How to Lead When You Don't Know Where You're Going: Leading in a Liminal Season

How to Lead When You Dont Know Where You are Going is a practical book of hope for tired and weary leaders who are in danger of defining this era of ministry in terms of failure or loss. It helps leaders stand firm in a disoriented state, learning from their mistakes and leading despite the confusion. It blends sound organizational practices with a contemplative leadership stance and offers four types of work for organizations in a liminal season: clarifying institutional vocation, shaping institutional memory, deepening communal discernment, and nurturing emergence.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 184 pages
Publication date: 17 September 2019
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

How to Lead When You Dont Know Where You are Going is a practical and inspiring guide for weary and disoriented leaders who are at risk of defining this era of ministry in terms of failure or loss. This book does not aim to predict the future of the church but rather provides valuable insights and strategies to help leaders navigate through the confusion and uncertainty. It offers a blend of sound organizational practices and a contemplative leadership approach, emphasizing an attitude of wonder and openness to discovery.

The book begins by challenging the spiritual orientation of the leader, urging them to shift from a focus on outcomes and success to a deeper sense of purpose and meaning. It then delves into the soulfulness of the institution, exploring the values, beliefs, and practices that shape its identity and mission. Author Susan Beaumont introduces four types of work that are particularly relevant for organizations in a liminal season: clarifying institutional vocation, shaping institutional memory, deepening communal discernment, and nurturing emergence.

Clarifying institutional vocation involves identifying the core purpose and mission of the organization and ensuring that everyone within the organization is aligned with it. This involves questioning the assumptions and beliefs that have guided the organization in the past and exploring new ways of understanding and fulfilling its mission in the present and future.

Shaping institutional memory involves preserving and celebrating the history and legacy of the organization while also creating a sense of continuity and stability for the present and future. This involves documenting the organization's achievements, struggles, and lessons learned and engaging in activities that honor and reinforce its values and mission.

Deepening communal discernment involves fostering a deeper sense of spirituality and discernment within the organization. This involves creating spaces for dialogue, reflection, and prayer and encouraging individuals and groups to explore their beliefs and values and how they can contribute to the organization's mission.

Nurturing emergence involves creating an environment that encourages innovation, creativity, and experimentation. This involves providing opportunities for individuals and groups to explore new ideas and approaches and to take risks and experiment with new ways of doing things.

Throughout the book, Beaumont provides practical examples and anecdotes from her own experience as a leader and from the experiences of other leaders who have navigated through challenging times. She offers insights and strategies for overcoming obstacles and building resilience, and for leading with integrity and authenticity.

In conclusion, How to Lead When You Dont Know Where You are Going is a valuable resource for leaders who are seeking to navigate through the uncertainty and ambiguity of the contemporary church. It provides a practical and inspiring guide for leaders who are committed to building strong and healthy organizations that can thrive in the face of change and challenge. By embracing a contemplative leadership approach and focusing on the soulfulness of the institution, leaders can cultivate a sense of purpose and meaning that will guide them and their organizations through the liminal seasons of change and growth.

Weight: 288g
Dimension: 152 x 229 x 11 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781538127681