In this episode, Alan Briggs and older brother J.R. Briggs discuss the topic of cynicism and its impact on leaders. They explore the cultural prevalence of cynicism and how it can erode trust and hope. J.R. shares his personal experience with cynicism and the pernicious effect it had on his life. The difference between cynicism and skepticism is also discussed. The conversation delves into the challenges leaders face during election season and offers practices for guarding against cynicism. The history of cynicism is explored, highlighting its relevance in today's society. The episode concludes with a reflection on personal cynicism and the importance of self-awareness.   About J.R. Briggs  

Dr. J.R. Briggs lives with a clear and focused calling: to serve, guide, and equip hungry leaders who want to grow healthier and thrive. In 2011, he started Kairos Partnerships, an organization committed to serving hungry kingdom leaders through leadership coaching, consulting, speaking, and teaching. He loves investing in the KP team of equippers so Kairos Partnerships can invest in all leaders who desire care and equipping.

For more than 15 years, J.R. served in pastoral roles in mega-churches, church plants, and house church networks. Since starting Kairos Partnerships, he has served and invested in a wide variety of leaders, including business owners, pastors, university administrators, non-profit directors, entrepreneurs, attorneys, Blackhawk army helicopter operators, U.S. Olympic athletes, and Division I college coaches.

In addition to coaching leaders and consulting with businesses, organizations, universities, and non-profits, he also speaks and teaches.

He has taught in higher education since 2017. Currently, he serves as a faculty mentor for Kairos University and as a guest instructor at Friends University in the Masters of Arts in Spiritual Formation and Leadership program. He has guest lectured, taught, and spoken at over a dozen colleges, universities, and seminaries around the U.S.

He also serves as the Director of Leadership & Congregational Formation for The Ecclesia Network and as a National Trainer and Strategist for Fresh Expressions U.S.

He has written or co-written thirteen books on a wide variety of topics and served as one of the contributors to the Abide Bible. He has written over 50 published articles, both online and in print, with Christianity Today, Huffington Post, Preaching Today, American Bible Society, N.T. Wright Online, Missio Alliance, Boundless.org and Relevant Magazine, and several others.

He hosts the Resilient Leaders podcast, a weekly podcast equipping leaders in a wide variety of backgrounds to grow in their resilience and health.

He serves on the Board of Directors for Jerusalem University College and the Board of Advisors for the Institute for Bible Reading.

J.R. loves swimming, kayaking, hiking, reading, traveling to new places, eating fish tacos, and watching the Philadelphia Phillies.

He and his wife Megan have been married for over 21 years and have two teenage sons, Carter and Bennett. They live in Lansdale, PA in the greater Philadelphia area.

  Takeaways

• Cynicism is a prevalent issue in our culture and can erode trust and hope.
• Leaders are particularly susceptible to cynicism and must guard against it.
• Cynicism is different from skepticism, as it assumes a closed-minded posture.
• During election season, leaders need to be mindful of cynicism and strive to bring hope.
• Practices such as gratitude, giving others the benefit of the doubt, and surrounding oneself with hopeful people can help guard against cynicism.