Torch, Fall 1988

.·, l • l,\t~l~~ ',~ ~ ,r ;' r-\:~ <' ,,/, '· . '\ ~.: · "~··~··· . ' ! , .... , ...,." _ _...__________ ~·- ·""-~"""""' i'. ' :· \ . , , An interview with Dr. Richard Baldwin, Associate Professor of Management at Cedarville College. Dr. Baldwin is a specialist in international business and a former manager with the Dayton Power and light Company. Q• Does the Bible reveal instruction for leadership? A. Yes. God introduces us to people whose leadership qualities we analyze - people like Nehemiah, Joseph, David, Paul and the Lord Jesus Himself. I think He also gives us specific management principles for successful leadership. Q • Are management and leadership synonymous? A. Technically, leadership, in the influencing and directing of people, is a subset of management, while management deals more with all resources - materials, time, finances, and facilities, as well as with people. Q • What are some specific biblical principles for leadership? A. I have developed what I call Scripture Management Principles or SMPs for the functional areas of management. Here are some examples: 4 FUNCTION S_M£ Planning Allow the Lord to direct your steps Organizing (Proverbs 16: 1-9) Count the cost (Luke 14:28-33) Consult a multitude of counselors (Proverbs l l: 14) Recognize that each person has a vital function (Ephesians 4: 11 , I Corinthians 12:15-26) Delegate authority (Exodus 18: 13-25, Nehemiah 3) Realize that people have difficulty serving more than one master (Matthew 6:24) Influencing Controlling Provide a good example by doing your work for the glory of God and not just as a "man pleaser" (I Corinthians 10:31, Ephesians 6:5-7) Encourage hard work (Romans 12: 11, Proverbs 9:15; 6:6) Stir up the gifts and abilities in those you are mentoring (II Timothy 1:6) Require accountability (Matthew 25: 14-30) Recognize that controlling a small part can control the whole (James 3:3-8) Realize that meekness demonstrates controlled power (II Corinthians IO: 1) Q • Are there general biblical principles that prevail throughout all aspects of leadership? A. I see several: Stewardship - efficient and effective use of resourses placed under his responsibility by the Creator of the universe (Luke 12:42-48, Ephesians 5:15-16) Servant leadership - attitude of service to those being led as the leader himself serves God (Philippians 2:5,7, Mark 10:45, Mark 10:44) Sensitivity - awareness of the needs of those being led; showing without a trace of pride love, concern, under– standing, and consideration for the dignity of indi– viduals (Proverbs 6:16-24, I Peter 2:17, Proverbs 17:17) Striving for Excellence - attempting to use to the best of his ability the talents and spiritual gifts God has given him for the glory of God (Hebrews 12: I, Philippians 3:14). Q• So leadership should be accomplished with excellence. What do you mean by excellence? A. Many define excellence by what others who are succeeding by the world's standards are doing. I would define excellence as "walking worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work" (Colossians l :9-12).