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Leader

Leader | Success, A Succession Planning Tool for filling the Senior Pastor Role

DeShawn Roberts I 2024

Abstract

Succession planning is vital to any organization’s long-term sustainability and effectiveness, including the Church. In the context of the Church, succession planning is crucial for maintaining the legacy, values, and mission while ensuring a smooth transition of leadership from one generation to the next.

TheLeader | Successmanual addresses the crucial need for succession planning in filling the senior pastor role within the Church. It presents a comprehensive approach to leadership continuity, pastoral search processes, and managing the complex political dynamics of pastoral vacancies. This manual bridges a significant gap in church leadership by empowering pastors and church leaders with a roadmap to develop and implement robust succession plans.

At its core,Leader | Successacknowledges the importance of maintaining strong and consistent leadership within the Church. It establishes a framework to ensure smooth transitions when leadership positions become vacant, thereby minimizing disruptions and upholding the Church’s mission and vision. Additionally, the manual equips pastoral search teams with a well-defined roadmap to fill vacant pastoral positions efficiently. By providing guidance on candidate selection, assessment, and onboarding,Leader | Successstreamlines the search process, ensuring the Church welcomes qualified leaders who align with its values.

One of the standout features ofLeader | Successis its provision of an outline that pastors can utilize to develop personalized succession plans tailored to their churches. This feature empowers pastors to proactively prepare for future leadership transitions, preserving the Church’s stability and commitment to nurturing and sustaining effective leadership for future generations.

Keywords: Pastoral Search Roadmap, leadership, leader continuity, succession planning

IMAGINE-ABLE Leadership: Keys to Unlocking the Transformational Leader Within You

IMAGINE-ABLE Leadership: Keys to Unlocking the Transformational Leader Within You

Derrick Rodgers | 2024

Abstract

In a world that demands so much of the role of leadership, this doctoral project operated within the premise that every individual harbors transformational leadership potential, waiting to be awakened and harnessed. Through that lens, this project aimed to address the question: How can anyone unlock and cultivate the transformational leadership potential within themselves to inspire, motivate, and guide themselves, their team, and their organization toward continuous growth, innovation, and learning?

“IMAGINE-ABLE Leadership: Keys to Unlocking the Transformational Leader Within You” was written to serve as a comprehensive guide through three leadership realms into addressing the need for leadership, navigating its challenges, and fostering leadership development. The journey culminates in the last realm, introducing the IMAGINE-ABLE Leadership Framework, a visionary yet actionable approach developed during my academic journey at Regent University.

The project introduces a new leadership framework that combines visionary elements (IMAGINE) with actionable excellence (ABLE), with ten specific competencies and five leadership practices to discover your leadership capabilities for transformation. The project introduces the framework in partnership with a few popular leadership styles, frameworks, and theories to establish a correlation for the reader with how they can use this new framework with existing assessment tools in the marketplace.

This project, the writing of “IMAGINE-ABLE Leadership,” would not have been possible without the deeply personal, introspective scholarly journey into the essence of achieving excellence, embracing vision, and mastering the art of leadership that began five years ago. The spiritual, scholarly, and personal lessons learned over five years unleashed leadership potential, which I infused as personal reflections throughout this manuscript. My prayer is that future readers of this manuscript will be guidedtoward their divinely inspired dreams and goals and become empowered to embrace their identity as IMAGINE-ABLE LEADERS!

Keywords:Transformational leadership, IMAGINE-ABLE Leadership, Leadership Challenges, Leadership Development, Entrepreneurial Leadership, Ministry Leadership, Self-Leadership, Team Leadership, Organizational Leadership

Trustworthy Leadership: Leadership that Transcends to the Supernatural

Trustworthy Leadership: Leadership that Transcends to the Supernatural

Ana Reina Rodriguez | 2024

Abstract

In our current times, teenagers face a complex world full of endless information. This can make it hard for them to see clearly what their future might hold. “Trustworthy Leadership: Leadership that Transcends to the Supernatural” is a manuscript that looks at this challenge and offers guidance through a series of personal anecdotes. It shows that everyone has the ability to shape their future and stresses how important it is to make thoughtful choices. The manuscriptexamines how technology, which fills so much ofour lives, needs to be used wisely. While innovation is often celebrated, not all technological developments are universally beneficial, and discernment becomes essential in navigating their impact. Society’s current challenge lies in the lack of significant parameters and regulations that can protect and guide young lives, thus preventing the spiral into destructive behaviors and the tragic loss of life. This manuscript explores solutions that avoid such predicaments, leading to the concept of a Utopia, which proclaims the existence of a perfect leader and a perfect follower. History has shown us a broad spectrum of leadership, from the commendable to the detestable. Still, the vision of a world harmoniously ruled by a flawless figure remains unmanifested. According to historical accounts, there was a man who possessed all the qualities of a perfect leader, displaying every virtue while also conforming to perfect followership. This manuscript is a portal to a new dimension of understanding. Here lies the possibility of the impossible and, with it, the seed of hope for a new tomorrow.

Building Relationships: A Gateway to Closing the Revolving Door

Building Relationships: A Gateway to Closing the Revolving Door

Ramona Rodriguez | 2024

Abstract

The revolving door has been an issue, with more employees becoming disengaged, silently quitting, and many leaving to pursue other employment opportunities.i Although the pay was one reason employees left their current employment, culture, and engagement were the most significant reasons for leaving their current employers.ii If employers want to stop the revolving door, they must do something different to retain their current workforce. An organization must assess the culture of the organization to make the necessary changes to retain skillful employees, as it costs organizations billions of dollars for employees to miss days from work due to psychological effects from toxic cultures and to hire and train new staff.iii Organizations must assess the organizational culture and have a clear vision if they are to successfully lead organizations, as studies indicate that highly productive companies have been due to having a vision that aligns with the organizational goals.iv

Leaders must consider the lessons learned from the past to avoid making the same errors that lead employees to disengage, as leaders play an integral role in setting the stage for employees to become more engaged. In a time where the one thing that remains constant is change in a competitive market, leaders need to adapt to change.v Good leaders do not just develop people who follow; they create other leaders. Leaders must find the hidden jewels that have leadership capabilities and build them up to be the next leaders of the next generation. Trust must be created and earned through actions the leader takes.


i Yi, R (2023). 6 Worrying workplace number- And what you can do about them.
ii Global Indicator: Employee Retention & Attraction, (n.d). Gallup. Retrieved Jan 10, 2024. https://www.gallup.com/467702/indicator-employee-retention-attraction.aspx
iii (Hetrick, 2023) Toxic Organizational Cultures and Leadership
iv (Schein, 2016) Organizational culture and leadership. (Hultman & Gellermann, 2002) Balancing individual and organizational values: Walking the tightrope to success.
v (Holbeche & Matthews, 2012a) Engaged unleashing your organization’s potential through employee engagement

Everything Jesus: A Jesus-centered Approach to Love, Life, and Leadership

Everything Jesus: A Jesus-centered Approach to Love, Life, and Leadership

Daniel McKee | 2024

Abstract

The invitation to arrange our whole lives with Jesus at the center will require intentionality on our part, and Everything Jesus will get you moving in this direction. Jesus is the chief cornerstone, anchoring all aspects of our lives (Ephesians 2:20). By fixing our eyes on Jesus, we are reminded of his sacrificial love, which becomes our model for loving others unconditionally (Hebrews 12:1-2). Keeping Jesus at the center of everything allows us to access his strength and guidance. We learn to lead with humility and compassion and develop a focus on equipping and serving others. Everything Jesus is broken down into three sections focusing on how to love, live, and lead like Jesus.

Love, like Jesus, is centered on the Father’s affirmation of Jesus during his baptism. Before Jesus worked for the Father, he was affirmed by the Father saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him, I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17). The Baptism of Jesus serves as a blueprint for believers to establish their lives on God’s unconditional love. Living like Jesus means aligning our thoughts, attitudes, and actions with his teachings. The Beatitudes provide a glimpse into the power of living from kingdom principles. To embrace the Beatitudes, it is essential to practice humility, compassion, and righteousness, even when it seems countercultural or challenging. Lead like Jesus challenges prevalent leadership paradigms, offering a profound alternative. Delving into instances like Jesus washing the disciples’ feet, cursing the fig tree, and overturning tables in the temple prompts candid discussions on servant leadership and authority, revealing a more practical approach to leadership.

Redefining Success for Entrepreneurs: The Balance Sheet of Life Formula

Redefining Success for Entrepreneurs: The Balance Sheet of Life Formula

Jackie Meyer | 2024

Abstract

Entrepreneurship has long been viewed as a pathway to success, defined largely by financial growth and professional achievement. However, the intense demands of entrepreneurship often lead to burnout, diminished well-being, and a loss of life balance. Redefining Success for Entrepreneurs: The Balance Sheet of Life Formula presents a comprehensive framework that reimagines how entrepreneurs measure success, integrating personal well-being, mental health, and professional achievements into a holistic life balance sheet. Drawing on financial principles, this book introduces ten key life asset categories, each offering actionable strategies to achieve balance, purpose, and peace in both personal and professional realms.

Through personal anecdotes, case studies, and practical exercises, the book empowers entrepreneurs to transition from a work-centric life to a more balanced, fulfilling journey that prioritizes mental and emotional health, joy, spirituality, environment, people, passion, purpose, contributions, learning, and profit, with key tips for what the author has coined “parentpreneurs”.

Grounded in academic research and supported by the principles of leadership and organizational strategy, The Balance Sheet of Life Formula is an essential guide for entrepreneurs seeking sustainable success. This book bridges the gap between financial acumen and personal development, providing a fresh perspective on what it means to be a successful, well-rounded entrepreneur in today’s fast-paced world.

Keywords: Entrepreneurship, Life Balance, Strategic Leadership, Well-being, Financial Success, Mental Health, Personal Development

Heroes

Heroes’ Anchor: Holistic Support for Families of Military and First Responders

Valeri Mitcham | 2024

Abstract

Heroes’ Anchor is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting children of military personnel and first responders. These families often face significant emotional and psychological challenges due to unique stresses. Heroes’ Anchor addresses these issues through providing therapeutic, educational, and family-centered programs, all offered free of charge, including travel expenses to the children of these Heroes. This ensures inclusivity and accessibility for all eligible families. The organization’s mission, “The anchor of every Hero’s healing journey is deeply rooted in the heart of the family,” underscores the belief that true and sustained recovery for these Heroes cannot be achieved in isolation but must be supported by a stable and nurturing family environment. At the heart of Heroes’ Anchor’s approach is a diverse range of retreat style therapies designed to foster emotional resilience and mental well-being. Equine therapy helps children build trust, empathy, and self-control. Art and music therapy offer creative outlets for processing complex emotions and alleviating anxiety and depression. Martial arts training promotes discipline, physical fitness, and mental resilience, helping children develop confidence and healthy coping mechanisms. Family integration is essential to Heroes’ Anchor’s mission. By sharing the training tools and strategies learned by our first responder and military Heroes, and equipping parents with these skills to support their children’s emotional and psychological needs, Heroes’ Anchor fosters a nurturing and supportive home environment. This approach also helps strengthen communication between the Hero and their child, as they both benefit from similar skills and techniques, creating a shared understanding and connection. This holistic approach ensures that healing and resilience are shared experiences, reducing stress and enhancing overall family dynamics. Another core goal of Heroes’ Anchor is fostering a sense of community among participants. The organization facilitates peer support networks where children connect with others who share similar experiences, reducing isolation and fostering belonging. These networks provide emotional comfort and practical advice, helping children navigate their unique challenges. Heroes’ Anchor’s commitment to offering all services free of charge, including travel expenses, removes financial barriers to accessing essential support. This promotes equity and ensures that those most in need can benefit. The inclusivity of Heroes’ Anchor’s approach creates a welcoming environment, allowing families to focus on healing and growth without financial stress. Through its comprehensive programs, Heroes’ Anchor enhances resilience and emotional well- being among children and their families. By anchoring these Heroes’ healing journeys within the family, the organization ensures that the entire family unit can thrive, creating a lasting positive impact on the community.

Keywords: holistic support, military families, first responders, emotional resilience, free services

Maternal Health Task Force Strategic Development Plan

Maternal Health Task Force Strategic Development Plan

Danielle Montague | 2024

Abstract

The Dan River Region is not an anomaly in the maternal health crisis. Research supports that the maternal health crisis worsens in rural areas. The March of Dimes, the Virginia Department of Health State Department, and the National Rural Health Association have been paying close attention to rural areas to understand missing maternal and birth numbers, access challenges, and disparities that naturally come with living in rural communities. The U.S. spends a considerable amount on maternal mortality and morbidity. Some layered determinants and trends have led to the maternal health crisis that this country is facing. Maternal and child health trends are associated with lack of access, insurance disparities, and racial disparities.

The Maternal Health Task Force of the Dan River Regionwas developedto combat the maternal health crisis. The Dan River Region is a rural area where disparities are even more distinct. The strategic development plan lays out the Maternal Health Task Force’s mission, vision, values, and goals that the members have developed through facilitation and trend assessment. The development plan has outlined recommendations to enhance the task force’s systems work and is a living document for assessment and readjustment based on trends and foresight.

Developing Servant Leaders in Spite of Toxic Organizational Leadership

Developing Servant Leaders in Spite of Toxic Organizational Leadership

Deborah Mugabi | 2024

Abstract

Current events in the world reveal that there are escalating instances of toxic leadership at all levels. While several entities have tried leadership models, they deem effective, there still remains a challenge as to which is the most effective model to employ and how to develop effective leaders inspite of toxic leadership. This book proposes Servant-Leadership as the only effective leadership model that applies to all contexts including those under toxic leadership and recommends an applicable Servant Leader development model that can be reviewed and adopted. The current renown approaches that propose Servant Leadership ably describe characteristics Servant Leaders should exhibit. However, most of, if not all, these approaches neither provide clear guidelines on how individuals and organizations can develop these qualities nor specifically define Servant Leadership development strategies within toxic leadership environments.

The most important question this book seeks to answer, is whether it is possible to develop servant leaders under toxic organizational leadership and if yes, how. The author, therefore reviewed existing literature and real-life events on Toxic Leadership, Leadership Theory, Servant Leadership Development, plus, examined Holy Scriptures such as, Exodus 18. The findings revealed that Servant Leadership Development is possible in all contexts, including toxic environments, and, starts primarily, at a personal level. Its effectiveness requires an active personal relationship with The God of all wisdom and discernment Who reveals the invisible thrones and altars that affect leadership. He then progressively develops the two main constructs, derived from the greatest commandments, plus, wisdom and discernment to guide demonstration of the rest of the Servant Leadership attributes while serving others.

In conclusion, the biggest problems that cause Toxic Leadership also impede Servant Leadership development and are more spiritual than physical. Further research could guide the process of translating spiritual transformation strategies for Servant Leadership development in all contexts, including toxic leadership settings, into Strategic priorities that can be embraced by all, including, non-bible believing leaders or organizations. Additional studies can also investigate tools for measuring leadership toxicity in entities which can help leaders assess the impact of Servant Leadership development on that toxicity, on a regular basis.

Daily Guide to Becoming: A Leader for Tomorrow

Daily Guide to Becoming: A Leader for Tomorrow

Reneé J. Murdock | 2024

Abstract

The top challenge for CEOs is developing the next generation of leaders. CEOs need to develop leaders at all levels of the organization, but only 5% of businesses have leadership development programs at all levels. In this paper, we will review the current state and the art of business leadership development.

Individuals do not start businesses with an obligation to fail. They believe their idea(s) is innovative and will change the future of how we live and operate. Organizations worldwide desire virtuous leaders to lead people, initiatives, projects, and resources to keep the business going for centuries. Why do organizations fail, have a high turnover rate, or create barriers to innovation? This doctoral project aims to show the importance that great leaders are not born or made overnight. There is an intentional sacrifice of doing the opposite of the human instinct. Additionally, this project aims to show how becoming a leader is evolutionary and not a once-off training.

The qualitative research was done through observations of senior executives in corporate, government, and religious organizations, case studies done by Global Leadership and Organizational Behavior Effectiveness (GLOBE), surveys conducted by the United States Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey, and videos. Senior executives are looking for individuals to take over key roles. They are still puzzled as to why employees are leaving their organizations. There are challenges in providing career growth opportunities for entry-level and mid-level employees. The findings show that when employees are valued and included in key organizational decisions making, they are likely to stay and excel. Leadership development is vital to succession planning and innovation. These findings indicate the need for looking at leadership development from a holistic perspective. What are we meditating on, doing, or reading? What we meditate on feeds our soul, what feeds our soul feeds the heart, and what is in the heart displays in our behaviors.

The project resulted in a manual script of a daily guide to becoming a leader for tomorrow. Individuals become who they are by what they do. Readers are challenged to meditate, reevaluate, adjust, and gain a new perspective on how they view themselves and others. Great leaders are transformational, evolving, recognizing the needs of others, and providing an ethical environment to change the world. What a leader is becoming is always a work that has yet to be finished. Individuals will continue to be re-formalized, remolded, relearning, and becoming what is necessary for the perfected time. Continued research on full leadership development is needed based on gender, sex, and the industry.