By E. Kingsley LARBI (Rev. Prof.)
In today’s fast-paced and competitive business environment, the focus on leadership often revolves around management skills, strategic vision, and innovation. However, the spiritual dimension of leadership, as reflected in Rev. Prof. E.K. Larbi’s journey in Chapter 13 of Born to Win, offers a profound perspective on leadership that transcends the confines of conventional business models.
This chapter sheds light on building spiritual capacity, personal development, and community-driven leadership elements that are increasingly relevant for contemporary business leaders who seek to foster resilient, purpose-driven organizations.
Spiritual capacity: The foundation of resilient leadership
One of the striking elements in Prof. Larbi’s experience with the Church of Pentecost is the emphasis on spiritual capacity building. From his baptism in 1973 to his involvement in church activities, he highlights how spiritual practices such as prayer, community engagement, and leadership by example were key in shaping his life and character.
These values are directly applicable to business leadership today. In an era where emotional intelligence, empathy, and personal resilience are becoming key components of successful leadership, building spiritual capacity provides an inner foundation that enhances a leader’s ability to lead with clarity, compassion, and strength.
Just as Prof. Larbi’s prayer life empowered him to deal with challenges, today’s business leaders can benefit from cultivating a sense of purpose and spiritual well-being. In contemporary business settings, this can translate to mindfulness practices, work-life balance, and creating environments where leaders and employees feel connected to something greater than themselves.
Companies that prioritize the spiritual well-being of their leaders and teams often see improvements in employee morale, creativity, and organizational resilience.
Transformative leadership through action
Prof. Larbi recounts how figures like Pastor Paintsil, the first General Secretary of the Church of Pentecost, led by example, not only in spiritual matters but also in practical tasks like manual labor. This model of leadership is timeless and resonates deeply in the context of modern business.
Today’s most admired leaders are those who “walk the talk,” leading not through directives but through action. Transformative leadership requires that leaders roll up their sleeves, demonstrate humility, and actively participate in the everyday functions of their organizations.
In the business world, leaders who involve themselves in the trenches with their teams can inspire loyalty, trust, and a sense of shared purpose. This type of leadership also dismantles hierarchical barriers, creating a more egalitarian organizational culture where employees feel empowered and motivated.
For example, companies like Patagonia and Starbucks have demonstrated how leadership by example can drive both organizational success and employee satisfaction.
The power of organizational culture
The narrative in Born to Win emphasizes how the Church of Pentecost provided a strong spiritual and social community for Prof. Larbi. The relationships he built within the church, particularly with young men from his hometown, Larteh, not only offered him emotional and spiritual support but also contributed to his personal development.
In business, the equivalent of this dynamic is organizational culture. A strong, supportive organizational culture acts as the backbone of any successful business, providing employees with a sense of belonging and security.
Businesses that prioritize building a strong culture often see increased employee retention, higher levels of engagement, and improved overall performance. Google, for example, has built a culture that emphasizes collaboration, creativity, and psychological safety, allowing its employees to thrive and innovate. Leaders who invest in creating strong organizational cultures that are rooted in shared values and a collective sense of purpose often cultivate organizations that are more adaptable and resilient in the face of challenges.
Resilience through Faith and Determination
Another powerful theme in Prof. Larbi’s journey is his ability to overcome adversity through faith and determination. From his relocation to Labadi to his baptism and his subsequent spiritual growth, Prof. Larbi’s resilience was built on a foundation of faith, community, and personal commitment. He describes moments of struggle, such as the intense manual labor required to help build the church or the challenges of leadership within a vibrant congregation. Yet, it was his spiritual grounding that enabled him to persist and thrive.
In the business world, resilience is often cited as one of the most important qualities of effective leadership. The ability to weather crises, adapt to changing markets, and maintain a steady hand through uncertainty is critical to long-term organizational success.
Leaders like Elon Musk and Richard Branson, known for their resilience in the face of business failures and setbacks, exemplify this trait. For contemporary leaders, resilience can be cultivated by fostering a sense of purpose, connecting with a supportive community, and maintaining a long-term vision even when faced with short-term obstacles.
Mentorship and knowledge sharing
A key aspect of Prof. Larbi’s experience in the Church of Pentecost was the mentorship he received from elders and peers, such as Brother Ayisi, whose knowledge of the Bible and preaching skills were influential in the church. This process of learning from others and sharing knowledge is fundamental to both personal and organizational development. In today’s business environment, mentorship plays a critical role in developing talent, fostering innovation, and ensuring the long-term success of an organization.
Many companies, such as Microsoft and Google, have implemented mentorship programs that enable younger employees to learn from experienced leaders. These programs not only help in talent retention but also in transferring organizational knowledge and fostering a culture of continuous learning. By encouraging mentorship, organizations can build a leadership pipeline that ensures sustainability and innovation for the future.
Organizational development
One of the broader lessons from Prof. Larbi’s journey is the importance of embracing change and personal growth. His transition from village life to city life, his spiritual awakening, and his leadership within the church demonstrate his ability to evolve and adapt. For contemporary businesses, this translates to the importance of organizational development. Businesses must continuously evolve to stay competitive, and leaders must foster an environment that encourages innovation, learning, and adaptability.
In a world where industries are being disrupted by technology and globalization, businesses that fail to adapt often fall behind. Leaders must therefore be proactive in identifying growth opportunities, whether through digital transformation, upskilling employees, or embracing new business models. Companies like Netflix and Amazon have thrived by continuously reinventing themselves, demonstrating the importance of adaptability in achieving long-term success.
Conclusion
As detailed in Chapter 13 of Born to Win, Rev. Prof. E.K. Larbi’s journey provides timeless leadership, community, and personal development lessons that are highly applicable to contemporary business leadership. Building spiritual capacity, leading by example, fostering a strong organizational culture, and developing resilience are all qualities that are as relevant in the boardroom as they are in the church.
For today’s business leaders, incorporating these spiritual principles can lead to more ethical, compassionate, and resilient organizations. By focusing on the holistic development of both leaders and employees, businesses can create environments where individuals thrive not only professionally but also personally, leading to sustainable success in a rapidly changing world.
