Monday, December 1st, 2008
The Crutches of Asian Leadership
Within every race therein lies cultural differences that sets us apart. That being said, leadership will always face challenges. Some more distinct to specific cultural tendancies than others. And what sets apart the great leaders from good leaders, are those able to recognize their own crutches and overcome them in powerful ways.
This post specifically pertains to how North American Asians can lead their own lives in a victorioius fashion. Especially when leading a life of following Jesus Christ. Of course, I’m assuming you’re Asian if you’re going to read onwards.
Crutch #1: Family Piety
Family values are built into our genetics. I’m kidding, but it is a large part of our upbringing, and thus our lives constantly revolve around family. It is perhaps one of the more major defining points of our culture (apart from the food). It is not of the Asian culture – for a parent to wish their child to move out as soon as possible; but in the Western cultures such thinking is not uncommon. Infact, independance is more stressed in other cultures. But for us, dependancy on family ties usually last a life time.
Predominantly describing second-generation north american asians, we feel the need to honor the sacrifices that have been made for us. Parents often stress the need to be successful, stable, and well off. To be more than just immigrants. Family drives our career. Family drives our decisions. For the most part, family is larger than God.
You can attribute the high number of emerging doctors and engineers to this phenomenon. And although, it may not seem to be a crutch – it’s usually a barrier to making big decisions. Everything must recieve the ‘blessings’ from the family, or something similar before we feel at ease to carry on.
But being a leader, in anything, means you make your own decisions. Remember that.
And in a faith setting, it’s easier for us to be told not to do bigger things for God, than go against the wishes of our parents. It’s counter intuitive to even think of leaving the country for missions, when so much of their efforts have been to get you in. It’s often frowned on to sacrifice more for God. And I’m sure, somewhere in your life you can pinpoint when this crutch has surfaced. But be aware, and start to make your own decisions, instead of just following the decisions of your parents. I’m not saying to ignore family, but be objective. And dont let that stop you from making big decisions for God.
Crutch #2: Education
Statistically speaking, we represent a large demographic of extremely bright minds. In North America, people from asian decent contribute to the largest populace (in NA) to enter a college/university setting post high school graduation. The bottom line is – we are attracted to knowledge. This effect might have been caused from Crutch #1, but I believe we do have a natural affinity to education. And when we are given the chance to thrive in an educational setting, we tend to ignore everything else.
Perhaps it’s easier to demonstrate what I mean. We would rather study the effects of a decision, instead of making one. We need to research a product until we know we’re getting the best bang for our buck. (Or perhaps this is just linked to our frugal characteristics, laughs) We enjoy make detailed plans when moving forward, instead of stepping out into the unknown. We thrive under structure, and a set of rules. We are the go to person for deadlines and exam dates. We hate to leave a subject with a bunch of question marks. And the mentality is usually Master/PHD or bust. (Of course, I’m joking)
But when it comes to leading a life with God. This crutch usually manifests itself subtly in two ways -
1. We’ll ignore all other extra-curricular life activities until we’re #1 in our studies. And often it becomes a popular choice for an idol.
2. We’ll be crippled in moving forwards, because we can never really know everything there is about God.
Crutch #3: Face
And last but not least, ’saving face.’ If you’ve ever observed a heated battle over paying the dinner bill, you’ll know that this is built into the core of our existance. Asians, hate to lose face. We innately build up a barracade around ourselves and show no weakness. However, good leadership isn’t about being untouchable, but rather available and influencial.
It’s hard to grow in any leadership position, if there is no accountability. And if there is no failure, there is no growth.
Same thing goes when leading a Christian life. If we never open up our lives and admit to God (and others) our imperfections, there will be no growth. Jesus doesn’t work with those who are proud and strong. But rather tha weak and humble. Those that acknowledge the need for the power of Christ to work within them.
Most people have an issue with verbalizing their own problems, but our race in particular should know by now, that this is something we must actively tackle. Don’t let the fear of shame ruin the chance for something more with God.
Note: These are generalizations, that I believe to be fairly consistent with the mainstream asian culture. They however, do not apply to everyone.
on Wednesday, December 3rd, 2008 at 3:40 am:
Did you know that according to the Barna Research Group (in the US):
- In 2007, only 26% of Asians strongly agree that “personally have a responsibility to tell other people about their religious beliefs” aka evangelism. (Blacks = 49%, Whites = 34%, Hispanic = 32%)
- In 2006, Blacks (94%) are more likely than whites (83%), Hispanics (81%) or Asians (58%) to pray in a given week.
- In 2006, Blacks (66%) are the ethnic group most likely to have read the Bible in the past week, followed by whites (45%), Hispanics (41%) and Asians (20%).
Hmmmm… I wonder…
on Sunday, December 7th, 2008 at 11:58 am:
Yes, Asian Christians may be sinfully going to these “high places” for comfort and support apart from God. And repentance is needed. But they too, along with all other nations and peoples, will be represented in that glorious assembly in heaven.
on Sunday, December 7th, 2008 at 8:21 pm:
Just so I’m not being misrepresented here, I’m not discriminating, but rather pointing out some of the things to keep us aware. I think one of the most powerful things we must learn how to do, especially in our generation, is work between cultures in order to further God’s kingdom. Asian leaders hold a key piece in changing the world.