Scripture
Matthew 4:18-22, Luke 12:22-32, Mark 9:14-29, John 19-23
Shape: Shadow Square
Jesus' style of leadership is counter to the styles with which we are familiar, or that come naturally to us. Each stage of the square has familiar shadow leadership styles. The Dictator bullies her way into controlling others. Signs that you are a Dictator are getting irritated when things don't go your way, offended by other's leadership, or keeping knowledge to yourself. The Codependent leader has a need to be needed, wanting to "do for" instead of "do with" those they lead. The Manipulator uses sly ways to control people, they are passive-aggressive, and appear to empower others before stepping in to take control. This leader is typically anxious and stressed, and theirfollowerstendtoseektopleasetheManipulator. TheAbandonergivesawaytaskstheydon'twanttodothemselves,thenignores those they are leading instead of cheering others along as they grow into competency.
Story
The Shadow leadership styles are so familiar that most of us believe "that's the way leadership works". I have personally represented each shadow style and have believed I was leading well! How often have we described a Dictator as a "my way or the highway" kind of person? How often do we see family members enabling their children to "boomerang" back home because of the parents need to cling onto them as babies? Consider the executive management team that appears to delegate authority, but seizes it back while holding the team responsible for failed results? Recall the manager that dictates the tasks and then throws the employee into the "deep end" to sink or swim with no support. We've grown used to the dark...we think that's who we are.