Leadership lessons from a Red Bean Plant

Leadership lessons from a red bean plant? Many of us might ask this question with pleated brows at that title of a book authored by John-Michael Mader. That same question sparked the curiosity of Dr Lynette Tyson-Noel—Parishioner of the Laventille Morvant Pastoral Area (LMPA), Educator and Independent Researcher— who reviewed, edited and subsequently endorsed the book.

“What is Johnny (as he is fondly known in the LMPA) coming with now?” she had initially asked. But her perspective shifted as she delved into the manuscript.

At the book launch on April 12, at the St Dominic’s RC Church, Morvant, Dr Tyson-Noel shared her reflections in a keynote address: “How could leadership and the red bean be linked? My answer was found in the many insightful pages that followed. Impressed with the formatting, importance of prayer to leadership and the reflective component of the manuscript. What also emerged was that the red bean plant was not simply a project but it was a methodology.  Yes, the red bean methodology for leadership was developing not as a concept to be used by the Youth Council only but as an approach to be utilised by parents, teachers, church leaders and all adults interested in leading their team to success.”

Dr Tyson-Noel deconstructed the red bean methodology’s  elements, noting: “A reflective component is necessary to evaluate how the members went, the pluses and the challenges and how this can be done differently. When you read the book, you will realise that planting of the red bean transcended the agricultural and social dimensions to become a methodology for leadership and change.

“Do we need it today? Now more than ever! Is it only for the youth or those in specific groups?  Definitely not! Where two or three are gathered with a common purpose, leadership is required, (even if they are gathered in prayer).

“Whether it be servant leadership, transformational leadership or educational leadership, this book, grounded in its red bean methodology for leadership provides a roadmap. Read and be inspired by the book and then … act on its methodology. Get your copy and learn to lead your team wherever you are: home, church, school, in the office – wherever. All success to the (LMPA) Youth Council as you sell your book and methodology to the wider community.”

The book launch was interactive and engaging as attendees each had to participate in an exercise of planting the red bean and randomly choosing a scripture verse sticker to label their cup. Some members of the LMPA Youth Council— Savann Phillip, Isis Benn and Tamia Cropper— meaningfully shared their experience of the 21-day activity with the methodology.

The attendees were invited to ask any questions or share on their thoughts of the session. A very emotive testimony was made by one of the youths, which sparked a domino effect, with many attendees holding back tears, reflecting on their own spiritual journeys.

The book, Leadership Lessons from a Red Bean Plant is a collaborative effort of John-Michael Mader and the LMPA Youth Council, to whom the book is dedicated.

The founding members comprise: Nikisha Cropper, Savann Phillip, Isis Benn, Tamia Cropper, Kendall Belfon, Carissa Renwick, Shyanne Morris and Mader, to whom the LMPA Community convey hearty congratulations.

The often-asked question, ‘Can anything good come out of Laventille – Morvant?’ has found its answer. Leadership, (which has 850 definitions floating around according to Warren Bennis, in his book Leaders published in 1997) can also have a red bean methodology.

The event opened and closed with prayer, offered by ever-supportive Parish Priest, Fr Clifford Mainooh CSSp, who continues to encourage us all as pilgrims of hope.

—Cheryl-Ann Mader