Leadership is in crisis. At least, that's what 82% of young adults believe. This sobering statistic sits at the heart of a profound conversation between Daniel and Shannon about the global leadership crisis and its spiritual remedy. The truth today is that leadership is failing us. Across industries, communities, and even within faith-based organizations, we see a growing gap between effective leadership and the demands of the people being led. In this episode, we take a deep dive into some startling statistics that highlight the extent of this issue and explore the root causes behind the leadership deficit.
But there is hope. One of the most powerful and transformative models of leadership comes from Jesus Christ. Together, Daniel and Shannon discuss how embracing Christ-like leadership can offer a solution to this crisis. They break down what it means to lead with humility, service, and unwavering faith and how we can apply these principles in our personal lives, workplaces, and communities.
Drawing from Barna's research and insights from leadership experts, they unpack why trust in leaders has plummeted to historic lows. So, what are some of the culprits? Depersonalized leadership, broken relational connections, and a megaphone culture where everyone speaks, but few truly listen. Perhaps most telling is the revelation that 26% of young people believe "no one wants to be a follower anymore"—a sentiment that reveals our profound misunderstanding of leadership itself.
We’ll unpack practical steps to becoming a leader who not only inspires but also uplifts and empowers others. Whether you’re in a leadership role, aspiring to be a leader, or simply seeking to influence those around you positively, this episode will provide valuable insights on how to follow Christ’s example in leadership.
Ready to rethink what makes leadership truly effective? This episode might transform how you lead or, better yet —how you follow.
Resources:
- Barna Research Article (2019) – A research article from Barna Group discussing leadership and its challenges. https://www.barna.com/research/leadership-crisis/
- Book: "The Shepherd Leader" – A book about church leadership and leadership structures within churches. https://bit.ly/3Fgd9SN
- Article by Tim Tucker: "We Need New Leaders: Responding to the Cry of the 21st Century" – Discussing leadership development and the importance of leaders being followers first. https://bit.ly/43wY8WP
- Study on Peak Child (Year 2000) – A study discussing global demographic changes and leadership implications.
Join a community of leaders who are ready to change history and make an impact in this world. When you take part in ILI training, you will discover how ILI's Eight Core Values will help you transform your leadership. Discover more at ILITeam.org/discover.