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HowDoYouGrowYourCHARACTERLeaderTraits?
Independent – thinks and acts without undue influence from others.
Leadership Moments From Real Life:
SLTA Reflection:
Consider This: “All that I have that you
confiscate are these rags and a few books.
Nor can you exile me, for wherever you send
me, I shall be God’s guest. As to tortures you
should know that my body is already dead in
Christ. And death would be a great boon to
me, leading me sooner to God.” Basil the
Great, Bishop of Caesarea (upon being harassed
and persecuted by Roman Emperor Valens, a
supporter of a false doctrine called Arianism)

Reading Basil the Great’s comment
to the Emperor of Rome, how could/would we reach that point in our lives
where we could say that?
Discussion Question: Art Kleiner in his book, The Age of Heretics, says, “It started
small; it built up greater and greater influence, until now, the heretical ideas of the
corporation past are the business mainstream of the present and (especially) the near
future.” He goes on to say, “That doesn’t mean embracing every unconventional idea.
Nor does heresy mean flouting authority. A heretic is someone who sees a truth that
contradicts the conventional wisdom of the institution to which he or she belongs and
remains loyal to both entities—the institution and the new truth. Heretics are not
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apostates; they do not leave the “church.” Instead they try to influence the larger
institution to change for its own sake, because they think that its survival, and their
own role within it, depends on meeting truth halfway.”

What are two key points in Kleiner’s quote putting independent into
constructive perspective?
Panel of Experts: Each table takes one of these questions and comes up with
answers

Paul talks in Romans 12:2 about being transformed through the renewing of
the mind. How has that happened/happening in you and has that made you
more independent? Explain.

What’s the difference between being ornery and cantankerous or a rebel or
even a ‘loose cannon’ and being Independent?

How do you become Independent?
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Question: How/why are these leader traits paired with Independent?
Courageous/Brave
Spiritually Centered
Flexible/Fair-minded
Insightful
Discussion: Consider the Stretch Experience for Independent in your resource book.
Next Session: Read in your resource book, LEADER: Who Are You?, on the trait
__________________________________________
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©Ronald D Kuest, ISLT 2013, All Right Reserved