Transformational Leaders in UU Congregations

Qualities of Transformational Leaders:

Mission-driven—foundational to transformational leadership—what am I called to do and to be, given my role as a leader at this time and in this place? Includes discernment - begins with what needs to be done and what is right for this congregation now.

Casts Vision – does this ongoing, to celebrate the successes, to challenge the congregation to continue moving forward. Requires strong communication skills—and coaches for same with staff and lay leaders. Respects and understands the past, however does not allow tradition to hold back the congregation from living into the vision.

Practices Radical Hospitality - In all that one does, leads in love and is welcoming to all. Outreach is vital to the congregation.

Embraces Leadership as Faith-based Work – Recognizes that leadership work is modeling of how to be in community, to live out the tensions implicit in our Purposes and Principles.

Values Results More Than Activity - Recognizes that life in a congregation often creates more activity than is needed or healthy for the vision. Advocates for a strategic plan. Welcomes assessment of the leadership as mean of strengthening the vision and future of the congregation. Responsibility with authority is supported and accountability is expected. Excellence is the goal.

Risk-taker and Edge-Walker - Works with the polarity of safety and risk. Knows when to take the risks that may bring the congregation to the edge, but does not push over the edge. Knows that the fear of chaos is more about the fear of loss of control. Knows that Chaos can be good and that Change is messy. Changes takes time and happens whether we embrace it or resist it. To avoid risk and change is to orient toward maintenance rather than transformation.

Focuses on Opportunities Rather than Problems - Sees a glass as an opportunity to add more water, rather than a glass half full or half empty. Strengthens community as opportunities and new ministries are engaged.

Team Leader--Thinks and says "We" rather than "I". Works with staff and lay-leadership as a team, and models shared leadership in moving toward the vision. Empowers people, thus increasing the capacity to engage in ever expanding areas of ministry.

Understands the Culture of the Congregation. - Recognizes that the society and community within which one is a leader has a strong influence on the leadership role. Understands that to be truly transformational, the congregation needs to engage with the society.