Don't Follow Me

By Dr. Lawanda Rutledge-Gordon

Leadership is one of the most diverse topics discussed in the corporate arena as well as ministry. We often describe the church as a business. If this is true, we really need to redefine the roots of our existence. As a body, what do we really believe? What makes a good leader? What do we need to do to nurture this in corporate America as well as the church?

The meaning of leadership is broad but narrow enough to provide specific qualities. This book will explore the beliefs of several prominent leadership theories while providing meaning and understanding of various leadership styles. One of the major objectives of this book is to identify what makes a good leader. In the pages that follow, I will highlight my four principles of leadership within the church and corporate environment: the idea that leaders are examples; leaders are disciplined; leaders are servants; and leaders are honest and have integrity.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Oct 30, 2010
• ISBN: 9781452064291

Dr. Lawanda Rutledge-Gordon

Dr. Lawanda S. Rutledge-Gordon is recognized as the leading expert of “motivating change” in the mind, body, and soul. Dr. Rutledge-Gordon obtained her PhD from Walden University, where she studied Leadership and Organizational Change, a MBA in healthcare from Baker University, and a BS degree from Tennessee State University. After years of working in the field of dietetic as a Registered Dietitian, she decided to blend her healthcare experience with the business world. As a consultant of a major pharmaceutical company, Dr. Rutledge-Gordon travels the world motivating change within the corporate and not for profit setting. During her leisure time, Dr. Rutledge-Gordon can be found motivating change within the community with her husband, Bishop Simon Gordon. Dr. Rutledge-Gordon is the author of “Motivation and the Professional African American Women”. She also served on the board of South Star, an organization specializing in helping the developmental disabled, as well as the Meals on Wheels foundation. Dr. Rutledge-Gordon has conducted seminars throughout the United States on Nutrition/Healthy Living/Healthy Lifestyles, Motivation, Leadership, Diversity, and Organizational Change. International travel is a hobby for Dr. Rutledge-Gordon. She has toured Japan, Egypt, Israel, Spain, Curacao, Mexico, Dominican Republic, and the Bahamas. Dr. Rutledge-Gordon’s motto is “Exceed Expectations”.

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© 2010 Dr. Lawanda Rutledge-Gordon. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

First published by AuthorHouse 10/5/2010

ISBN: 978-1-4520-6427-7 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4520-6429-1 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2010914900

Printed in the United States of America

This book is printed on acid-free paper.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any Web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

This book is dedicated to Example of Believers, the youth and young adults at Triedstone Full Gospel Baptist Church. Thank you for showing me how important my lifestyle is to your future. May God fill your life with believers who display God’s will on a daily basis.

Acknowledgments

I bless God for not allowing my struggles to consume me. I am grateful to my family who continues to love me beyond myself. To my parents, First Lady Jurdine Weathersby and Pastor Lamont Rutledge, I love you more than life. To my siblings Cortez, Cornell, Eugene, Pamela, LaShon, Charlotte, Tenasha, Teresa, Andre and Denise, know that I am thankful to you for your support. To my babies, Silent Night, Road Runner, Mr. Chubs, Mr. Miles and CeCe, I love you dearly. To my favorite cousin Trice… thank you for listening. To my spiritual parents, Pastor Mattie Matthews, Pastor Lathon and Bishop Brown, thank you for your prayers. Finally, to my friends, Pastor Flo, Elder Sandra, Dr. Paris, Elder Tina, CoPastor Monique, First Lady Chavonda, Fist Lady Leslie, CoPastor Nina, Pastor Jacque, JaNell and Aisha who love me dearly…thank you.

Contents

Wanda’s Principles

1 - Introduction

2 - Leadership

4- Situational Leadership

5 - Positional Leadership

6 - Servant Leader

7 - Transforming Leadership

8 - Trait Leadership

9 - Behavior Leadership

10 - Conclusion

Bibliography

Wanda’s Principles

As I sit here after a Sunday worship experience, I am convinced that most people desire some form of leader within their lives, even if the leader they have chosen is corrupt. Many people have a fear of leading and only want to follow. Leadership requires such a strong sense of responsibility that only those who are consistently open to change are able to successfully lead without character flaws. Leading by example is the theory that we can only successfully lead in areas where we are committed to be examples. This is not an easy task and I believe that the average person is in search of some form of leader in their life. It is the nature of a human to desire to follow and not necessarily to lead.

Manipulators take advantage of people’s desire to be led and lead only to obtain self-gain and self-wealth. When I talk about the church