"People don't leave bad jobs; they leave because of bad leaders, poor management and a lack of appreciation for their worth."

~ Leadership First

Introduction

In a world characterized by diverse identities and ever-evolving cultural landscapes, the book RARE Leadership by Marcus Warner and Dr. Jim Wilder offers a refreshing perspective on leadership through the lens of Christian faith.[1] The authors' core message revolves around recognizing, affirming, and nurturing the unique identities of those seeking their identity in Christ.[2] Before I discuss the intricacies of their perspective of identity and leadership, let's spend a few minutes reviewing some of the core concepts of Rare Leadership.

The Concept of RARE Leadership

RARE Leadership introduces the concept of relational skills, acting like yourself, returning to joy, and enduring hardship (RARE) as essential elements of Christian leadership. At the heart of RARE Leadership is the high-octane energy of joy. According to Warner and Wilder, joy operates on the right side of the brain, which is responsible for our relationships. The right side of the brain, also called the fast track, is the one that optimizes engagement with others, regulates our emotions, and remembers who we are (connects to our memories). Our identity is at the center of the right side of the brain.[3] The left side of the brain is the planning and problem-solving side. In their book, they designate the left side of the brain as the slow track and equate it with the management tasks performed in organizations. 

A key premise of the book is the need for more mature leaders. Mature leaders are described as able to keep relationships as their highest priority (even during a problem-solving phase), effectively problem-solve without blaming others, and build healthy organizational cultures.[4] Mature leaders were contrasted with "sandbox" leaders, who reverted to childish behavior to solve problems and place personal pride above the organization's good.[5] The last point regarding mature leaders is that they can endure hardships relying on established routines that enable them to keep joy in their lives. Most often, the joy emanates from healthy and satisfying relationships.[6]

The Identity Group Recommendation

Warner and Wilder advocate for forming identity groups within Christian communities and organizations.[7] As recommended by the authors, identity groups serve as safe spaces where individuals can openly discuss their faith journeys and experiences of identifying with Christ. These groups provide a platform for sharing struggles, doubts, and triumphs. They foster a sense of belonging and help participants better understand their unique identities in Christ.[8] These groups are not accountability groups. Instead, they are to be considered a team of allies.[9]

The Importance of Identity in Christ

Identity in Christ transcends external labels and societal expectations. It allows individuals to define themselves based on their relationship with God and faith in Christ. This perspective is liberating because it liberates individuals from the chains of worldly standards and encourages them to pursue their true calling. "When we grow our identities in the world, we will mutate and become something other than what God intended. When this happens, reflections of the deformities and dysfunctions in our world mold who we are rather than the heart of Christ lying undisturbed within."[10]

Supporting and Encouraging Others in Their Identity

RARE leadership, particularly in its focus on the "Identity" component, challenges leaders to support and encourage others actively on their journey of self-discovery in Christ. Leaders are called to create an environment of trust and openness where individuals feel safe to express their doubts and explore their faith.[11]

RARE leaders are especially good at identifying the seeds of the Christ-like image in a person's heart. Leaders can be a catalyst for waking the heart of others to their real identity in Christ and are patient enough to allow the newly awakened seed to blossom and flourish.[12]  

Conclusion

The book's emphasis on identity in Christ is a timely reminder of the importance of acknowledging individuals' diverse journeys in their faith. I was reminded of last week's assignment on Identity by Fukuyama. In contrast, Fukuyama's book left a feeling of chaos and turmoil. It is because the concept of identity got entangled with politics and resentment. Fukuyama unknowingly paints how identity mutates without having its basis in Christ. RARE also reminded me of Camacho's book Mining for Gold. Identifying the seeds of Christlikeness in others is similar to Camacho's call to see the good in others and to assist them in aligning with their values and purpose.

Two ideas I would want to explore further: how can a RARE leader effectively establish an identity group outside of a Christian organization? And, even within a Christian organization, how can you prevent an identity group from morphing into either an accountability group or a group focused on resentment and fear?

[1] ChatGPT, OpenAI, October 15, 2023.

[2] Marcus Warner and Jim Wilder, Rare Leadership: 4 Uncommon Habits for Increasing Trust, Joy, and Engagement in the People You Lead (Chicago: Moody Publishers, 2016), 13.

[3] Ibid., 27.

[4] Marcus Warner and Jim Wilder, Rare Leadership in the Workplace: 4 Uncommon Habits That Improve Focus, Engagement, and Productivity (Chicago: Northfield Publishers, 2021), 14.

 [5] Ibid., 13.

[6] Ibid., 16.

[7] Marcus Warner and Jim Wilder, Rare Leadership: 4 Uncommon Habits for Increasing Trust, Joy, and Engagement in the People You Lead (Chicago: Moody Publishers, 2016), 100.

[8] Meneses, Robert. 2018. RARE LEADERSHIP, 4 UNCOMMON HABITS FOR INCREASING TRUST, JOY, AND ENGAGEMENT IN THE PEOPLE YOU LEAD. The Journal of Applied Christian Leadership 12, (2) (Fall): 114, https://georgefox.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/scholarly-journals/rare-leadership-4-uncommon-habits-increasing/docview/2414853602/se-2

[9] Marcus Warner and Jim Wilder, Rare Leadership: 4 Uncommon Habits for Increasing Trust, Joy, and Engagement in the People You Lead (Chicago: Moody Publishers, 2016), 116.

[10] Ibid., 142.

[11] Meneses, Robert. 2018. RARE LEADERSHIP, 4 UNCOMMON HABITS FOR INCREASING TRUST, JOY, AND ENGAGEMENT IN THE PEOPLE YOU LEAD. The Journal of Applied Christian Leadership 12, (2) (Fall): 114, https://georgefox.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/scholarly-journals/rare-leadership-4-uncommon-habits-increasing/docview/2414853602/se-2

[12] Marcus Warner and Jim Wilder, Rare Leadership: 4 Uncommon Habits for Increasing Trust, Joy, and Engagement in the People You Lead (Chicago: Moody Publishers, 2016), 142.