What is the spirit of leadership? Part 2

Munroe heavily weights his theological position on Gen. 1:26, 28. He interprets God’s design for mankind to “rule” and “subdue” the earth as denoting leadership. Probably as a means of supporting this thesis, the author refers to God as “the Creator” the majority of the time. Since this book is boldly Christian in its worldview, I find it odd that Munroe does not explore the spiritual gift of leadership (cf. Rom. 12:8). Then again, to do so would probably undermine his thesis that every human is created to be a leader, rather than acknowledging leadership as a distinct spiritual gift – a gift not everyone would possess. Taken together, these are examples of a limited theological premise in Spirit of Leadership.

Unfortunately, Munroe also makes insufficient use of theological resources by merely stating the lexical root definitions of key Hebrew and Greek words (pp. 89, 109) without studying the word in its context or its morphology. This is worth mentioning because Munroe makes key points in support of his message here, yet claims it is “careful investigation of the Greek.” He also uses some eisegetical approaches (i.e., the interpretation of a text by reading into it one’s own ideas) in his exposition of John 14:1-2, especially the meaning of the term “mansions” (p. 109). Overall, the author is not really demonstrating scholarly theological competencies in this book.

The question remains then, has Munroe solved the problem? Has he provided the “missing ingredient” that many people lack in becoming the leader they were created to be? I would suggest that any encouragement in attitude development is a valuable resource. Spirit of Leadership is probably most valuable for emerging or reluctant leaders and those breaking free of fatalistic mind-sets. I hesitate to endorse Munroe’s over-generalized interpretation of Gen.1:26, 28 as indicating every human was created to be a leader, but I can support the critical importance of attitude development he so fervently posits.

Spirit of Leadership admirably addresses the importance of matching your gifts to your environment for ensuring leadership success. Its emphasis on the fruit of a proper attitude is certainly appropriate and offers well thought out counsel for improving attitude. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, Munroe’s perspective of viewing leadership as a gift you serve to others is good theology and an essential part of a healthy philosophy of leadership.