Leadership… And the Piece of Towelling.

On last night’s news there was… a focus on Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer. Anticipating an election later this year, both explained why they were the best person to lead the nation…  a report on Vladimir Putin’s Russian leadership and presidency, his advances in Ukraine… an update from ex-president Donald Trump’s trial, and speculation regarding his future, and potential US leadership…

I learnt a lot about school leadership – charismatic leaders, dictatorial leaders, laissez-faire leaders, democratic leaders… I’ve reflected on different pictures of church leaders – flock-leading shepherds, army-leading generals, traveller-leading guides…

I’m reading Gavin Peacock’s autobiography. Peacock was a professional footballer, captaining Newcastle and Chelsea, before becoming a TV pundit and then a church minister.

Early in his career Gavin played for Bournemouth. He met Tony Roake, a local vicar: ‘I remember asking him what it means to be a leader in a church – a vicar or pastor or minister. He paused and reached into his pocket and pulled out a small piece of towelling material and said:

‘This is to remind me of the answer to that question, Gavin. On the night Jesus was betrayed at the Last Supper He took a towel and wrapped it round His waist and took the position of a servant as He washed his disciples’ feet…’

‘In a few seconds he had shown me the nature of Jesus’ leadership – that true greatness is found in humility…’

From Bournemouth, Peacock moved to Newcastle. Kevin Keegan, who had captained Liverpool, Newcastle and England, was appointed the Newcastle manager. Peacock describes Keegan’s leadership: ‘…he was the kind who would inspire you by giving everything for the team and using the talent he had to its best. When you couldn’t give any more, Keegan would pick you up and carry you! That’s true leadership – sacrificial and servant hearted; brave and noble.’

Musing on Sunak, Starmer, Putin and Trump… Reflecting on servant leadership, humility and sacrifice, bravery and nobility… Wondering if I should carry a small piece of towelling in my pocket.