Joseph W. Handley, Jr. POLYCENTRICISM AND MISSION As the world struggles with mounting tensions, I am convinced that we need a new approach to leadership. This year, in particular, these issues leaped in front of us as a global pandemic hit our world, the economy faltered, and political tensions rose in areas we all thought […]
Articles
A3 (formerly Asian Access)
Case Study: A non-profit mission organization in Japan becomes a global leader development movement THE CORE–NETWORK–CLOUD MOVEMENT MODEL INTRODUCTION Over the past eight years I have been researching various aspects of leadership to gain a deeper understanding of how to lead mission movements within the globalized ecosystem in which we now live. This article presents […]
Discussing Polycentric Leadership
Asia Leadership Development Network recently interviewed Joseph W. Handley, Jr., Ph.D. about polycentric leadership for its Unleash podcast. Here’s the video from that episode, and it’s a great introduction to PCL…
A Leadership Model for a Polarized World
Introducing Polycentric Leadership The past thirteen months have been one of the most disruptive seasons in my lifetime. A global pandemic, one of the worst economies of the century, and a divisive political environment were all contributors. We have faced lock downs, loss of incomes and jobs, and the disease itself—as we still do at […]
Leading Mission Movements
Published in Evangelical Missions Quarterly; used by permission from Missio Nexus by Joseph W. Handley, Jr., Ph.D. Over the past eight years I have been researching various aspects of leadership to gain a deeper understanding of how to lead mission movements within the globalized ecosystem in which we now live. This article presents a new theory […]
Thoughts on Charisma
How important is ‘charisma’ to leadership? I posed this particular question to two national leaders from different countries in South Asia recently. I want to share some of their reflections here. The first leader responded… Joe, before I answer the question I thought it would be good to look at the dictionary definition of the term Charisma. […]
Diverse Trait
Polycentric Leadership leverages diverse leaders and styles. Leaders who value and recognize DIVERSITY are able to work across regions, networks, and cultures. The diversity of leadership gifts described in Ephesians 4 is paramount. For diversity to be fully employed within a polycentric leadership model, it must represent every facet of diversity represented within a network, movement or […]
Entrepreneurial Trait
Polycentric Leadership exhibits a bold entrepreneurial spirit. Self-governance and freedom are crucial for local teams to operate effectively. ENTREPRENEURIAL FREEDOM engenders effective leadership. This is especially true for successful startups that thrive in a culture of risk-taking, entrepreneurship, experimentation, and innovation. Freedom means independence from overarching structures in terms of decision-making and agenda-setting. This includes teams’ […]
Relational Trait
Polycentric Leaders are relational leaders. RELATIONSHIP—spending time with one another, getting to know one another, and going beyond just working together—is imperative. Leading well involves a depth of relationship that goes beyond partnership or collaboration. It flows within the communal theme mentioned above but goes further pressing into deep personal ties.
Collaborative Trait
Polycentric Leaders lead in a collaborative way. COLLABORATION includes working together in a shared participative manner. Effective leaders must be collaborative in their approach, willing to work in team-centered paradigms where no one rises above the others and all work together toward the goals of their particular network.
