Joseph: Authentic Leadership Forged in the Crucible

Author(s): Melody SmithJournal: Journal of Biblical Perspectives in LeadershipIssue: 1Volume: 9Year: Fall 2019Authentic leadership, a relatively new leadership theory, helps fill the need for principled and trustworthy leaders. Issues of integrity, values, and care for others are emphasized, aligning well with biblical foundations for Christian leaders. Of special note is the role of major life events or crucibles, referring to some transformative experience or hardship which tests a person’s limits, but also provides the means of personal growth, empathy, self-knowledge, and deeper reliance upon God. Joseph exemplified authentic leadership in practice and through years of life-changing hardship. Through his own values, self-control, compassion, and sense of purpose, he earned the trust of high officials, and even more importantly, he was found trustworthy by God, who was consistently blessed his leadership.I. INTRODUCTIONOn December 5, 2018, Jon Meacham, Pulitzer Prize-winning biograp...