Prophets, priests and kings: re-imagining ancient metaphors of diffused leadership for the twenty-first century organization

Abstract

This paper re-imagines the ancient Hebrew threefold leadership typology of prophets, priests and kings for the contemporary organization or community. The essence of what is here termed the “trioptic typology” is that leadership is ideally diffused throughout an organization with different individuals or groups performing functions or roles that correspond to these metaphors. Each of these metaphors is discussed in turn, and interactions between them delineated. The typology is illustrated through two brief cases, one positive and one negative. While the typology arises from within a faith tradition, the metaphors are applicable in other contexts, particularly in those in which spiritual leadership is needed or required. All three roles, it is argued, are necessary for healthy change dynamics within organizations or communities.

Keywords:

• leadership
• trioptic
• prophet
• priest
• king