Leadership is a broad word that carries various meanings depending on the perspective one takes. For this reason, Albert Mohler chose to share his perspective on the matter in his book, The Conviction to Lead: 25 Principles for Leadership That Matter. As the title suggests, leadership is a firm decision or conviction that one must accept for them-selves. Consequently, he continues to explain the 25 principles that allow an individual to take up and execute proper leadership in any setting. Notably, these principles emphasize personal change so that one can be a great leader. This is in line with the theological teaching that one must lose himself to gain the world. Consequently, the stated principles are an opportunity for self-reflection and growth in order to become a good leader. Therefore, this book review will show how Albert Mohler emphasized personal growth for good leadership.
Summary
Albert Mohler begins his work by diving directly into the twenty-five principles. Notably, the idea of service plays a big role in his definition of leaderships. For instance, in The Conviction to Lead, he explains that leadership starts with a purpose and not a plan. He emphasizes that as a Christian leader on must take an equally religious conviction that makes the world a better place ( Mohler, 2012) . Therefore, leadership is not for personal gain but for the growth of others and finding solutions to existing problems. In addition, this literature emphasizes that ‘Leaders understand worldviews’. He argues that as a leader one cannot be successful if they do not take time to understand the complexity of human beings. He explains that the only way to do so is committing every culture to God’s view and Christs understanding. In the same element of service, the author elaborates, ‘leadership as stewardship’ in that it should be approached as service of another.
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This book is an opportunity at self-reflection. In many of the principles, it highlights the values a leader in a way that the audience can review themselves. For example, Albert Mohler states that leading believes because it is one’s beliefs that lead to action. Furthermore, a Christian leader should know his truth as is quoted in John 3:16. The book calls for moral intelligence in the principal that ‘Convictional Intelligence’ is part of a leader that comes from the grace of God. The audience aspiring or in leadership are challenges to take a passionate approach. Evidently, passionate leaders draw passionate followers who can be motivated to create change ( Bevans, 2017). In an attempt to change the view of leadership in today’s world, Albert concludes that ‘leadership is all about character.’ This aspect is important because without it, there is no trust, justice and community, which leads to societal decay. Thus, leaders should accept this challenge in their lives or they will not find a way to motivate the masses.
Most importantly, Albert Mohler roots leadership in Christianity and God, this approach evident from the Bible quotes and reference to Christian beliefs. The writer clearly explains that due to this take on leadership, he intends to completely change the definition of leadership for most people. In fact, he disregards the most common traits of secular leadership including money. These factors are in fact what plague a successful leadership ( Matheson, & Congar, 2016). Consequently, the audience is urged to rely on God’s understanding because he has the answers and can give the necessary traits for proper leadership. He recognizes that without God, human beings are not sufficient for leadership without a reminder that when their strengths fail them, He can hold them up. This is indeed a new perspective with the fact that the media mostly emphasizes self-preservation leadership.
Critical interaction
Albert sort to emphasize certain key points and theological issues: First, his key point was that without a relationship with God, it is impossible to be a good leader. All the principles of leadership stated in the book are based on God’s traits, his values and Christian belief. For example, when the author highlights that ‘leaders are teachers’ this is compared to the temple and Old Testament where all leaders selected by God had a mandate to teach. Additionally, the author makes a point that leadership is service. Authority demands that an individual gives himself to the needs of his/her people ( Robertson, 2017). For this reason, the author refers to a leader as a steward. He is very clear that regardless of their title are purposed to serve their people as it was clarified in Bible verses such as first Corinthians 4:1.
As a reader, there are a number of opinions that are drawn after reading the texts. Mainly, leadership is a serious task that one should not take lightly. Albert explains this in all the principles stated in his book. He recommends a constant sense of self-evaluation and increase of knowledge to be a good leader. In one way, he says that ‘leaders are readers’, expounds on this as a necessary tool that develops, and maintain the intelligence required to guide others. Through reading one gains new perspective on how they can encompass leadership styles and different struggles through their tenure of leadership. In addition, one can conclude that leadership is broad. In this book alone, there are twenty-five principles of leadership. In the Bible, which the author significantly references in this book, there are even more leadership lessons to learn. As a result, one can conclude that there is no end to what good leadership is.
Evidently, the author is coming from a religious point of view with the aim of redefining leadership. Thus, he relates all traits of leadership on a theological perspective. In this analysis the, ‘Moral virtues of leadership’, he clearly references God’s Expectations for a leader stated in the laws, principles and precepts that God the creator gave humankind upon creation. This pattern of referencing a leadership principle to the Christian faith is common throughout the book. It shows the authors unapologetic and theological approach to leadership as a whole. It serves as a challenge to others of the same faith to take courage in sharing their beliefs and using their teachings in their capacity as leaders. For the reader, there is no doubt that they have to assess their leadership role against the belief in God and the values he stands for.
The leader proves his point that leadership is entirely defined in Christian belief. This is because there is a Biblical reference for every stated principle. Even when dealing with modern challenges to leadership it is clear that one can draw inspiration from God and Christian beliefs. For instance, in the chapter on ‘leadership and the media’, the author references Christian values when dealing with reporters from television, radio and print media. First, he emphasizes an honest approach, direct conversation and respect. These are all-important in the Christian faith and are translated to day-to-day challenges of leadership. Evidently, this relation is the key message that the author has communicated to his readers. He does so with conviction from the introduction to the conclusion with complete belief and Biblical support for all his statements. This is admirable in a world that is controversial in matters of religion and faith.
There are strengths and weaknesses to the author’s arguments. The main strength is the evidence provided for each principle of leadership. He clearly explains the principle, cites an example from life or his childhood then concludes that argument in Christian context. This is a systematic way to put his points across and it provides content for an easy read. In addition, Strength is that he is initially clear about his approach from a theological perspective. This again emphasizes that he is not apologetic about what his work stands for. Notably, the main weakness is that he does not provide background to the Biblical quotes that the author gives. This is necessary for Christians who are not well vast with the Bible and non-Christians interested in his work. Sadly, this limits the size of audience that would enjoy and benefit from his literature. Thus, the book needs to accommodate readers who are not as involved in religion as he is.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this work is recommendable for every person in a leadership position. In addition, it would be a good read for those aspiring to become leaders. In many cases, such individuals find challenges that tempt them to put their Christian values aside. However, Albert Mohler gives his audience hope that the Bible and God bear the answers to these challenges. Such literature actually challenges leaders who have lost the Christian influence in the way they fulfill their duties. It serves as a reminder that all is well if they remember their core values in their daily tasks. Notably, the author is advised to take an all-inclusive approach in future publications. This approach ensures that the greater audience does not feel condemned if they do not carry all twenty-five principles. Albert Mohler’s work is well researched and very informative.
References
Matheson, P., & Congar, Y. (2016). Interface Theology (Vol. 11). ATF Press.
Robertson, D. (2017). A Theological Perspective on Heroic Leadership in the Context of Followership and Servant Leadership. Heroism Science: An Interdisciplinary Journal .
Bevans, S. (2017). A Theology Of Leadership, Not Management: Trinitarian Mission And Baptismal Discipleship. Annales Missiologici Posnanienses , (22), 9-19.
Mohler, A. (2012). The conviction to lead: 25 principles for leadership that matters . Baker Books.
