Leading Multi-Cultural Teams: 3 Lessons from Gallup
I recently found myself in the heart of Taipei, a city teeming with two million souls and a culture deeply rooted in ancient traditions. It is a place where "test scores" often define a child’s worth and where thousands of gods are honored in local temples. Yet, in the middle of this bustling metropolis, I discovered a beautiful picture of the Kingdom of God. I had the privilege of interviewing three remarkable women—Rebecca, Stephanie, and Sean—who have formed a leadership "trinity" called Gallup & Go. Their mission is simple yet profound: to build bridges through relationship-based education.
What struck me most during our conversation was the concept of "pre-evangelism." In a culture that can find exclusive truth-claims threatening, these leaders focus on meeting physical and emotional needs first. By serving the elderly and teaching English to children, they earn the right to be heard. They aren't just starting a church; they are cultivating the soil. As leaders, we often want to jump straight to the "harvest," but the wisdom of Gallup & Go reminds us that the most sustainable leadership is built on a foundation of trust and genuine care.
We also discussed the powerful imagery of Jeremiah 12:5, which serves as the heartbeat of their ministry. The verse asks, "If you have raced with men on foot and they have worn you out, how can you compete with horses?" Stephanie shared how this verse transformed her perspective on burnout and calling. True leadership isn't about running in our own strength; it’s about the empowerment of the Holy Spirit that allows us to do the impossible. In Taiwan, they aren't just walking; they are galloping.
Finally, our time together highlighted the ultimate leadership essential: identity. Whether you are an American in Asia or a local leader in your own hometown, you will face the "wilderness" of self-doubt and cultural friction. These women have learned that their effectiveness doesn't come from their passports or their professional titles, but from being secure as sons and daughters of God. When we decrease and let Him increase, the boundaries of culture and language begin to fade, leaving only the transformative love of Christ.