It takes a Team

Or how one Lone Ranger shot himself (and his company) in the foot

Recently I heard the behind-the-scenes story about a company that had enjoyed notable success and is now struggling to survive. A former employee told me that he and other high-performers had worked their tails off, adding millions to the company’s bottom line. Yet the company’s president couldn’t bring himself to acknowledge their contribution. Instead, in press interviews he personally took all the credit for the company’s growth. Needless to say, this didn’t go over well with the sales team, nor did the president’s regular habit of raising their sales goals without raising their compensation. One day they decided enough was enough and left en masse to work for a competitor.

Any leader on a pedestal, no matter how he got there, is in a dangerous position. Yet it’s interesting how, by the end of the twentieth century, pedestals had become the norm. Leadership was elevated to dizzying heights as we looked individuals with silver bullets—in government, business, and even churches—to solve our problems. The problem is, it takes a team to effect change. When a leader receives recognition for accomplishments that required a team or community of people to achieve, those who are really responsible for the success are deprived of the rewards and encouragement they deserve, as shareholders of the once-successful company discovered when the sales force quit.

Every person is essential. Moving a family, community, church, or business toward legitimate achievement of any sort always involves a team of people who take on responsibility. Leaders of every variety must recognize the important part they play, while at the same time giving other responsible people the authority, resources, and affirmation they need and deserve. In other words, a good leader encourages leadership at all levels.

As we move toward the close of the first decade of the twenty-first century, the definition of effective leadership is already morphing from an overemphasis on decisive individual leaders to an approach that is more inclusive of a multitude of gifts. People around the world are realizing that one leader, no matter how gifted, can’t possibly have all the skills needed to effectively lead an organization today. In fact, one leader has never had all the skills needed. Check out Ecclessiastes 4:9-12 and you’ll see why.

What will you do today to acknowledge and thank someone for a contribution he or she has made?

(Adapted from What God Does When Men Lead)

A Group Study Guide for What God Does When Men Lead is available for free download. Click here.

Thanks to De-Gifted Artist for the image.