A LEADERSHIP MODEL

Charlie Baker Governor of Massachusetts was named the new NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) commissioner in December of 2022.
Baker said he believes this a good fit for his experience, having spent much of his career working in “distributed decision-making models” of leadership.

This rang a bell for me because it is also the model I believe works best for leadership. I learned this many years ago from 1 Chronicles 12 with David and his Mighty Men. I call it ‘Consultive Decision Making’ or ‘Consultive Leadership’ meaning that all leaders are consulted before final major decisions are made. David had thirty ‘mighty men’ and then subsets of leaders, some leading thousands and some leading clans. Many others are consulted but David is King, the leader and has headship. Anything with two heads is a freak.

In 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles it is reported that all those in David’s Army numbered 1,100,000 ‘who drew the sword.’ It takes a lot of ‘distributed decision making’ capability to lead an army that size. After these numbers are given we read, “Then David consulted with the captains of the thousands and the hundreds, even with every leader.” (1 Chronicles 13:1) We see the same model used in Acts of the Apostles 15 at the Counsel of Jerusalem with James as the head with many other leaders in making a consultive decision. ’ (Note: David is rebuked by the Lord for this head-count instead of trusting the Lord for protection and strength: 2 Samuel 24… but that’s another story)

This is a wise and safe way to govern and make decisions. Seasoned men and women giving counsel with someone in headship is the best model.

“But the Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will help you remember everything that I have told you.”
Jesus (Amplified Bible)