Leadership has been explored extensively by many scholars
worldwide, especially in publications by scholars such as Robert
Greanleaf, Gene Wilkes and many others. Most of these books on
leadership are written from a Western epistemological perspective
and are applied to a Western context. These books on leadership
indeed make a valuable contribution to the study of leadership but
are, in some sense, only relevant to the context being addressed.
There is a growing need for leadership to be applied to an African
context. The importance and valuable contribution this book makes
is that leadership, typified as servant leadership, is applied in an
African context.
In his book, Kgatle distinguishes between two styles of leadership:
the decision-making model (autocratic, democratic, consultative
and team directed) and path-goal model (directive, supportive,
participative and achievement-oriented). Kgatle singles out servant
leadership as a different style of leadership that neither follows the
decision-making model nor the path-goal model. Servant
Leadership, he argues, is centred on service.
Kgatle discusses leadership misconceptions that he derives from
Mark 10:35-37, namely kinship, self-interest, position, competition,
and lordship and authority and also organisational misconceptions
such as management, education, age, long service and infallibility.
Servant leadership principles such as follower, suffering, divine
appointment, service, humility, listening, vision, growth, stewardship and building a team are also discussed. These
principles are epitomised by the Markan Jesus.
This book makes New Testament research and scholarship relevant
to Africans and, concomitantly, enhances the theory and practice of
indigenous Christian theology. Aspiring leaders across the globe,
and those interested in leadership, will experience this book as a
worthwhile read.
Prof Ernest Van Eck, Department of New Testament Studies, University of Pretoria, South Africa.
