast difference in those two views of what leadership is throughout the country.

The question is, is church leadership, which is more appropriate, generally. It seems that at times you have to be both. But which more often? Just something to think about.....