Foundations of Leadership and Authority

Navigating Conferred and Borrowed Authority with Christian Values

??????????? Conferred and borrowed authority describe the source and nature of a leader's power and legitimacy.

??????????? Conferred Authority refers to the power and legitimacy a higher authority or higher power grants to a leader. In religious contexts, this is often seen as the authority given by God. It is intrinsic and not dependent on the consent of followers. It is also characterized by an inner conviction and moral or spiritual obligation to act. Nehemiah's story is an example of conferred authority because he felt a calling from God to lead the effort to rebuild Jerusalem's walls. His authority did not come from the people he led, nor from his position as cupbearer to the king, but from his conviction that God had chosen him for this task.

??????????? On the other hand, Borrowed Authority is the authority granted by followers or societal structures. It is extrinsic and relies on others' recognition and acceptance of the leader's position and power. This type of authority is often seen in organizational or institutional settings where a person is given a role with specific responsibilities and powers. In Nehemiah's case, while he did receive permission and resources from King Artaxerxes to begin his work, which could be seen as a form of borrowed authority, his initial and primary motivation and directive to act came from his sense of divine calling. The difference between the two lies in their source and how they are validated:

Conferred Authority: Validated internally by personal conviction or belief and externally by a higher power or divine will.

Borrowed Authority: Validated externally by other people or institutions granting power or legitimacy to the leader.

Problem Statement

??????????? Leadership dynamics are intricate and hinge on the delicate balance between conferred and borrowed authority. Leaders who rely exclusively on conferred authority, which is based on personal conviction or a believed divine mandate, risk alienating those they lead if they do not also seek their endorsement or validation. This could result in perceptions of autocracy or a detachment from the collective wisdom necessary for joint action.

??????????? Alternatively, leaders who depend entirely on borrowed authority and seek legitimacy solely from their followers or the organizational hierarchy might find themselves adrift, with their leadership susceptible to the caprices of public opinion or internal politics. This reliance can undermine the leader's foundational principles and strategic vision, which may be forsaken for expedience or approval.

??????????? Ate? et al. (2020) highlight the challenges leaders face when not in sync with the executive echelons: “Visionary leadership positively influences team strategic consensus and team strategic commitment only to the extent that the team manager is strategically aligned with the CEO.” This alignment is crucial; without it, even a visionary leader's influence is undercut, limiting their ability to forge consensus or commitment within their team.

??????????? Therefore, effective leadership necessitates a balance between personal conviction and collective buy-in. This balance enables leaders to maintain their strategic direction while mobilizing and inspiring their community or organization to embrace and support that vision. This equilibrium helps circumvent the risks associated with an approach that leans too heavily on either conferred or borrowed authority, notably when alignment with executive decision-makers is lacking.

A Biblical Illustration

??????????? In Nehemiah's[1] case, the authority to act upon the rebuilding of the walls was perceived as conferred by God, which was then externally validated by the support of the king and the people who followed him. His initial action was not based on the permission of others but on his conviction of God's calling. His story is an example of conferred authority rather than borrowed authority.

??????????? Nehemiah's story, characterized by the divine mandate he felt to reconstruct Jerusalem’s walls, exemplifies the essence of conferred authority—a call that originates not from human endorsement but a higher spiritual command. This intrinsic impetus, validated by the king's and the people's support, transcends the need for external permission, standing firmly as a testament to leadership by divine appointment.

??????????? Echoing this paradigm of leadership is Simon Sinek's Golden Circle model, which underscores the importance of starting with a compelling "Why" to inspire action—a principle vividly brought to life in Nehemiah's narrative. In both instances, the strength of a leader’s core purpose, the strategies they employ, and the results they achieve demonstrate how leadership, deeply rooted in faith and enacted with conviction, can lead to transformative outcomes.

??????????? The Golden Circle model, crafted by Simon Sinek, is a compelling blueprint for leaders seeking to infuse their faith into their organizational roles. At the heart of this model are three concentric circles: "Why," representing a leader's core purpose; "How," detailing how this purpose is actualized; and "What," the visible outcome of their efforts. This model finds profound resonance in the biblical account of Nehemiah, whose mission to rebuild Jerusalem's walls reflects the fusion of spiritual conviction and practical leadership, thereby grounding the foundations of leadership and authority in Christian values. In the realm of Christian leadership, this model takes on a profound significance:

Figure 1

“Start with Why,” Simon Sinek’s Golden Circle

Note: As cited by Chaffey (2022), Simon Sinek's Golden Circle elucidates the power of starting with the 'why'—a value proposition that has the potential to foster trust, cooperation, and change.

??????????? "Why" (Conferred Authority): This innermost circle symbolizes a leader's divine calling—a purpose bestowed by God, driving them to serve and contribute beyond personal ambition. The sacred spark ignites a leader’s journey, often aligning with Christian service and community upliftment doctrines. Nehemiah felt a divine calling to restore the walls of Jerusalem. He was serving as the cupbearer to the king in Persia when he heard about the desolate condition of Jerusalem. His "Why" was his deep concern for his people and the city of his ancestors, which he believed was a purpose bestowed upon him by God. This purpose exceeded his personal ambition and served a greater communal and spiritual need. Nehemiah’s realization of his calling and his grief over the state of Jerusalem which set his mission in motion:

• Nehemiah 1:3-4 – Nehemiah hears about the condition of Jerusalem and mourns.
• Nehemiah 2:4-5 – Nehemiah prays to God before speaking to the king about his desire to go to Jerusalem and rebuild the walls.

But how do I know that something is a divine calling?

??????????? As illustrated by Nehemiah's experience, discerning a divine calling often involves a combination of personal conviction, alignment with one's faith and values, and a sense of purpose beyond self-interest. Here are some considerations that can help determine if something is a divine calling:

Personal Conviction: A strong, persistent sense of being drawn towards a particular cause or mission, often accompanied by a passion or burden for a specific issue or group of people.

Alignment with Faith and Values: The calling aligns with the tenets and teachings of one's faith. For Christians, this would mean reflecting the nature and character of God and the teachings of Jesus, such as serving others, promoting justice, and showing love and compassion.

Prayer and Reflection: Engaging in prayer, meditation, and reflection to seek guidance and confirmation from God. In Nehemiah's case, this involved praying before taking action.

Seeking Wise Counsel: Consulting with trusted faith leaders, mentors, or a community of believers to gain insight and confirmation.

Confirmation through Circumstances: Observing doors opening or resources becoming available that enable one to pursue the calling, which may be seen as a providential arrangement.

Serving Others: A genuine desire to serve and uplift others, especially in ways that may require personal sacrifice or go against self-serving interests.

Inner Peace and Assurance: Feeling a sense of peace and inner assurance about pursuing the calling despite challenges or opposition.

Positive Impact: Ideally, the calling should lead to outcomes that benefit others and contribute positively to the community or society.

??????????? In the story of Nehemiah, his deep concern for Jerusalem and its people, his prayerful approach to decision-making, and his eventual success in rebuilding the walls despite significant challenges all point to his sense of divine calling. Reflecting on these aspects in their personal context can provide clarity and direction for someone seeking to understand their divine calling.

??????????? "How" (Borrowed Authority): The middle circle encapsulates the leader's chosen path to fulfill their "Why." Drawing authority from the trust placed in them by others and from Christian ethical practices, leaders navigate their role with a compass of integrity, stewardship, and servant leadership—principles derived from biblical virtues. Nehemiah's path to fulfilling this calling involved gaining the trust and permission of the Persian King Artaxerxes, which he did through prayer and careful planning. The king granted him authority to go to Jerusalem and resources for the project. Upon arrival, he organized the people and faced opposition with wisdom and integrity. The trust he garnered from his fellow Israelites and the king’s endorsement were the "Borrowed Authority" he needed to begin his work. Nehemiah’s approach to gaining support from the Persian king and his strategy for rebuilding the walls is covered in these passages.

• Nehemiah 2:7-9 – Nehemiah asks the king for letters to ensure safe passage and resource access.
• Nehemiah 2:17-18 – Nehemiah convinces the Jews in Jerusalem to rebuild the walls.

??????????? "What" (Manifestation of Authority): The outermost circle reflects the tangible impacts of leadership—services or products that embody a leader's faith in action. In an ideal scenario, these outcomes advance organizational goals and resonate with the broader principles of Christian ethics, benefiting society. The tangible outcome of Nehemiah's leadership was the rebuilt walls of Jerusalem, which he accomplished despite significant opposition. The successful completion of the walls was a manifestation of his faith in action and had significant implications for the security and morale of the Jewish community. It also fulfilled God’s purpose for the people, aligning with the broader principles of Jewish and Christian ethics and resulting in a profound benefit to society at the time. The actual rebuilding of the walls and the completion of the task are described here:

• Nehemiah 4:6 – The wall is built to half its height through the people's hard work.
• Nehemiah 6:15-16 – The wall is completed, and Nehemiah’s enemies lose their confidence as they realize the work was done with the help of God.

??????????? Nehemiah exemplifies leadership fused with faith, ethical action, and outcomes that benefit the community. His narrative demonstrates how the Golden Circle framework can embody a spiritually aligned leadership style, merging conviction with practice for authentic, impactful results.

What if Nehemiah was not in alignment with the King (or vice versa)?

??????????? When subordinate leaders find themselves out of alignment with executive leadership, as articulated in the work by Ate? et al. (2020), they face a complex challenge. While pivotal for team cohesion and strategic commitment, visionary leadership can be significantly hampered without a shared understanding and agreement with the organization's strategic direction, typically set by the CEO or executive team. Here are several strategies a subordinate leader might employ in this situation:

Seek Understanding: Endeavor to understand the rationale behind the executive decisions and strategies. This understanding may not necessarily lead to agreement but can foster more effective communication and translation of those strategies to the team.

Engage in Dialogue: Open lines of communication with executive leaders to discuss and seek clarity on strategic decisions. This can also be an opportunity to voice concerns and offer constructive feedback, potentially influencing the strategic direction.

Build Bridges: Develop relationships with other leaders within the organization who can advocate for or support the subordinate leader's perspective. Networking can also provide alternative insights and strategies for alignment.

Negotiate Alignment: Attempt to find common ground where the subordinate leader's vision and the CEO's strategy overlap and negotiate ways to integrate their team's efforts with the broader organizational goals.

Influence Upwards: Use evidence-based arguments to influence the executive team's strategy. Subordinate leaders who can demonstrate the efficacy of their vision through data and results may be able to sway strategic alignment in their favor.

Adapt and Innovate: If direct alignment isn't possible, find innovative ways to adapt the team's approach to fit within the strategic framework laid out by the executives, ensuring that the team's work still contributes to the organization's objectives.

Transparent Communication: Keep the team informed about the strategic discussions and the reasons behind the alignment challenges. Transparency can prevent misinformation and maintain team morale.

Personal Integrity: Maintain a commitment to personal and organizational values. Leaders should maintain their integrity and find ways to lead authentically within constraints.

Prepare for Contingencies: Develop contingency plans if the lack of alignment leads to untenable working conditions or strategies that fundamentally conflict with the leader's values or the team's capabilities.

??????????? Drawing on the biblical figure of Nehemiah as an analogy, if Nehemiah were an outcast[2] and not aligned with the king's edict, he would need to employ similar strategies. He might have needed to find innovative ways to pursue his vision that respect the established hierarchy while also leveraging his strengths and the support of his followers. As a leader, he would be tasked with maintaining the delicate balance between respecting the existing power structures and pursuing what he believes to be a divinely mandated mission. This requires wisdom, diplomacy, and a reevaluation of tactics to ensure that his leadership remains effective and that his vision, while possibly adjusted, continues to move forward.

An analysis of Conferred versus Borrowed Authority in this situation:

Borrowed Authority in Nehemiah's story is represented by the approval and resources provided by King Artaxerxes. This type of authority was external, coming from the king's trust in Nehemiah and the subsequent support from the people of Jerusalem, who joined him in the rebuilding effort. Nehemiah's role and the power to lead the project were recognized and sanctioned by these societal figures, which indicates borrowed authority.

??????????? The transition between the two forms of authority in Nehemiah's journey is a profound example of how a leader can start with a personal, divinely-inspired "Why" and translate it into collective action through "How," leading to the "What" — the successful rebuilding of the city walls. This narrative shows the synergy between conferred and borrowed authority, where a leader’s internal call to action is embraced and supported by others, facilitating the realization of a vision that serves the greater good.

??????????? In the account of Nehemiah, conferred authority is depicted in his perceived divine mandate to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. This authority was intrinsic, stemming from his personal conviction and belief that God called him to this significant task. It wasn't derived from his social standing or the consent of his peers; instead, it was an internal commission that he felt compelled to obey.

??????????? These statements are not logically differing; instead, they are complementary and describe different aspects of Nehemiah’s leadership and the nature of his authority:

Conferred Authority: Nehemiah felt this initial internal authority from his conviction of God's calling to rebuild Jerusalem's walls. It is a personal, spiritual mandate independent of external validation.

Transition to Borrowed Authority: While Nehemiah's authority began as conferred, it transitioned into borrowed authority when he received the king's permission and support and, later, when the people of Jerusalem followed his leadership. This represents the external validation and endorsement of his initial divine calling.

??????????? In Nehemiah's leadership, we observe a clear progression from his internal, divinely inspired conviction ("Why") to its manifestation through collective action ("What"), facilitated by the support of the king and the people ("How"). This exemplifies the transformation of a personal, God-given calling into a shared mission. Nehemiah’s story illustrates the effective melding of conferred authority—rooted in spiritual calling—with borrowed authority—gained through communal support—to achieve a unifying goal.

For Discussion:

• How can leaders today effectively integrate the principles of conferred and borrowed authority to build a vision that resonates both personally and within their organizations or communities?
• How can a modern leader distinguish between a true divine calling and personal ambition when claiming conferred authority and ensuring their actions maintain integrity without overstepping into autocracy?
• How can an organization identify and foster individuals who, despite not being in the limelight, possess unique insights or a deep sense of purpose, enabling them to rise to leadership roles and secure the trust and endorsement needed for effective authority?

References

Ate?, N. Y., Tarakci, M., Porck, J. P., van Knippenberg, D., & Groenen, P. J. F. (2020). The Dark Side of Visionary Leadership in Strategy Implementation: Strategic Alignment, Strategic Consensus, and Commitment. Journal of Management, 46(5), 637–665. https://doi.org/10.1177/0149206318811567

Chaffey, D. (2022, October 25).?Golden Circle model: Sinek’s theory value proposition: start with why. Smart Insights.?https://www.smartinsights.com/digital-marketing-strategy/online-value-proposition/start-with-why-creating-a-value-proposition-with-the-golden-circle-model/

[1] Nehemiah is a central figure in the Hebrew Bible, known for rebuilding Jerusalem's walls during the Persian period after the return from Babylonian exile. His story is primarily contained in the Book of Nehemiah, part of the Old Testament's historical books.

Nehemiah was originally a cupbearer to the Persian king Artaxerxes I, a position of significant trust and intimacy with the king. When he heard about the desolation of Jerusalem and the broken state of its walls, he was moved with deep concern for his ancestral city and its people. After praying to God, he sought and obtained the king's permission to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the city's fortifications. This task was crucial for the security and dignity of the inhabitants.

Nehemiah encountered various challenges upon his arrival in Jerusalem, including opposition from local adversaries. Nevertheless, he mobilized the Jewish community to rebuild the walls, quickly completing the task. Nehemiah also enacted reforms to address economic and social injustices among the people.

Nehemiah's leadership is often cited as an example of dedication, strategic planning, effective management, piety, and concern for justice. He is notable for his prayerful approach to leadership challenges, often seeking divine guidance before acting.

[2] Nehemiah was not an outcast with the king in the Bible. Nehemiah served as the cupbearer to King Artaxerxes I of Persia, a position of trust and honor in the royal court. As the cupbearer, Nehemiah had regular access to the king and was responsible for tasting the king's wine to ensure it was not poisoned. This role allowed him to be near the king and to have his favor.

Sean O'Brien is a 2nd-year resident in the Doctor of Strategic Leadership program at Oral Roberts University. Program information can be found here.

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