Why would people want to be a part of something that one person is just going to take all the credit for?
It's an important question.
Today on Seth Godin's blog, he said:
It's tempting to decide to make a profit first, then invest in training, people, facilities, promotion, customer service and most of all, doing important work. In general, though, it goes the other way.
Yes, it does. If you are waiting to make a profit before you do these things, in my experience you're not going to make a profit. So many organizations, ministries and churches are struggling with financial issues. I know your pain. As anyone who follows our story knows, our ministry was in a ton of debt four years ago when I came on as director. Since that time, we've gotten out of debt and turned a profit every year. God has done amazing things through out team, for which we give Him the glory!
I find that what Seth is saying here is absolutely true, with one disclaimer. For Christian leaders, spiritual disciplines must always be first. Before we started investing and training and all of that, seeking God for his blessing and…
It's tempting to decide to make a profit first, then invest in training, people, facilities, promotion, customer service and most of all, doing important work. In general, though, it goes the other way.
Yes, it does. If you are waiting to make a profit before you do these things, in my experience you're not going to make a profit. So many organizations, ministries and churches are struggling with financial issues. I know your pain. As anyone who follows our story knows, our ministry was in a ton of debt four years ago when I came on as director. Since that time, we've gotten out of debt and turned a profit every year. God has done amazing things through out team, for which we give Him the glory!
I find that what Seth is saying here is absolutely true, with one disclaimer. For Christian leaders, spiritual disciplines must always be first. Before we started investing and training and all of that, seeking God for his blessing and…
Comments
But if the one is a human, the followers tend to want some credit to be given to them for their efforts. I recently had my work and ideas passed along and another received all the credit. It did not set well with me, knowing that I did the work and the other person (my leader) literally did nothing. I would have just loved a verbal pat on the back, but nothing. It is difficult to get behind a leader who does not work as hard as the followers.
IMHO, the cause must be the most important. The leader must show the followers that the cause is worth the work and the struggle. When she/he does that, the troops will follow anywhere and do anything to meet the goal.
What the quote refers to are leaders who wonder why some don't want to follow, or work as hard. They don't have interest in doing something they have no ownership of.
The cause must be most important, and a little appreciation thrown in the workers' direction goes a long way.