Soft Power vs Hard Power
Twenty-first century leaders need to acquire 'soft power' because 'hard power' has its limitations in dealing with today's complex and interdependent world. So said the Raja Muda of Perak, Raja Nazrin Shah, when he delivered a speech entitled 'On Leadership' at the 17th Tun Ismail Ovation in July.
According to him, soft power is non-coercive, and it hinges on working with and through people. It is the power exercised by 'transformational leaders' who strive to achieve higher ideals, nobler values and more superior behaviour among their followers. Besides soft power, a 21st century leader also needs to possess two other equally important qualities: 1) charisma, and 2) morality and justice.
How apt for him to mention these qualities that can be translated as the key qualities for our church leaders today.
But let's focus on soft power here. When He was on earth, Jesus used the soft power approach to accomplish His mission. Though the people had expected Him to come as their reigning king to overthrow the Roman government at that time, our Lord came as a bond servant to do the will of His heavenly Father.
John the Baptist identified Jesus as "the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:29). That was the thrust of His mission. Jesus' leadership began by setting an example of Himself, which then spilled over to His disciples. That was how He came to reveal His Father's love to mankind.
Likewise, the Christian leader is called to be completely irrelevant and to stand in the world with nothing to offer but his vulnerable self. More often, he will be misunderstood for his 'passiveness', especially when he demonstrates patience and kindness. He will be looked upon as insignificant, but within him lays the latent power of the gospel.
To be such a leader who will leave an indelible print in people's lives, he ought to have this soft power - working with people and through people, delegating and networking with the sole objective of empowering people to advance the Kingdom of God.
But to have soft power demands humility, an emptying of oneself of his personal ambition and desires, and take on God's vision and His heart.
Besides soft power, leaders who want to consistently, radically and concretely share His redeeming love must have an intimate knowledge of God's heart. Even when fear, isolation or despair invade their soul, such leaders know their God to be faithful, and dependable as David did when he charged Solomon to build the temple, "Be strong and of good courage, and do it; do not fear nor be dismayed, for the Lord God - my God - will be with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you, until you have finished all the work for the service of the house of the Lord." (1 Chron. 28:20)
What is the task that God has laid on your heart to accomplish? Do not fear nor be dismayed when the going gets rough. He will not leave you nor forsake you until you have finished it.
And as you work out God's calling for you, consider this soft power approach - the non-coercive way - to do His work.
|
