Two Points For Leaders
Leadership is an interesting topic. Why do we follow them? What inspires them? How do they inspire us? Maybe this is not the proper way to begin, because I actually don't intend to answer any of those questions. Rather, what does it take to be a leader?
Well I'm no example, but here's a story that can be.
It was time for another wood gathering expedition. As usual, many people of all ages trundled around favoring their own tools for collecting wood. From the younger ones with nothing more than tough gloves, through eager youths with axes, (a somewhat unstable combination) to grown-ups trying to pretend that their chainsaws were not toys.
Yet trundling about was all that was accomplished. They had gathered at the pick-ups, old beaters and new alike (referring to pick-ups and people). Now they awaited something. Or someone rather.
Off to the side the director was briefing a young lad who frequented the acreage. There was a slight uncertainty behind the young eyes, but it was hidden deep. After all, he knew how navigate the woods without incident. A tricky task what with the paths slippery with mud and steeply angled. And what were his orders? To lead that group of timber-collectors standing by the pick-ups. He was younger than half of them.
Yet without hesitation, he vaulted into the bed of the lead pick-up. He signaled the group to head forward, down to the timber. A small convoy for a small leader. Though once in the timber you wouldn't have realized it. For his footsteps fell with confidence and assurance, and those that followed felt safe because of it. The tasks were quickly accomplished, and the successful party returned, happy with their progress.
So, why was that young lad made leader? He was younger than half of the others. There were older men more qualified because of experience. He didn't even have an authoritative chainsaw.
Two main reasons. He knew where they were going, and what needed to be done. Certainly, it takes more to be a great leader, but these are of utmost importance. Even knowing how to do what you're doing is not strictly necessary. Sure it's good, but not needed. How many great leaders knew how to do everything that people under them were doing? Exactly....zero. In small groups and focused tasks, it's more important, because of course you're helping too. Yet the larger the picture, the less crucial that becomes.
The point of a knife is the leader. And a bigger following simply means a stronger blade, a longer handle, a bigger guard. The task of the leader is to keep focus on the point, it must be sharp, and know what it's doing. An unguided blade is unstable. Worse yet, the blade with evil intentions leading it.
We need leaders. Regardless of the situation. Not tyrannical oppressive meanies, people who take responsibility and work to protect and guide others. Where are you? Who can you lead? Siblings, peers, a family, families, a group study, a church, a work force, whatever. Good leaders are to be commended. Two points for leaders!
Know what it is you're doing, and where you are going. Or work towards discovering that. You may be surprised what you end up leading!
Well I'm no example, but here's a story that can be.
It was time for another wood gathering expedition. As usual, many people of all ages trundled around favoring their own tools for collecting wood. From the younger ones with nothing more than tough gloves, through eager youths with axes, (a somewhat unstable combination) to grown-ups trying to pretend that their chainsaws were not toys.
Yet trundling about was all that was accomplished. They had gathered at the pick-ups, old beaters and new alike (referring to pick-ups and people). Now they awaited something. Or someone rather.
Off to the side the director was briefing a young lad who frequented the acreage. There was a slight uncertainty behind the young eyes, but it was hidden deep. After all, he knew how navigate the woods without incident. A tricky task what with the paths slippery with mud and steeply angled. And what were his orders? To lead that group of timber-collectors standing by the pick-ups. He was younger than half of them.
Yet without hesitation, he vaulted into the bed of the lead pick-up. He signaled the group to head forward, down to the timber. A small convoy for a small leader. Though once in the timber you wouldn't have realized it. For his footsteps fell with confidence and assurance, and those that followed felt safe because of it. The tasks were quickly accomplished, and the successful party returned, happy with their progress.
So, why was that young lad made leader? He was younger than half of the others. There were older men more qualified because of experience. He didn't even have an authoritative chainsaw.
Two main reasons. He knew where they were going, and what needed to be done. Certainly, it takes more to be a great leader, but these are of utmost importance. Even knowing how to do what you're doing is not strictly necessary. Sure it's good, but not needed. How many great leaders knew how to do everything that people under them were doing? Exactly....zero. In small groups and focused tasks, it's more important, because of course you're helping too. Yet the larger the picture, the less crucial that becomes.
The point of a knife is the leader. And a bigger following simply means a stronger blade, a longer handle, a bigger guard. The task of the leader is to keep focus on the point, it must be sharp, and know what it's doing. An unguided blade is unstable. Worse yet, the blade with evil intentions leading it.
We need leaders. Regardless of the situation. Not tyrannical oppressive meanies, people who take responsibility and work to protect and guide others. Where are you? Who can you lead? Siblings, peers, a family, families, a group study, a church, a work force, whatever. Good leaders are to be commended. Two points for leaders!
Know what it is you're doing, and where you are going. Or work towards discovering that. You may be surprised what you end up leading!
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