Yes. The answer is always yes.
(Even if you are single and living on an island, you are a leader...of yourself.)
I was a newbie principal when a water pipe inside a classroom burst and I picked up a mop. Who wouldn't? One of my staff members said, "Why are you mopping? You're the principal." I replied, "Then I should be mopping the hardest!"
Whatever our mission, whomever we lead, whatever our circumstances, we are in need of great leadership strategy.
Today we find it in 1 Kings 12:7. Rehoboam, Solomon's son, was considering how to lead his people. His father's advisors said it best:
If you will be a servant to [these] people, be considerate of their needs and respond with compassion, and work things out with them, they'll end up doing anything for you.Be a servant. You serve those you lead. They are not serving you; they are serving the mission. Pick up the mop.
Be considerate of their needs and respond with compassion. The energy you expend respecting and understanding the pressing concerns of real life experienced by those you lead will, interestingly, be answered with renewed energy on their part for the mission of the organization. Your compassion energizes their work. Mop with them.
Work things out with them. People working together will always create friction. You are uniquely positioned as their leader to apply wisdom in working things out. Teach mopping; don't let the great moppers bully those who need extra help.
They'll do anything for you. Here is where you get to move them toward the mission. They are ready to give all because of all you give: serving, consideration, compassion, and wisdom. Mopping accomplished.
Are you moving yourself, your spouse, teenagers, toddlers, a Fortune 500 company, a local bakery?
No matter. God wired us. We can learn from Him.
Be a leader in His image.
Image: cdnsba.org.
Comments are welcome at feedyourstrength@gmail.com.
