Diversity is “the variety of observable and unobservable similarities and differences among people” (Phillips & Gully, 2012, p. 40). Diversity can be related to race, gender, and age and an individual can have many characteristics to reflect that diversity. This leadership article speaks of a Latin CEO who for many years did not use his ethnicity as a strength because he was afraid about being labeled. After getting over his fear, he was able to understand to bring his whole self to work and to use his unique talents in the workplace. As Christian leaders, we need to overcome the fear of retaliation of the world in the workplace and be a beacon of light to the world. God has given us many talents and abilities that we can use to glorify Him daily and through these we can master the worldly principle of business. If we seek God’s will daily and give it all to Him, we should be able to be ethical, moral, diverse, effective, confident, and competitive. Hickman states that “leaders can influence the culture of an organization in a variety of ways, one approach involves direct actions by the leader” (Hickman, 2012, p. 327). Being a transformational leader in a worldly environment can be one way. Transformational leaders mobilize and energize followers, are driven, appeal to larger audiences, guided by universal ethical principles, and are altruistic (Johnson, 2012). Throughout this course we have learned to be diverse, ethical, and influential leaders for Christ. We are only temporarily inhabiting this world, but we have been put here for a purpose. God has brought each and everyone of us here from many diverse backgrounds for the sole purpose of us glorifying Him through leadership/followership. Strip away your fears and strengthen yourself boldly proclaiming Christ in your daily life.
Hickman, G.R. (2010). Leading organizations. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage
Johnson, C.E. (2012). Meeting the ethical challenges of leadership. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage
Phillips, J.M. & Gully, S.M. (2012). Organizational behavior. Mason, OH: Centrage