Self-Awareness// Alpha Leadership

Alpha Leadership Originated from L. David Mech, who studied the behaviour of wolves in the wild Noticed that in a pack, there was a dominant wolf, stronger than the others Coined the term “alpha male” We have adopted that terminology for all areas of life (alpha leadership, alpha couples, families, etc) The mentality is that the ‘alpha’ is more confident, in charge, is dominant, is stronger, will always win, etc Research begun in 1970, but in 1999, the publications were asked to be repealed by the same researcher (L. David Mech)

Alpha Leadership? Upon further research, L. David Mech discovered that there is no such thing as the alpha male or female Packs of wolves are made up of family units – parents and their offspring The male parent was the head of the pack, in the exact way that the bible tells the husband to be the head of the household (Eph 5:23) Depending on context, the father would submit to the mother and the offspring. Essentially, the father would lead by providing and protecting No such thing as alpha leadership. Alpha leadership implies attention grabbing, being dominant, being superior to others Real leadership is about protecting, caring, nurturing, and serving others

Self Awareness We need to know who God has created us to be Everyone has strengths and weaknesses We have a new spirit but our soul is still working things out. Our character still needs growth and adjustment We need to identify and confront our weaknesses. Weaknesses do not compromise our God given value. 1 Cor 12:8 – weaknesses are not bad

Weaknesses There are weaknesses that are related to sinful behaviour and weaknesses that are not considered sinful Sinful weaknesses must be addressed and changed (not through condemnation) Non-sinful weaknesses are things we need to be aware of and identify Identifying and addressing our weaknesses is a long-term process We can learn our weaknesses by asking a trusted friend the right questions Identifying a weakness can be painful, but it is good for us We must filter feedback

Addressing Weakness Sinful weakness must be addressed head on. We cannot allow it to continue in a cycle of sinful behaviour It can be addressed over time, through maturity If serious, it can be addressed with a counsellor A mentor or an accountability group can help 2 Cor 12:7 – a non-sinful weakness Paul was open and vulnerable about his weakness to give God more glory and credibility Not all weaknesses are in Paul’s category, where God expected him to continue with that weakness.

Addressing Weakness We should change weakness if it’s possible If we can improve, learn a skill, or discover something new to overcome the weakness, then we should put in the effort to do it. Resources are widely available to improve in areas of weakness. There can be reasons why we can’t improve (time, life stage, slow process, etc) Sometimes it is better to spend less time improving a weakness and more time improving a strength Choose roles that play to our strengths Nobody can do everything, so we all have areas of weakness. We can find others who have strengths in our weaknesses