Global Leadership Summit: Worth Attending?

global leadership summitThe Global Leadership Summit comes through our town this week and I am wondering if I should go along and witness this huge, ambitious multi-nation tour project created by Bill Hybels and the Willow Creek Team. They are hoping for 300.000 people to attend in the various countries. Sounds interesting but its hard to see if it is all streaming video of Bono and Tim Keller and others or if some real people are actually going to turn up to speak at these events. And will they be presenting an American style of top-down motivational leadership or a more grass-roots collaborative entrepreneurial style.

Have you attended? Is it worth going?????

[UPDATE] OK – I am going on the 13th. Watch this space.

Andrew

Andrew Jones launched his first internet space in 1997 and has been teaching on related issues for the past 20 years. He travels all the time but lives between Wellington, San Francisco and a hobbit home in Prague.

8 Comments

  • Matybigfro says:

    I went a couple times a few years ago when I was doing youth work. To be honest I found it a bit boring, even when bono was on screen and only went to one day cos going to the others would have meant lossing a day off with the wife. Lots of people seem to love it though. I’m not sure if it works that well outside of the Pastor or ministry leader as professional manager paradigm.

  • Hi,
    It sounds interesting but I think Summits are bi8t boring. But I you show some interest then you found it interesting.
    Business Plan Service

  • Brian Ayers says:

    I attended the American version of the Leadership Summit this year… a number of sessions were really good: Dan & Chip Heath, Tim Keller, Dave Gibbons, and Andrew Rugasira.
    There were actually a number of different leadership styles discussed (not just a top-down approach).
    I agree with Matybigfro that many things might not be applicable to a workplace outside of church/ministry, but there’s a lot that a Christian in any field could learn from.

  • Ben Mizen says:

    It’s ok. I went in 07 and 08. It’s very methodical rather than theological, in my opinion. There are lots of products to buy but very little conversation that goes deeper than responding to the streamed videos.
    Some of the content is truly inspirational. I do, however, struggle with GoDTV-isation of the broadcasts.
    If you can blag a free place it would be worth a venture. I would love to hear your views on it all!

  • I went this year to the American version and would agree with what Brian Ayers said in the first part of his comment. There are actually a number of different approaches to organizational leadership presented, some that are organic and non-hierarchical leadership styles and others that are typically western, top-down approaches.
    I actually find that much of what was shared could be valuable for people working in a variety of contexts, and I’m not a big “Willow Creek” guy.
    You can access my summaries of the Leadership Summit sessions here: http://bit.ly/1cFxe8.

  • becky says:

    If you can go for free and the time won’t impact your ministry, you might learn something and be able to tell others if this event fits your criteria of a sustainable conference that allows for real learning and interaction or yet another preacher/speaker fest where the folks are there to worship the stars.
    BTW-here’s Jon Birch’s take on the Purpose Driven Life. Love it.
    http://asbojesus.wordpress.com/2009/11/10/807/

  • The GLS says:

    Hi, tall skinny kiwi-
    Thank you so much for encouraging dialogue around The GLS. We believe so much in our content that we want to offer you a free registration under your name (or the name listed on your twitter page 🙂 ) at our event starting tomorrow in Dublin. We think you’ll like what you see. Know it’s late and hoping you see this in time!

  • Tsk says:

    Wow! Sounds great. I think I will take u up on that offer. If it’s ok with u, I will attend the nov. 13 event in Lagos, Portugal. And will blog it on the 14th

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