Weekly Thought – April 19, 2016
Fred kept careful accounting of his ego. He had his blind spots, but even then he understood them and bolstered his defense system. He frequently did a personal audit to make sure he was operating with integrity. Often, he called this process “talking to the little boy inside.” This little boy was the ultimate truth teller!
We are grateful to each of you for committing to stretching yourself. We work hard to bring you Fred’s word which can be applied in everyday work, family, church, and community.
Keeping Focus
A true leader is committed to the cause, and does not become the cause.
Staying personally dedicated to the vision can become extremely difficult, particularly if success comes. A subtle change in thinking can overtake the leader of a successful operation. He or she begins “needing” certain things to carry on the work – things that were not considered necessary at the beginning.
In business, a request for a corporate jet is a sign that personal ego needs are infiltrating an executive’s dedication to the company. The question “What am I getting out of this?” must be asked. It is a test to see if the cause has become diffused. Sometimes perks are described as beneficial to productivity and profitability. I am not decrying the use of executive benefits, and I have had my fair share of rides in corporate jets, but I am pointing out that a change occurs. The important thing is to recognize and evaluate the change.
I admire Mother Teresa, who decided after winning the Nobel Peace Prize she would not accept any more recognition because it interfered with her work. She knew she was not in the business of accepting accolades – she was in the business of serving the poor of Calcutta. She maintained her dedication to the cause.
Most of us leaders have an emotional block occasionally. We need to return to the vision, restate it to ourselves, and rekindle the spark. We must ask, “What is my purpose? Am I satisfying my ego through this business or ministry? Am I sacrificing my ego to the work?”
Genuine leaders can say with the Apostle Paul: “Follow me, as I follow Christ.”
This week think about: 1) What vision or cause currently excites me? 2) How can I protect against moving to ego satisfaction which outstrips the cause? 3) Who is a good model of leadership which is submitted?
Words of Wisdom: “A true leader is committed to the cause, and does not become the cause.”
Wisdom from the Word: “Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision,” (Acts 26:19 NET Bible)