BY JOSEPH HANDLEY & DANIEL OSPINA We live in an era of constant change and uncertainty. Countless companies have given up on making long term plans and, instead, work only within a three-year horizon. The speed of technological development, geopolitical changes, and rapidly evolving markets all fuel this trend. However, it would be too easy […]
Polycentric Traits
Missions in the Network Society
EMQ » January–April 2024 » Volume 60 Issue 1 https://missionexus.org/missions-in-the-network-society/ Summary: The world is more interconnected than ever before, and the way we do missions is being redefined as a result. Individuals are connecting in collaborative networks which is impacting the way we lead. This, in turn, is changing the role of Western mission sending […]
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.
Communal Trait
Polycentric Leadership is always communal in nature. Leading through COMMUNITY is integral to polycentric leadership. In the fellowship and family-like atmosphere of serving together, leaders gain perspective and insight from one another and are better able to function through checks and balances, holding each other to higher standards and modeling the collective behaviors they seek to engender […]
Charismatic Trait
Polycentric Leadership is charismatic. Charisma includes a strong foundation and a strong set of core values. Charisma is more than just having charismatic personality. It involves strength of character, trustworthiness, and a faithful presence. Charisma is vital to effective polycentric leadership. Whether it be good character, spiritual inspiration, or casting and carrying out vision, charisma […]
