It’s Not Easy To Be A Leader
Leaders help bring in a valuable challenge, an assignment which allows individuals to use their skills fully. The finest leaders are interested in improving leadership talents of employees so that the success of the team never depends on a single individual. Blackaby states, “A willingness to sacrifice gives leaders more clout with their people than their position on an organizational chart. The statement is founded on the following characteristics courteous, caring, having a heart to serve and an attitude that allows the team to know they are valuable and that you care.
Mahatma Gandhi is known for his readiness to suffer for the sake of his call which gave him an international influence that he would not have been able to accomplish by commanding his people to walk into danger. Dr. Martin Luther King was unfairly confined in a Birmingham jail that gained the countries awareness. And Nelson Mandela spent over twenty-five years in an arduous prison prior to receiving the Noble Peace Prize and presidency of his nation. Overall, these were leaders with a heart for the people. Without eagerness to sacrifice themselves gave these great leaders more authority in the eyes of their constituents than their position.
Leaders are called to a higher calling in life, some even to death. Jesus dying on Calvary illustrates his unfailing love when He suffered, bled and died a gruesome death. That was the ultimate sacrifice because He was without sin and He took our place. As a leader, we cannot pick and chose the areas that we are willing to ultimately sacrifice our lives, for the lovable, as well as the unlovable. I can recall an incident where I had to stand for the greater good even if it cost me a working relationship and friendship over three decades. I had to stand firm, honor the wishes of a dying family member and democratically divide shares amongst the living heirs. I took a strong position on the issue even in the face of adversity. Leaders have to be conscious and recognize that each employee is a microcosm of the organizational culture and a reflection of its leader.
Leadership is hard work and there are not any shortcuts. Just like soldiers in the military, the Chief Officer has to get down in the trenches with his platoon to exhibit their willingness to serve, show unity or support, and develop a sense of assurance, trust, and reliability. Their primary focus cannot simply be about self and possessing a position of influence.
