Answer

James Arthur Baldwin’s Leadership Analysis

James Arthur Baldwin

Born 1924, James Arthur Baldwin was a renowned American writer and a novelist. His interest in race made him one of the crucial voices of change, especially during 1950 (Reed, 2019). His ability to articulate racial challenges and freedom for the black community through playwriting made him an influential leader not only in America but also in the whole of Western Europe. 

Baldwin was using both pacesetting and affiliative leadership styles. He practiced leadership at a time when racism took a deep root in the American society. African Americans needed an eloquent and charismatic leader to standout and set the pace for change (Smith, 2021). He used his writing talent to guide the community towards ensuring a better society for everyone, where skin color does not determine an individual’s destiny. Nonetheless, using affiliative leadership style, Baldwin got personal with white supremacists using his books, poems, and novels (Smith, 2021). He paid attention to the racial problem in the society and provided emotional needs for the people whose grievances he represented. James Baldwin was a caring and steadfast leader. He was a determined and selfless individual. Despite coming from a humble background, his dream to change the community was kept on course until he realized it.

I think that Baldwin was a very effective leader, his poems, books, and novels attracted attention across the races. Nonetheless, his voice for change was recognized beyond American borders such Western Europe. Furthermore, he successfully gave message of hope to the minority groups such as African, who were most affected by racism. I believe that his thoughts significantly inspired civil rights movement. However, despite advocating for peace and togetherness, he had radical presentations. For instance, in his play, Blues for Mister Charlie, a preacher walks to the alter holding both the gun and the bible and promises that one of them will be used.

References

Reed, G. (2019). James Baldwin: Novelist and Critic. Enslow Publishing, LLC.

Smith, P. T. (2021). Racism, Broadly Speaking, and the Work of Bioethics: Some Conceptual Matters.

36.QUESTION

 Here I Learn  

After reading the Here I Learn in Order to Lead document…
What connects with you about the Lutheran Learning Model?
How do you connect with the ideas in this document in general?
If you could characterize your spiritual or faith background in 2-4 sentences, what would it be?

ANSWER

Learning to Lead

The Lutheran Learning model is a model that is distinct from other models in various ways, especially in terms of broadening the learner’s thinking and way of doing things. The model lets the learners experience a wide range of courses that highly expand their leadership skills. Some of the fundamental elements that bring a personal connection with the model include critical thinking, courageous and compassionate leadership. Most importantly, the model helps individuals to understand the nexus between the body, soul and mind as well as how to incorporate the realism in life for successful leadership.  For instance, the Lutheran model equips the learners with comprehensive leadership skills through courses such as the “Life and Leadership” despite their major courses.

            Although some schools of thought would argue that it is good to do one thing but perfectly, I strongly resonate with the idea of doing several things with the aim to handle them in the best way while expanding one’s thinking and ability to handle different challenges. The main factor towards this resonance is the fact that the world is changing rapidly and thus individuals must be aware of the different life demands. For instance, individuals who wish away technology can hardly become good leaders because they will handle issues from a fixed and traditional mindset. Conversely, embracing technology would help people integrate different skills to address various demands in life. Expanded thinking through different courses as demonstrated in the Lutheran model enhances creativity and innovation necessary for growth and success in life.

            My spiritual background focuses on service to others while observing different moral obligations including ultimate discipline and respect for others. Christianity also encourages freedom in different domains but the subjects must demonstrate accountability in the end. In the parable of the Wheat and Tears, for instance, Jesus Christ taught that it would be significant to let the wheat and tears grow together but will be separated at the time of harvest (Mathew 13:24-30). Of great importance, leaders must be courageous and have no fear (Isaiah 41:10).