I recently finished reading this book entitled Leading with a Limp and I must say it was one of those books where I had a difficult time putting it down. The book begins talking about the cost of leadership. Crisis is something every leader--if not every human being, will certainly face; the question is rather, how will the leader deal with the crisis and how will the leader lead others through it. The factor of complexity in the life of a leader as well. With every decision there are terabytes of complex ramifications that follow. Betrayal is also part of the package of being a leader, and I can attest I have experienced this first hand. Investing and pouring out your life for others only to be rewarded with the person dropping out of your life without a "thank you" or even flat out betraying your loyalty all together. Loneliness is something many leaders are, unfortunately, well acquainted with; however, the truth is it doesn't have to be that way. Dr. Allender goes onto speak of complexity and the response of leaders. The issue with leaders who are controlling and too dogmatic is that they respond to complexity with rigidity, thus they stifle the creativity of their organization for the sake of simplicity and conformity. Dr Allender goes on to retort that the leader must be, in a sense, foolish. He must be foolish enough to live on and above the edge. He must become a fool, as the Apostle Paul became a fool for Christ and for the Gospel.
In Chapter 8 Escaping Solitary Confinement--The Truth That Sets a Lonely Leader Free, has been very eye-opening. It talked of how it was difficult for people who weren't in a position of leadership to really understand, or sympathize, with what the leader was facing or going through. Another aspect is most people really don't want to understand. There is this one story of the author trying to be vulnerable with his Bible study about his struggles and one of the men publically stated that he refused to believe this leader would struggle in such a way regarding his ministry. At that moment he realized many people don't want to understand the true struggle that leaders face.
Finally, the concept of Prophet, Priest and King was presented. Most leaders are usually strong in one of these areas. Prophet I the sense of speaking truth, fighting and contending for truth. These are the guys and gals who call people, or an orginization, to repentance and shows them their sin.
Priest is the one who has a shepherd's heart. She's the one who loved being around people, talking counseling and praying for those in her care. She is the one who cares for the flock, and brings people back to The Lord. The King is the one loves spreadsheets and loves logistics. He is the one who deals with administration and is able to be a visionary to the people he leads. I am grateful for this book and I certainly encourage others to read it as well.
