The Leadership Shift Every Bishop Needs Now | An Interview with James Fletcher

James Fletcher is the founder and chief investment officer of Ethos Investment Management, and has been investing professionally in emerging markets for 20 years. He is also the founder of the global non-profit Young Investors Society, which provides lessons to teens on investing and financial literacy in over 3,000 high schools and 80 countries around the world. James has a bachelor’s degree in Finance from Brigham Young University and also teaches as a BYU adjunct professor in Finance. He has lived in a variety of places, from Boston to Brazil and Los Angeles to Hong Kong, and currently lives in Springville, Utah, with his wife and five children, where he serves as a bishop in the Hobble Creek Springville Utah Stake.

Links

The Bishopric & the Youth | A How I Lead Interview with James Fletcher Young Investors Society: YIS.org Watch the video and share your thoughts in the Zion Lab community Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community

Highlights

James talks about his experiences as a bishop in Mapleton, Utah, focusing on leadership principles that foster community and connection within the church. He discusses the importance of loving individuals as Christ did and the impact of engaging with both active and less-active members.

Key Insights

• One-by-One Leadership: Emphasizing the inefficiencies of traditional leadership, James highlights the importance of personal connections and individualized attention, mirroring Christ’s approach to ministry.
• Community Engagement: James discusses how his ward has shifted from church-centric activities to community-focused events, fostering relationships with all residents in the canyon, regardless of their church attendance.
• Inviting Growth: He shares the success of involving youth as ward missionaries, allowing them to teach and engage with both members and non-members, which has led to increased participation and spiritual growth.
• Exporting Strength: Leaders are encouraged to look beyond their immediate community and share their strengths and resources globally, exemplified by members in his ward who have initiated impactful projects in other countries.
• Cultural Shift: The importance of creating a culture of belonging and love within the ward is emphasized, ensuring that everyone feels needed and valued, regardless of their church activity.

Leadership Applications

• Foster Personal Connections: Latter-day Saint leaders can prioritize one-on-one interactions with members, ensuring that everyone feels seen and valued, which can lead to greater engagement and spiritual growth.
• Community-Centric Activities: By organizing events that include the broader community, leaders can build relationships that extend beyond church walls, creating a more inclusive environment.
• Empower Youth: Leaders can implement programs that allow youth to take on responsibilities, such as teaching or missionary work, which not only prepares them for future service but also strengthens the ward community.

00:02:53 – Building a Zion Community 00:04:26 – Christlike Leadership Principles 00:06:01 – Connecting with the Community 00:08:41 – The Importance of Love and Service 00:09:34 – Establishing a Culture of Belonging 00:12:39 – A Powerful Sacrament Meeting Experience 00:14:26 – The Role of Personal Visits 00:15:02 – Inviting Others to Serve 00:17:01 – Broadening the Net 00:21:01 – Proactive Ministering Efforts 00:22:48 – Daily Prayer for Individuals 00:24:37 – Community Connections 00:25:22 – Exporting Strength 00:31:04 – Inviting Youth to Grow 00:36:12 – The Inefficiency of Seeking the One 00:41:37 – The Healing Power of the Atonement

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