The Velvet Covered Brick

Over the last 2 Saturdays, the LYL leaders had the privilege to be trained and equiped in Riverwalk by one of the best trainer in the Equiping Leaders for Asia Organisation. I call her "Chelsea''

''Chelsea'' asked us do an assessment on the type of leadership we are and also she had define the ideal leadership model of the us. Lets talk about the Ideal leadership first.

The Velvet Covered Brick

Good leaders posses both strength and sensitivity. They are both tough and tende. They are soft on the outside (relational) but firm as a brick on the inside ( principle-centred). Becasue they are emotionally secure, they are able to handle confrontation and conflicts in a healthy way.Two of the bible example of a velvet covered brick is Apostle Paul and Jesus Himself.

Apostle Paul

Apostle Paul had to confront the Corinthian Church for not handling immorality in one of her members. Notice in the first letter, (1Cor 5:1-13) he was a brick. He was dealing with the sin directly! However in the second letter (2 Cor 2:1-11) he was a velvet he became redemptive.

Jesus Christ

Jesus, Himself is a velvet-covered brick. Consider how he confronted the seven churches. (Rev2-3). The church iat Ephesus is the first case-study. Note how Jesus deals with them.

1) How Jesus forcused on the good in the people

2) Acknoeledged their loyalty and strong points

3) Communicated the problem clearly

4) Offered a Solution.

Before i get to the self assessment of the leadership style, i like to comment on 3 leaders in our Zone which i had known to have this kind of Velvet Covered Brick Leadership style. Incidentally, they are my bosses...

The Dynamic Duo!! They are one of the firmest leaders in the zone. Each have a few CGLs under them. If you dont know them well enough, you will think wow. Better not mess with them lest the bears appear out of nowhere. They are also often the most misunderstood ones. They are one of my best friends in the zone and outside the zone. Fun loving, jokes around, entertain the other leaders in the zone. I think all the N282, W382 present and previous members can testify to that.

Yilun, is also that kind of velvet cover brick leader. But she is often misunderstood in a different manner as teh previous two. Everyone has to 'bow down and worship' her Velvet charecter. She is the ''Think of everyone welfare'' awardwinner. She is SOOOOO sensitive to the needs of people around her. BUT (we are taught not to use this word), when comes to the disciplines of her life. She is second to no one! She makes sure things are done and the way she does it... woohoo you might want to 'bow down and worship' some more.

Self Assessment Leadership Style

Often Leaders are either too tough or too tender. Which are you? Corporate psychologists have labeled leadership responses to conflict with animal names. Find the one you most identify with:

1)

Sharks - I really like to get my own way; I win and you may lose but is better this way. LYL leaders-- Michelle, Jing, Cindy.

2)

Foxes - We have to compromise; everyone wins a little lose a little. LYL leaders -- Jonathan, Jessica, Chaiying, Cindy, James Zhuang.

3)

Turtles - I dont like conflicts and i tend to withdraw and not face it. LYL leaders -- Keewei, Clement, Elaine Wong.

4)

Teddy Bears - I will make peace however i can; i dont mind losing so you can win. LYL leaders -- Chaiying, Cassandra, Joyce.

5)

Owls - Lets work at this and find a way in which everyone can win. LYL leaders -- Jon, Jessica, Joyce, Sarah, Pris, Pearly.

Myself? I am more a Teddy Bear. Why? hmm i use elimination matter. (This is what i think only! pls dont be offended if you belong to the different leadership style.)  

Shark - If i am wrong, i am wrong. I admit it and accepts improvement. Some times is good that members correct me. I want smart members rather than ''woody'' members :)

Foxes - No compromise. If you are wrong means you are wrong.

Turtle - Conflicts and problem are meant to be solved not stay :)

Owls - In a given situation, more often than not, if everyone else wins, God loses. Because we compromise Godly principle.

Why I can relate to Teddy Bear?

I will make peace however i can; I dont mind losing if i am wrong. But if i am right, i will explain... if my explaination doesnt go in no matter what, then forget it. The person insist his way, no point to argue.  

It was indeed a very interesting session, knowing each other leadership style. There is really no perfect leader bah. Different individual loves different style of leadership. Just like the 5 different love languages. We give and we receive different way of loves this is liken to when we receive different way of leadership. In the end, to lead, really is to love.