Posted by
peripheral on Friday, November 20, 2009 6:14:14 AM
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!