Robert Adair From 2011 to now, Asian Access missionaries (A2m) have made two transitions that have placed them under polycentric governance. This case study will attempt to explain the context and challenges of the current structure. Background In 2011, A2 formed a strategic partnership with SIM to deploy missionaries to Japan. SIM provided operational support […]
leadership principles
Polycentric Leadership: A Theoretical Model for Global Leadership
By Promod Haque, Ph.D. and Joseph Handley, Ph.D. The development of fresh Global Leadership models has accelerated over the last few decades.1 These models show promise as businesses increasingly engage diverse customers and work across multiple cultures and nations. Teamwork effectiveness and cross-cultural acumen are imperative for success. Early in my career (Joe), I was […]
Case Study: Global Unites
Noel Becchetti Vision: To inspire, connect, and equip youth to transform global societies through movements that promote hope, non-violence, and reconciliation Mission: To work alongside local leaders and transform conflict by hosting international summits, national conferences, specialized workshops, and strategic trainings to empower youth as agents of sustainable change “The key is to recruit the […]
Polycentrism as the New Leadership Paradigm
SIX COMMON THEMES FOR A TRINITARIAN APPROACH TO LEADING MISSIONS By Joseph W. Handley, Jr. Polycentric—Why? And, what’s that?1 As the world grapples with ongoing tensions, polarities, and ever-growing challenges, I am convinced that we need a new approach to leadership. It was this concern that compelled me to study global leadership and see if […]
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 […]
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 […]
