Friday, November 20, 2009

When Leadership Languishes

From My Perspective - - -

What should one look for in a strong Leader? What Character Traits should be obvious in a bonafide Leader? Should the Core Values of a Leader-type matter? What are the minimal requirements and foundational principles one should expect to find in one desiring to be a Leader? In general affairs, a catch phrase used has been: “Put up or shut up!” In other defined areas, a phrase that is sometimes used (usually in a Church context): “It’s more Caught than Taught!” In other words, The Leader should Lead By Example!

Some of the Generals of World War II serve as an example of Inspiring Leadership. Two of them were General Douglas MacArthur in Asia, and General Dwight Eisenhower in Europe. General Eisenhower stated in terms of Leadership, it is “the art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it.” In the Manual on Military Leadership, it is recorded: “Good leaders develop through a never-ending process of self-study, education, training, and experience.” It has been said that when General Eisenhower was considering someone for a staff promotion as an officer, that individual was summoned to a private meeting in an office-type setting. General Eisenhower had a piece of string on his desk. He asked the one being considered to use that piece of string to define Leadership. The test was simple and would define the character and potential of the candidate for promotion. If he pushed the string across the desk, it would bunch up – if he pulled the string it would go in the direction in which it was pulled. The point being made was that leaders don’t “drive men” as though they were cattle, but “lead men” as one who knows where he is going and the best way to get there.

In War History legend, Teddy Roosevelt and the Rough Riders gained fame in their charge up San Juan Hill and the ultimate victory in the Spanish-American War. Part of the History and Legend includes: “The most famous of all the units fighting in Cuba, the ‘Rough Riders’ was the name given to the First U.S. Volunteer Cavalry under the leadership of Theodore Roosevelt. Roosevelt resigned his position as Assistant Secretary of the Navy in May 1898 to join the volunteer cavalry…Once Roosevelt joined the group, it quickly became the place for a mix of troops ranging from Ivy League athletes to glee-club singers to Texas Rangers and Indians. Roosevelt and the commander of the unit Colonel Leonard Wood trained and supplied the men so well at their camp in San Antonio, Texas, that the Rough Riders…went to Tampa at the end of May and sailed for Santiago de Cuba on June 13. There they joined the Fifth Corps, another highly trained, well supplied, and enthusiastic group consisting of excellent soldiers from the regular army and volunteers." Troops wanted to be part of an Army with inspired Leadership – men out in front of the troops who not only led the charge but who also knew how to achieve a meaningful victory.

What does it mean When Leadership Languishes? Languish is defined as: “to be or become weak or feeble; lose strength or vigor; to exist or continue in miserable or disheartening conditions; to remain unattended or be neglected; to become downcast or pine away in longing.” In the Bible, The Book of Judges is an example of languishing and failed Leadership. The last words in that Book are: (NKJV) – “In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” (NIV) - “In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit.” In The Message “At that time there was no king in Israel. People did whatever they felt like doing.” Rhetoric may be inspiring and gain a following – but – it is not Leadership! Braggadocio (empty boasting) may peak the interest of some who will “believe” – but – it is not Leadership! Jesus Christ made a great demand in terms of His Leadership and for those who would choose to Follow Him. It is stated in Luke 9:23-25, “Then He said to them all: If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed or lost?” Jesus is saying – Make A Choice – Follow Me! What may look like Loss is the only path to Gain! What appears to be Defeat is the only way to Victory! Are you following a Languishing Leader, or are you following The Victorious Leader – Jesus Christ? Consider these things with me!

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