One contemporary leadership theory is Authentic Leadership, and the basic premise of this leadership construct is that the leader consistently acts in line with his or her own values. Although this theory is grounded in the leader’s self, I would argue that it is applicable in the pastoral and ministry context so long as we think of the regenerate self, surrendered to Jesus, guided by God’s Word, and empowered by the Holy Spirit. I want to flesh out this approach to leadership in practical terms, and the first component I want to address is self-awareness.
What is Self-Awareness? Self-awareness is a person’s awareness of what is going on within the self. It would include the leader’s awareness of his own values and whether or not he was acting in accordance with those values. Self-awareness also extends to realizing one’s own strengths, weakness, motives, values, tendencies, as well as one’s own mental and emotional state. In thinking about a self-referenced leadership approach, we need to understand self-awareness is not self-absorption, self-centeredness, or self-insistence. I hinted at a couple of areas of self-awareness in my articles on boundaries. I suggested you need to know your weaknesses and tendencies so you understand your need for boundaries and so you maintain good boundaries. I suggested also that you know your preference for tasks or people in a way that allows you to maintain balance among your responsibilities. Another area in which to maintain self-awareness is emotions. When do you tend to get defensive or angry? Do you know when your are heading down those paths, or does it sneak up on you? Additionally, what are your strengths? What are you good at, and where do you need help? Do you excel at preaching while needing help with administration? Do you do well at leading a business meeting but not so well at disciple-making or planning events? Finally, what types of people “throw” you? Where does your personality need strengthening in order for you to be more effective?
Why is Self-Awareness Important? Have you ever known someone who seemed oblivious to how she or he treated others? As a minister, you do not want to be that person. Are you aware of when your life is and is not exhibiting the fruit of God’s Spirit or lined up with His Word, or do you assume you automatically are being and doing what you should? As we think about these things, the importance of self-awareness becomes obvious. If we are not aware of what is happening within us, it is more difficult to evaluate, to make course corrections, to receive Godly council, and to do what God’s people need us to do as we point them toward Christ and work to make Christ-followers and guide the church. Finally, if we are not self-aware, we will not know when we are living in ways that are contrary to our own teaching, thus undermining integrity. On the positive side, when we are self-aware, we can keep a reign on our actions and reactions, better aligning them with our core values and God’s Word.
What are Hindrances to and Helps for Self-Awareness? Hindrances to self-awareness come to mind immediately – the human proclivity for self-deception and self-justification. Scripture testifies to the deceitfulness of our hearts and the tendency to convince ourselves of our rightness. I can think of several helps for our self-awareness. One is simply realizing and admitting the difficulty we may have in being accurately self-aware. Another is building in filters to our thinking and responses, along with giving ourselves space before we respond. In other words, cultivate the pattern of evaluating your thoughts and feelings by the Word (such as the fruit of the Spirit) as you go through the day or start to respond to someone or a situation. Also, try not to reply or react immediately so you can evaluate your response first. Third, build evaluation into your life on a regular basis. Finally, you may need someone who can help you by asking challenging and honest evaluation questions to help you develop an understanding of yourself and your faithfulness to your values.
Is evaluation a regular part of your work and life? How honest are you with yourself, and how consistently do you operate according to your values? Is there someone in your life who might ask you the “hard” questions to help you evaluate? How can you cultivate self-awareness without becoming self-absorbed, self-centered, or self-insistent?