Am I the only one who admired Mulan as a child? I mean, she was pretty, a master with chopsticks, could sing, and had enough courage to be a man and fight the Huns. Wow.  After reading the book “The Next Generation Leader” by Andy Stanley, I can categorize someone like Mulan as a next generation leader.

What do I mean by that? Well, this book is targeted toward people taking the reins from their predecessor to guide the next generation. The book includes five ways that these leaders will be effective, and I have used Mulan to show these principles in action.

     1) Competency – These leader focus on what they do best, though tendency is to “do it all”.    (Mulan knew she wasn’t meant to merely conform to society, but found her place was to be a warrior, and becomes a heroine.)

     2) Courage - When a leader sees a problem, they are bold and act. Opportunities come to ones who act in spite of fear.    (Mulan, though afraid, went courageously into war with the disadvantage of being a girl in the midst of strong, experienced men. She never let dangers stop her.)

     3) Clarity – The leader knows or is clear about their direction while the outcome is uncertain.     (Mulan is set on helping her father and finding herself, so she risks everything and goes into the unknown)

   4) Coaching – The leader has a trustful person that helps them see their potential and take them higher.     (Hey, Mulan had Mushu to help her.)

     5) Character – One must never let their behavior be outside of their beliefs, n0 matter the cost.    (Mulan does the right thing again and again despite the possibility of rejection, failure, or even death) 

This book expanded me as a leader, and now I can be like Mulan. I recommend this book (and the movie Mulan) to anyone God has called to lead.