Leadership: A Vision Worth Pursuing

we are equipping students with perspective, skills, and vision to change culture for Christ.

By Clint FISHER, Dean of Students and Families

Leadership is one of the most explored and yet elusive concepts in human development. In 1997, Warren Bennis cataloged over 800 definitions of leadership. Today, John Maxwell might distill it down to a single word: influence. Meanwhile, a quick search reveals hundreds of thousands of podcasts dedicated to the topic - evidence of its enduring relevance and demand.

In a world saturated with leadership content, the real question becomes: Where is the supply of transformational leaders? Not just those who hold titles, but those who shape culture.

At Perimeter School, we believe leadership is not a position - it’s a way of being. Our mission is to develop leaders for life: individuals who lead themselves through the ordinary toward something extraordinary. True leadership begins with the ability to inspire others, to move them toward a tipping point where culture begins to shift. Perimeter School utilizes a spiritual formation framework to connect leadership with the real power of walking with Christ in the power of His Spirit.

A Different kind of leader

Imagine a student who has solidified their values and identity, no longer driven by the longings that often enslave us - acceptance, significance, love, security, and purpose. What if this student gained a redemptive vision for life, connecting others to Christ and bringing healing to a broken world?

Could such a student change their circle of friends?
Could they transform a school?
Could they influence a city?
And if a city is within reach - why not the world?

The world looks at ability, skill, charisma, among other things to determine leadership. Christ proved that what is on the inside makes a leader. 1 Corinthians 1:27 reminds us that God chose the foolish things to shame the wise. The world needs a different type of leader. One changed on the inside, equipped on the outside, and sent out to change the world.

The path forward: two starting principles

Leadership transformation is simple in concept, but never easy in practice. At Perimeter School, we start with two common principles:

• The 1% Principle: (James Clear, Atomic Habits) Make today 1% better than yesterday. Make tomorrow 1% better than today. In 100 days, you’ve doubled your impact. In a year, the growth becomes exponential. In ten years? The possibilities are staggering.

• The 30% Principle: (Malcolm Gladwell, Magic Third) Culture shifts when 30% of a group begins to live differently. Leaders start with early innovators, then invite early adopters. Once momentum builds, the tipping point is reached - and transformation begins.

At Perimeter School, we are equipping students with perspective, skills, and vision to change culture for Christ. Like trees planted by streams of water, may they flourish - and may God make them a blessing to all the earth.