Another leadership style found in the bible is Strategic Leadership, which is demonstrated by the Patriarch Joseph. Elmer Townsdefines this leader as “the person who has a systematic approach to the future and a frame of reference for evaluating alternatives that has a tremendous advantage over the person who functions without either.” Joseph definitely fits this mold since he developed a very strategic plan to get the country through a time of famine.

Strengths
This type of leader has the gift of administration, which is seen in Genesis 41 when Joseph coordinates the storing up of food, because a famine was coming. Joseph not only used the Law of Problem-Solving, but also the Law of Accountability, according to Elmer Towns. He gave the people responsibilities in order that the problems that were, would no longer be, because the responsibilities fix the problem. Seeing that these leaders are also often of melancholy temperament, means that they are gifted, self-sacrificing, analytical, and perfectionists. They can solve the problems, and all throughout Genesis 37-50 Joseph shows that this is what he does.

Weaknesses
This type of leadership style also has many weaknesses. He / she can quickly come up with a plan. Another thing is it is often hard for these types of leaders to gain some sort of excitement for their idea from others. This may be because they don’t always gather enough or are unable to gather enough info to really create the best strategy, there strategy may be great but not the best it could be.

Opportunities
In the midst of these strengths and weakness there are many opportunities that lay ahead for this type of leader. Because these leaders plan they are able to save time and resources and they realize that the future is coming so now is the time for a plan. In Genesis 41 Joseph was aware of the coming threat, but was able to make opportunity out of it. When all the other lands ran out of food, Egypt was still in abundance, which also meant that the Egyptian Empire would continue to survive. This was made possible because they did not have to spend all the empires money on getting food from other countries, they were set.

Threats
Since this leader is really good at planning the temptation to be focused more on their plan than God’s plan will sometimes get in the way. Also, advice from others is rarely looked to since they are happy and content with the plan or strategy they have created. They have no need in outside help when the plan works. Joseph also had the threat of famine and demotion if his plan was not successful.

Godly Traits
It has been pointed out that this type of leadership style is very attractive and useful, but there are also some issues that would cause alarm. In all, this leader has qualities that a Godly leader would need. Just like generals who plan and execute the battle plans that win the war, we who are in a spiritual war are lead by these types of men and women, who are preparing us for war.

These are the leaders that can help a business or church get to the next level.  Are you this type of leader?

Josh and Sharon Graff
The Woodlands, TX