Leading with Soul: An Uncommon Journey of Spirit
by Lee G. Bolman and Terrence E. Deal
(Jossey-Bass, 1995)

Traditionally, literature about leadership focuses on qualities, talents, practices, or principles. The emphasis is on doing leadership, rather than on being effective leaders. Key characteristics of effective leaders -- integrity, honesty, vision, expertise, and so on -- are often cast in terms of performance. Rarely do we examine the core values and beliefs underlying these qualities.

In Leading with Soul, Lee Bolman and Terrence Deal cut through the superficial layers of leadership rhetoric to connect the essential nature of leadership to the heart of spirituality. Leadership is not a function of performance. Leadership is a spiritual act.

In a world where so many influential people are out of touch with things spiritual, leadership as a spiritual act may inspire discomfort. Our culture is very successful disassociating the acts of leadership from the person of the leader. Recent surveys conclude that a majority of Americans no longer expect business and government leaders to tell the truth, behave morally, be kind, or act compassionately. The President Clinton-Monica Lewinski scandal is clear indication that bad behavior on the part of our leaders is no longer surprising or significantly disappointing.

What must happen so that we might begin to expect more from our leaders? Simply, the focus must shift from action to interior, from deeds to values, and from practice to soul. Bolman and Deal challenge us to look more deeply at the nature of leadership in Leading with Soul.

Leading with Soul provides an excellent opportunity for reading groups to explore in greater depth the role and nature of leadership most appropriate to our culture, our churches, and our world.

Reading Group Discussion Guide for
Leading with Soul: An Uncommon Journey of Spirit
by Lee G. Bolman and Terrence E. Deal
(Jossey-Bass, 1995)

Lee G. Bolman and Terrence E. Deal's Leading with Soul provides church leaders an opportunity to explore the critical issues of the role and nature of leadership. In groups of six to eight, church leaders are encouraged to reflect on the following questions in light of Leading with Soul. Ideally, you will read and discuss the book over a four-week period, with two-hour group gatherings each week. Designated chapters should be read prior to each gathering, and the discussion questions should be distributed to group members. Facilitation of the group may rest with one individual, or it may move to different leaders each week.

It is also recommended that group gatherings begin with prayer, then a time of questions about the weekly readings. Next, individuals should share any insights they have. Any critical issues -- ideas that have greatest significance to the church or the lives of group members -- should be highlighted to ensure that they are adequately addressed.

Although there are not questions outlined for every chapter, the questions that are provided below should yield fruitful discussion and fill the gathering time.

Week One -- Introduction Through Chapter 4

Introduction

1. How do you understand the concept of "spirit"? Discuss all the ways that you can think of how the word "spirit" is used.
2. How do you understand the concept of "soul"? What are the differences between "spirit" and "soul"?

Chapter 1

1. Discuss your interpretation of the phrase, "The heart of leadership is in the hearts of the leaders." (p. 21)

Chapter 4

1. What are the key qualities of good leaders? What are the key qualities of good managers? How are they similar? How are they different?
2. What are the things we need to let go of in order to "remember our essence"? (pp. 32-33)
3. Name the teachers we sometimes miss, deny, or ignore. Why do these things happen the way they do? (pp. 34-35)

Week Two -- Chapters 5 Through 8

Chapter 5

1. What types of messages do you receive from your head?
2. What types of messages do you receive from your heart?
3. How are they different? How are they similar? Which messages are you more likely to hear? Why? (p. 47)

Chapter 6

1. What is the nature of "heartsong"? In what ways do you listen to your heartsong? In what ways do you listen to the heartsongs of others? (pp. 51-52)

Chapter 8

1. Why are the gifts of love, power, and authorship so important? (pp.68-69)
2. How are the gifts of love, power, and authorship related?

Week Three -- Chapters 9 Through 11

Chapter 9

1. How do you communicate the things that are most important to you?

1. How are listening and power related as key elements of effective leadership?
2. How do you honor the privileges of listening and power in your leadership?
3. How do you abuse the privilege of listening and power in your leadership? (pp. 91-93)

Chapter 11

1. Why is it essential for leaders to help others find significance? (pp. 94-95)
2. When pastors or laypeople refer to "my ministry," "my people," or "my church," what is the impact on significance for others?
3. Reflect on the concept of leadership as the giving of gifts. Discuss your insights with others. (pp. 102-113)

Week Four -- Chapters 12 Through 14

Chapter 12

1. What is the "magic" of story?
2. How can telling stories make you more effective as a church?
3. How does biblical story help you discover and understand your story as a people of God?

Chapter 13

1. As leaders, who are the important people you need to listen to?
2. What are the critical qualities of true listening?

Chapter 14

1. In what ways do leaders "Honor the past. Celebrate the present. Look to the future?" Why are all three important? What happens when we focus on one to the exclusion of the others?
2. How do icons, symbols, and rituals help define you and give you identity?
3. As church leaders, in what ways do you believe your work will endure forever? What legacy do you wish to leave for the future? Why? (p. 162)
4. How can you increase your "reflective capacity" as leaders? How do you learn from your experiences and share that learning with others? How can you improve this process? (p.168)

There are no right or wrong answers to any of these questions. Each community of leaders will benefit from the process of seeking, questioning, and learning together. The General Board of Discipleship staff would appreciate hearing from you about your group's experience. Please share your learnings, insights, and further questions by e-mail to Dan Dick (ddick@gbod.org).

Dan R. Dick is a former staff member of the General Board of Discipleship.

(originally posted August 30, 1999)

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