Leadership is frequently discussed & analyzed. The lack of leadership is often criticized, but what – at its heart – is leadership? And what makes it effective? On this special edition of Connecting Faith, we gain two unique perspectives on leadership.
First we welcome Joe Stowell, the president of Cornerstone University and author of . Then we hear from Carly Fiorina, former Hewlett-Packard CEO, chairman of the Unlocking Potential Project and author of . Both offer their rich perspectives on character-driven habits for effective leadership.
In the first half of our show, Dr. Stowell says that leadership is about more than results.
“It’s not just what you do, but it’s who you are.”
Who I am, how I lead, and how I treat people are truly important concepts for one who aspires to be a successful leader. At the core of this concept, Dr. Stowell points to the leadership of Jesus Christ. Who He was and how He led gave Him the power to become successful.
Dr. Stowell believes we have our leadership assumptions upside down in a way.
“If you watch the patterns of Jesus, they are all counter-intuitive…. Good, effective leadership is allowing Jesus to move our instincts to doing what is right.”
Then Carly Fiorina joins us in our second half hour. She speaks to the importance of faith and collaboration.
She believes that tough times are one of the most powerful opportunities for us to draw closer to God. She speaks of the end of her time at Hewlett Packard, when circumstances found her relying on her faith and core values.
As a leader, always tell the truth! No matter how hard it is to do so, it’s the best way.
We hear how Carly was shaped by a lesson she heard in Sunday school: what you are is God’s gift to you & what you make of yourself is your gift to God. She believes that everyone has the potential to do far more than they realize. It’s important to know what your God-given gifts really are and how you can use them most effectively.
We talk about the value of work, and how it brings dignity to life. Carly also reflects on the purpose and meaning that family bring to life.
So what is the Unlocking Potential Project? Carly explains the purpose of this organization that is geared toward women.
Many people across our nation today are disillusioned with the political process, but Carly believes that the sphere of public service and policy remains vital.
“Whether we like it or not, politics impact every one of our lives.”
Carly explains that she is seriously considering running for President because she believes we are in a fight for the future of our nation and that having the right perspective in leadership at this time in our history is key.
