6 Signs Of Leading Like A Boss

Every once in a while you encounter Christian organizations that are run more like an organized crime family than a church family, denomination, mission agency or non-profit. 

It is their leadership style that gives them away. Here are six clear signs of abuse of power and manipulation, that if you see them, you should run and not look back.

Decisions are Unilateral and Whimsical



Examine who are the real decision makers. How many of them are there? Does it ever seem confusing how they make decisions? Can you articulate their criteria? Can they? What hoops must you jump through in order to make a significant decision? When was the last time you were allowed to make one? If decisions are unilateral and whimsical you are likely dealing with a mafia boss style leader.


Favors are Granted for Ingratiation



Follow the money. Money tells all, or very close to it. Who has the authority to dispense funds indiscriminately? Who can’t, and why? Money talks and money makes people look good, even better when they give it away. What is expected of the recipients—immediate praise of course, but what about in the long term? Is such generosity a virtue or a vice? If favors are granted to ingratiate others you are likely dealing with a mafia boss style leader.

Enforcers are Visible and Invisible



Most likely they do not wear suits, sport shades and carry uzis under their jackets. But, notice who is almost always in the room, whether silently at the table or leading the meeting. Do people ever show up unexpectedly, filled with questions about your decisions, actions, spending, travel, relationships or goals? Can members or employees ask questions about abrupt ministry changes, or are they too afraid to ask? If enforcers are present and in your business you are likely dealing with a mafia boss style leader.


Loyalty is Touted as the Highest Virtue



Loyalty is obviously a virtue. But, how often do your superiors talk about loyalty? If it is a whole lot, there might be something wrong. It could be a mild form of megalomania, or it is waiting to become full-blown. Is your loyalty ever questioned, or rather paraded as an example? What about others in the organization? If loyalty is the conversation of the day, almost every day, you are likely dealing with a mafia boss style leader.


Excess is Enjoyed, Gifted and Withheld



Follow the money, yes. But, following the spending is even a better indicator of self-absorption and idiocy. How much is spent on dining, liquor, hotels, entertainment, airline upgrades, clothing et cetera? More importantly, observe who they share it with and who they don’t, and why, and when. Stay alert and make solid conclusions. Do not accept excuses. If the luxuries and pleasures flow freely you are likely dealing with a mafia boss style leader.


Notification is Given about Who is Trustworthy



Have you received that email telling you someone is a bad guy and you should stop communicating with him? Or, you have been told you can trust so and so without question. Why are you letting someone else make these decisions of character assessment for you without your own investigation? Have you ever considered that this might be manipulation, especially after a few rounds of names? If you are regularly notified about good guys and bad guys you are likely dealing with a mafia boss style leader.

Realize that mafia style Christians in leadership will cover up the above with spiritual language. The decisions will be billed as Spirit-led, favors will be promoted as blessings, alignment will be described as what moves us forward, loyalty will be described as teamwork, travel perks will be deemed necessary for major advancements and finally the purity of the mission must depend on identifying the trustworthy. 

In many places in the world, violence and intimidation will be used along with these six means of coercion. Pay attention to the unhealthy nonsense. If these ungodly signs are present, even just a few of them, get out fast!