Wisdom for Leaders

One of the best teaching experiences I ever had was the time I spent in the US Army. As a very young man, I went into boot camp thinking I knew a lot more than I actually knew. You quickly learn that you better learn to submit to that drill sergeant and say "yes sir" and "no sir" or your time there will not turn out well.  You learn that building an effective army is impossible if every soldier is trying to do their own thing. You have to operate as a well oiled machine if you want to stay alive on the battlefield and that requires a command structure and submission to it.

Those same principles apply to corporate leadership and the leaders under them. Most of you do not know my entire background but when I retired from my secular position in 1992 I was responsible for 3500 employees and 155 managers that reported directly to me. I am fully aware of the egos, strife, confusion, jealousy and manipulation that can hinder teamwork and bring disunity.

The Bible addresses the results of unity versus division like this:

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments; As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life for evermore. (Psalm 133)

Listen very closely. The anointing (oil) starts at the top and runs down. It starts with the leaders and filters down through the organization. Where envy and strife are we have every evil work. No blessing!!! Where we have unity, the Lord commands the blessing! Commands the blessing!!!

How do we get to that place? It's never easy. It takes a lot of work. It's never perfect. It takes a lot of checking your ego at the door. It takes submitting to one another and the leadership over you. It takes a lot of forgiveness. One business leader added these attributes to the list: Don't get in a hurry, don't get greedy, don't panic, and choose wisely. I think you have probably heard those last few words somewhere before.

Maturity, especially as a Christian, takes time and effort. But, there are some telltale signs that are very evident in a mature Christian's life. They have learned to listen more, and talk less. They have learned to forgive quickly and not harbor any bitterness or unforgiveness. They have learned how to submit and support the authority God has placed over them. They have learned how to be thankful, even in the tough times. They have learned to never blame God and they are always looking forward and not backward.

We encourage all of you today to be a leader that brings unity and not division; a leader that brings peace and not disharmony; a leader that comforts, edifies and exhorts versus tearing down. Remember, the people that you have under you are watching you and they mimic what you do. Whatever you sow, you will reap, so sow good seeds and you will have a good harvest.

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