Divisiveness and lack of unity has been a very hot topic of late in the US, and perhaps to a lesser degree, globally. It is almost impossible to read a newspaper, listen to the news or scan your favorite internet news site without seeing some evidence of this. While many will argue why the other “side” is wrong or at fault, few will argue divisiveness is quite prevalent.
This unfortunately often does not just exist “out there” but can be seen quite frequently closer to home on our own teams. Obviously, the toxicity of this type of environment can often cripple the work environment and challenge your ability to effectively lead. What is a leader to do to counteract this and restore order?
Pastor Carey Nieuwhof recently offered some excellent advice in a blog (https://www.biblicalleadership.com/blogs/4-keys-to-leading-in-an-angry-era/) on the Biblical Leadership website https://www.biblicalleadership.com/. I would strongly recommend reading the original blog, but we will attempt to summarize here.
Nieuwhof states that “One of the key tasks of leadership is to unite people around a common cause.” For those of us who have ever been engaged in any leadership position we can attest to how critical this is. People are individuals and need to be recognized as such, but if you are able to unite them in a cause, the focus created is powerful.
There are four principles offered in the blog that help leaders achieve this. First, is to “start with the core, not the crowd”. One of the more recent, unique challenges of our time is that it is very easy for everyone to have a platform. With the popularity of social media, it is very easy to make your views known. Following the lead provided on many cable news stations many feel that is not only important to make their view none but it is also vital that they shout down any opposing views or opinions. The more aggressive and forceful one can be, the better.
Priests, by nature and training, tend to be inclusive and would like to have everyone united and on the same page. In this time of division there are typically core and fringe positions. Those on the fringe usually have more strongly held views and are unlikely to change completely. Pastor Nieuwhof wisely counsels, “You hear from the fringe, but you lead from the core.” He also states, “unity spreads, so does division.”
It is on this basis that it would serve you best to gain unity among your core team. This is often small and more likely to be like-minded senior staff. Begin with an open discussion. “We are here to discuss XXX. I understand there may be some minor differences of opinion, but can we all agree on ABC?” In this manner you can help make certain that all are heard, and you find a common starting point upon which you can build.
When people are looking in the same direction it is much easier to move as a united front. We will continue with the remaining principles in our next blog.