Dorothy asked us to share why CWL leadership is and needs to be different than in the other organizations, but also the same.
Participants suggested the following ways that CWL leadership is unique:
- faith-based
- sisterhood - may make it harder
- national organization
- often we are in it for life
- we expect servant leadership unlike politics and other organizations we are not there for our own glory
We respect every one and treat them with respect and dignity
Some skills apply more specifically to being a leader in the CWL. This presentation is geared to CWL Leadership, not just general leadership skills.
“The servant-leader is servant first… It begins with the natural feeling that one wants to serve, to serve first. Then conscious choice brings one to aspire to lead. That person is sharply different from one who is leader first, perhaps because of the need to assuage an unusual power drive or to acquire material possessions…The leader-first and the servant-first are two extreme types. Between them there are shadings and blends that are part of the infinite variety of human nature.
“The difference manifests itself in the care taken by the servant-first to make sure that other people’s highest priority needs are being served. The best test, and difficult to administer, is: Do those served grow as persons? Do they, while being served, become healthier, wiser, freer, more autonomous, more likely themselves to become servants? And, what is the effect on the least privileged in society? Will they benefit or at least not be further deprived?“
Most members may have the impression that the leader has to impress, to be wonderfully articulate, to have grand visions, but that is not the case.
People who show service above self-interest are held in high regard. We look to them for direction and guidance in times of indecision, turmoil and trouble.
Social Justice…
A man at the church used to borrow a little coffee from each ministry’s cupboard, and make a few sandwiches to take them to the city centre each morning for those in need.
People started to want to help him in his ministry so they tried to give him money…
When ever he received a donation to help him in his work he sent it back saying “Steal your own coffee, and make your own darn sandwiches.”
As a leader, do these thoughts cross our mind?
What can we do to get out of the way of good delegation? Can we objectively look at something that needs to be done and also look at our members to see who would be best suited to the work of the League?
Because I am human… I will always be afraid.
What is holding you back from being a leader, an executive member?
- Fear of… Rejection, making mistakes… etc.
- But we are all people of God!
CWL responsibilities are for a short period of time. Just two years… and with others to help us… never should feel alone…
We can help each other become aware that we are very capable people, each in our own way.
Best is enough, and it can be different from the other person’s best.
In a room of two people, someone will be better at something, someone will be worse…
Keep confidential information to ourselves. (refer back to gossiping)
Respect the position while you hold it. People look up to the one in the position – so we need to maintain our best behaviour, act with kindness…
