Stewardship

Rodin's three main distinctions from other theories.

First, these theories start with acts of leadership deemed to be effective and try to work back to find common traits and characteristics. Second, they rely on the basic goodness of human nature as the basis for the work of leadership. And third, they have a common view that the leader moves people toward the goal of personal happiness with the hope and belief that people - and leaders - can actually know what makes them happy and can pursue it without harming their neighbor.

Addington and Grace (2002)

Knowing the difference between being a caretaker and an owner.

Scott Rodin (2012) The steward leader Foundations

Leading in the image of the Triune God (Created, lost, restored). The freedom of the steward leader (One calling, recapturing the joy of being, freed to lead). The distinctiveness of the steward leader (differences of direction, philosophy).

Redman and Neal (1989)

Life principle and expression of Christian experience.

NPO vision & mission

Optimal desired future state, the North Star. Present state and task needed to accomplish the vision.

Wilson's Distinctive Characteristics of the Steward Leader

Personal virtues (trustworthy and faithful, submissive, giving and self-sacrificing, humble, full of integrity, wise, accountable and responsible, honest, transparent, loving, caring, hardworking, visionary, purposeful, passionate). General behaviors (maintains the identity of a steward, knows he or she does not own the resources, leverages and grows the resources, recognizes levels of stewardship, serves others, accomplishes the mission, is able to take risks, manages, material and immaterial resources). Spiritual characteristics (a strong relationship with God, a motivation for steward leadership, called to leadership, shepherd to the staff).

Rodin's relationship with God

Relationship with God (the gift of intimacy - the temptation of stagnancy, self-reliance, distance, shallowness - a thirst for intimacy by being united with the people they serve and cultivating a culture of freedom to glorify God.)

Relationship with others

Relationship with others (the gift of presence, interdependence, high expectations - the temptation of expediency, using others, using God - See our neighbors as God sees them, change of vision, accountability, building and value community as its own end.

Rodin's relationship with self

Relationship with self (the gift of confidence - in God's character, as image bearers, calling - the temptation of self-confidence, discontentment, distraction, vision - Daily affirmation of our self-image within the balance, develop whole people, harness the power of people by unfolding agility, obedience).

Rodin's steward leader vs. other theories.

Transformation (the key is whether the human condition is basically good or sinful). New Science (Fallen human condition and freedom). Servant leadership (basic goodness is called into question).

Brinkerhoff's characteristics of successful non-profits.

Viable mission, business-like board, strong staff, technically savvy, social entrepreneur, bias for marketing, financial empowerment, compelling vision, tight controls.

Clinton (1988) 6 stages of spiritual development

sovereign foundations, inner-life growth, ministry maturing, life maturing, afterglow.

Wilson's Foundational Lenses of Steward Leadership

(1)The Lens of Ownership (perspective on the rights and purposes of the owner of the resources). (2) The lens of motivation (focus on the internal intentions that drive the leader to seek, and even thrive, in this challenging triad between the owner (or stakeholders), steward and organization (or resources). (3) The lens of accountability (to who is the steward accountable and for what is the steward accountable).

Brinkerhoff

A mission-based steward is a person who consistently leads the organization in managing the resources of the community in a manner that maximizes its mission effectively.

Peel (2008)

A principle of ownership, responsibility, accountability, reward.

Wilson's Comparisons of Servant Leadership and Steward Leadership

All stewards are servants, but not all servants are stewards. (1) The role and objectives of the owner. (2) An attitude of non-ownership. (3) Resource management. (4) Accountability. (5) Core identity. (6) Role of authority. (7) Priority of service.

Characteristics of modern NPOs

Emphasis on non-financial outcomes. Focus on service. Different tax & legal consideration. Excluded from public or private ownership. Stakeholders vs. shareholders. Self-government (boards).

Board Governance

Fiduciary - Strategic - Generative

Spears (1998)

Stewards hold their positions on behalf of followers and hold their institutions in trust for the larger society.

Wilson's Stages in development of stewardship

Stewardship as accounting (oversight and managing resources), stewardship as sustainability (efficient operations, knowledge, duty of care, sustainability), stewardship as growth (delegated authority, growth of assets, uncertainty, goals or outcomes), and stewardship as optimization (effectiveness and economy, flexibility, and planning).

Kent Wilson Steward

Stewardship is a model that views the primary identity and role of the leader as one who is a steward managing the resources of another that are entrusted into his or her care.

Block (1993)

The choice to preside over the orderly distribution of power. This means giving the people at the bottom and the boundaries of the organization choice over how to serve a customer, a citizen.

Relationship with creation

The gift of nurture (time, talents, possessions, creation - The temptation of control, time, talents, possessions, burdens - marshal resources effectively, create organizational consistency and witness).