Consider the types of leaders in public service. Then assess whether leaders are born or made; is leadership innate or learned?
Compare the differences and similarities between leader and management roles.
And finally, justify the Christian calling to political involvement. Apply at least 1 biblical passage to the concept or practice of leadership. Explain why you picked the passage and what it means to you
Leadership in Public Service: A Christian Perspective
Leadership is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that can be studied from various perspectives and disciplines. One of the enduring debates in leadership studies is whether leaders are born or made; that is, whether leadership is an innate trait or a learned skill. This essay will consider the types of leaders in public service, and then assess the arguments for and against the nature versus nurture debate on leadership. It will also compare and contrast the roles of leaders and managers in public service, and justify the Christian calling to political involvement. Finally, it will apply a biblical passage to the concept or practice of leadership, and explain its relevance and meaning.
Types of Leaders in Public Service
Public service is a broad term that encompasses various sectors and domains that serve the public interest, such as government, education, health care, social work, law enforcement, and non-governmental organizations. Public service leaders are those who influence, motivate, and inspire others to achieve a common vision or goal in these sectors. According to Northouse (2021), there are different types of leaders in public service, depending on their style, approach, and orientation. Some of the common types are:
– Transformational leaders: These are leaders who create a positive change in their followers by appealing to their values, emotions, and higher-order needs. They foster trust, loyalty, and commitment among their followers, and encourage them to transcend their self-interests for the sake of the collective good. They also stimulate creativity, innovation, and learning among their followers by challenging them to think critically and solve problems. Examples of transformational leaders in public service are Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King Jr., and Mother Teresa.
– Servant leaders: These are leaders who put the needs, interests, and well-being of their followers above their own. They serve their followers by listening to them, empathizing with them, empowering them, and helping them grow and develop. They also serve the larger community by promoting social justice, equity, and democracy. They are humble, ethical, and compassionate in their leadership. Examples of servant leaders in public service are Mahatma Gandhi, Abraham Lincoln, and Florence Nightingale.
– Charismatic leaders: These are leaders who have a strong personality, a compelling vision, and an extraordinary ability to influence others. They attract followers by their charisma, charm, confidence, and communication skills. They arouse strong emotions and devotion among their followers, and often inspire them to make sacrifices or take risks for their cause. They can also use their charisma for good or evil purposes, depending on their values and motives. Examples of charismatic leaders in public service are Adolf Hitler, Winston Churchill, and Barack Obama.
– Situational leaders: These are leaders who adapt their style and behavior according to the situation and the needs of their followers. They do not have a fixed or rigid way of leading, but rather adjust their leadership according to the task complexity, the follower maturity, and the environmental factors. They use different combinations of directive and supportive behaviors to guide their followers to achieve their goals. They are flexible, pragmatic, and responsive in their leadership. Examples of situational leaders in public service are Angela Merkel, Jacinda Ardern, and Bill Gates.
Are Leaders Born or Made?
The question of whether leaders are born or made has been debated for centuries by philosophers, psychologists,
