A631.5.4.RB_RuggerioSteven

For Effective Change: Follow-the-Leader

When I was a young boy growing up in a small farm town in western Pennsylvania, one of the games we used to play was Follow-the-Leader.  As we took turns at the helm, each boy would find himself enthralled in an exciting and adventurous journey through woods, old barns, and small waterways.  One never knew what was around the bend.  While playing both the leader and the follower were fun, the leader role carried a deeper level of anticipation.  Climbing trees and scaling bridges—while already enjoyable—was even more so knowing there were a handful of others exciting tracing your steps slightly unsure of where they would end up.

As an adult, the geography may be different but the game remains the same.  Follow-the-Leader continues in business, sports, and non-profit agencies.  Fortunately, I’ve had the opportunity to fill both roles again though the expectations inherent in leader and follow are much more complex than they were when we were children.  If leaders hope to be successful, they must be clear about their vision, passionate about the journey, vigilant of the leader-follower relationship, and lastly, they must produce results.   

In regard to the challenges facing today’s leaders, Brown (2011) said, “The globalization of markets, the downsizing of workforces, the flattening of hierarchies, the reengineering of work processes, and the spread of information technology are all part of a revolution in the way we do business.  These changes are happening at the same time and fast.”  In short, we need leaders.  With all the challenges, changes, and uncertainty of our times, it is the men and women with vision, passion, loyal followers, and results that will rise to the top and lead the changes necessary for success. 

Change does not happen accidentally; rather, it is initiated with a specific purpose and it requires leadership to function properly.  The first trait of a successful leader in a change initiative is vision.  In short, they must define reality.  Leaders reach their goals by identifying, shaping, and representing the shared ideas and values of their organization (Gini & Green, 2013).  As stated earlier from the childhood game, leaders must know where they are going.  As kids, we knew if a leader repeatedly required us to stop, turn around, and go back, then it wouldn’t be long before he was replaced.  Furthermore, his opportunities to lead became less and less. 

Ronald Reagan once said, “To grasp and hold a vision is the very essence of leadership.”  Warren Bennis, one of our world’s foremost leadership expert said, “All leaders have the capacity to create a compelling vision, one that takes people to a new place.”  Bennis looked at scores of leaders, and determined that none of them possess all of the characteristics of great leadership.  But every good leader, he found, has vision (Cohn & Moran, 2011).  Before a leader initiates a system-wide change, the leader helps the organization identify the difference between where it is and where it would like to be, and then proceeds to design and implement appropriate organizational development interventions (Brown, 2011).

Ben Stein has made a career acting and speaking with a passionate-less, monotone voice.  Undeniably humorous and witty, it is the antithesis of a passionate leader.  Though this example is extreme it hopes to make a point.  When leading a system-wide change initiative, leaders must be passionate about the prospect of a better future.  Great leaders are able to tap into the power of their deepest aspirations.  Passionate leaders demonstrate that they have put a lot of thought into their vision and are able to speak convincingly about the way in which the organizational mission and their personal passions are intertwined (Cohn & Moran, 2011).

If I may use the Follow-the-Leader example yet again: kids follow because they are excited about where the journey may lead them.  The leader is normally the one shouting with excitement, “Follow me!” and as they climb over and under a myriad of obstacles their passion never wanes.  The same holds true for adults.  Leaders will require great effort and sacrifice from followers and at times they will have to climb over, under, and around some hurdles as they implement new and innovative change strategies.  If the leader doubts the way or loses enthusiasm for the journey, the followers will follow suit and eventually the change effort will stall.  Leaders demonstrate passion because they believe.  When vision combines with passion, leaders are born.  However, as John Maxwell said in Failing Forward, “He who thinks he leads, but has no followers, is only taking a walk.”  That leads me to my next leadership characteristic: the importance of the leader-follower relationship.

Brown (2011) said, “The implementation of a large-scale change program is almost impossible without the investment of all levels and elements of the organization” (p. 90).  He goes on to add that the collaborative relationship between internal and external practitioners (or leaders and followers) provides an integration of abilities, skills, and resources.  It embodies such qualities as trust, respect, confrontation, and collaboration.  In coaching the 2008 USA Olympic Basketball team to a gold medal, Coach Krzyzewski said, “Leadership boils down to strong relationships.  Before I can be an effective leader, I have to know the players, they have to know me, and we have to know and trust each other” (Cohn & Moran, 2011).  

Fortunately, Coach K won the gold medal.  Four years earlier with many of the same players, the USA team lost in Athens to Puerto Rico and a week later lost again to Lithuania.  If that wasn’t bad enough, they finally lost to Argentina and settled for a bronze medal finish.  Players, coaches, and fans were humiliated.  The NBA was embarrassed on the world’s stage.  Leaders need vision, passion, and a great relationship with their followers.  However, at the end of the day, it all comes down to results.  Without success, as the 2004 Olympic Basketball team and the band of children following their leader discovered, all the vision, passion, and camaraderie matters little. 

The final trait that warps around the other three and holds them together is success, results, and positive transformations.  As Gini & Green (2013) said, “All forms of leadership are about transformation.  Leadership is not about maintaining the status quo; it is about initiating change in an organization” (p. 7).  Change is always difficult.  It requires strong leaders with deep perseverance to continue moving forward when times are challenging.  Leaders are defined by their results.  If people and processes remain the same after the leader moves on, it begs the question “Did the leader lead?”  Effective leadership is not about making speeches or being liked: leadership is defined by results, not by attributes” (Gini & Green, 2013). 

Leadership is not for the faint-of-heart.  It is difficult, challenging, and can be exhaustively frustrating.  However, no matter the toil, when a person believes in a better way and has the desire to bring it to life, they suddenly find themselves connected with others and generating collaborative enthusiasm.  Before long, there is a movement, a change initiative that inspires hope for a better organization and a better life.  At the end of our days our life is often measured by results and the question we all ask: “Did I make a difference?”  Passionate leaders with a vision for a better tomorrow joining forces with other like-minded people can count on producing long-lasting results.  Whether the change is organizational or personal, it’s the leader in all of us that shouts, “Follow me!” as we journey toward a better tomorrow.

Steve

References:

Brown, D.R. (2011). Organization development. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson

Education, Inc.

Cohn, J., & Moran, J. (2011). Why are we bad at picking good leaders? San Francisco,

CA: Jossey-Bass.

Gini, A., & Green, R.M. (2013). 10 virtues of outstanding leaders. Malden, MA: John

Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Maxwell, J. (2000). Failing forward. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, Inc.

A634.6.3.RB_RuggerioSteven

Virtues of Life

Walter Isaacson (2003), the author of Ben Franklin: An American Life said of Mr. Franklin, “He was a prophet of tolerance” (p. 93).  Over 223 years after Dr. Franklin’s death, tolerance still stands out as a trait few can master.  Franklin was a pragmatist.  Though he could philosophize with the best of the vocal orators, he was a man of action and relevance.  He sought wholeness and individual growth through virtuous acts.  Not overly religious, his faith was anchored in the thirteen virtues of his “moral perfections.”   As Isaacson (2003) said, “Franklin’s focus was on traits that could help him succeed in this world, instead of the ones that would exalt his soul for the hereafter” (p. 90).

Franklin’s 13 Virtues

Temperance – Silence – Order – Resolution – Frugality – Industry – Sincerity – Justice – Moderation – Cleanliness – Tranquility – Chastity – Humility

Each trait demonstrates a quality of self-control, assurance, faithfulness, and respect.  Before one can move forward and engage one, two, or all of these traits, they must be able to evaluate their present position.  Where do I stand in respect to each of these characteristics?  Strong in some and weak in others?  Steven Snyder (2013) in his book Leadership and the Art of Struggle said, “Being authentically self-aware and mindful of your feelings, emotions, and reactions can take many years of hard work as you peel back the layers of that unique person that you are.  It often takes that much time to learn how to grasp the power you have within you to be the very best you can be” (p. xiii).

I have little doubt that I have plenty of room for improvement in each of Franklin’s 13 virtues.  For the sake of brevity, I’ll limit it to the action steps I can take to improve in three areas: silence, frugality, and humility.

Silence

One of the best books I’ve ever read was Eric Metaxas’ Bonhoeffer.   Early in the book there was something written that I’ve never forgotten and have yet to command.  Metaxas (2010) spoke of young Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s upbringing and his father’s authority when he said, “Karl Bonhoeffer taught his children to speak only when they had something to say.  He did not tolerate sloppiness of expression any more than he tolerated self-pity or selfishness or boastful pride” (p. 15).

At nearly 600 pages, Bonhoeffer is one of the largest books I’ve ever read and yet two sentences written in the first handful of pages caught my attention.  There’s good reason for that: I talk too much.  Through conversations with my wife, my friends, and trusted mentors, I’ve learned to taper the number of my words and do more listening than talking.  In fact, there were actually times (and I use this regularly as an example) that as I am speaking, a voice in my head asks me, “when are you going to shut up?”  Seriously! I am telling myself to stop talking as I am talking!

Obviously, Ben Franklin is on to something. But, he’s not alone.  King Solomon said, “Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble” (Proverbs 21:23, NIV).  Though I’ve improved in this area and have become a much better listener, my life still consists of me doing more talking than listening.  Sometimes, as Snyder mentioned earlier, being mindful and self-aware can help me grasp the power to be the best version of me.  Today, it’s a little less talk and a lot more listening.  

Frugality

When I first read of Franklin’s virtues in October 2010 (I date all my books), frugality didn’t come to mind.  Two and a half years later as I read this assignment, frugality evaded my thoughts once again.  Then I took the virtues test and scored well.  However, though the test responded by stating, “You’ve made a good start on self-improvement” it also stated: You might want to think about how you approach: Frugality.  What?  Are you serious?  It finished with, “make a budget and try to stick to it.” Ouch.  Ten simple questions and I’ve been exposed.

Truth be told, I waste money and food.  And, I waste money on food.  As the money manager of our home, I’ve created several budgets.  I’ve told my wife and family numerous times, “A budget is only numbers on paper if it is not followed.”  In his best selling book The Total Money Makeover, Dave Ramsey (2003) said, “Change is painful.  Few people have the courage to seek out change.  Most people won’t change until the pain of where they are exceeds the pain of change” (p. 15).  Ramsey is referencing our budgets, saving, and spending habits.  Though I’ve also grown in this area, if I am honest with myself, I waste entirely too much money. 

My bank statement is riddled with Starbucks, Subway, Panera Bread, Chick-Fil-A, and a number of other restaurants.  To appease my guilt, I’ll rationalize with statements such as, “I don’t spend it on alcohol, cigarettes, golf, or anything else so if I want to go out to eat and drink Starbucks several times a week than it should be okay.”  Honestly, just writing that stung a little.

With that, change is coming.  Nearing 50 years old, I find myself disciplined with reading, school, work, and ministry activities.  I exercise and manage my attitude.  Yet, there is a weakness and frivolousness with spending and eating.  Franklin said, “Waste nothing.”  It’s time to reduce the waste and increase the wealth.

Humility

C.S. Lewis (1952) calls it “The great sin.”  He writes in Mere Christianity, “There is one vice of which no man in the world is free; which every one in the world loathes when he sees it in someone else: Pride” (p. 121).  The antithesis of humility.

In May of this year I read a book by Brad Lomenick called The Catalyst Leader. Lomenick (2013) discusses the three elements of principled leadership.  The first one he discusses: humility.  He writes, “Humble leaders are willing to pass on the credit but absorb the criticism, push others higher while making themselves lower, and put the desires of the team ahead of their own” (p. 127).  Uhh, yeah…about that…

If there is one quality that cannot be faked, fabricated, or found, it is humility.  This is a characteristic that is born from the death of hubris burned in the fire of circumstances.  You will not wake up humble.  You can’t get it by reading about it.  You can’t hope for it or beg for it.  I have found it only comes about by choosing to kill selfish pride and allow others to be noticed before me.  As I’ve said with the previous two virtues, I have improved in this area (or so I’ve been told).  Humility can never be professed; rather, it’s recognized.  So, if you have to say you’re humble; you’re not.

The best way to integrate additional measures of humility in my life is to talk about making right choices and looking for opportunities to let others grow and succeed as I remain in the background.  Humility is a paradox.  One chooses to be low and as a result is raised up.  Jesus said, “For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted” (Matthew 23:12, NIV).

Interestingly, Ben Franklin originally only identified 12 virtues until a Quaker friend “kindly” informed him that he had left something off: Franklin was often guilty of “pride,” the friend said, citing many examples, and could be “overbearing and insolent.” So Franklin added “humility” to be the thirteenth virtue on his list” (Isaacson, 2003).

I’ve come to understand that one’s battle with pride is a lifelong struggle that never completely goes away.  But, with that said, I do believe it can be placed in-check and controlled like a prisoner sentenced to life.  Isaacson (2003) quotes Franklin referencing pride when he said, “There is perhaps no one of our natural passions so hard to subdue as pride; disguise it, struggle with it, beat it down, stifle it, mortify it as much as one pleases, it is still alive and will every now and then peep out and show itself” (p. 92).

Like silence and frugality, humility is best served when made self-aware.  Thinking and writing of these virtues is a great step toward improving them in my life.  Tomorrow I will listen more, spend less, and serve faithfully.  My goal is to help men and women achieve all they can be.  In the process, joy will be found by witenssing their success.

While I’ve got some work to do, it’s great to see how far I’ve come.  The fulfillment is not in the destination but rather in the journey.  I encourage everyone to pick three virtues they believe they can improve on and write out their thoughts on how to grow in those areas.  Simply thinking and writing has a tremendous impact.

Legacy knows when to keep silent, when to save, and always serves.

Steve

Reference:

Isaacson, W. (2003). Ben Franklin: An American Life. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster.

Lewis, C.S. (1952). Mere Christianity. San Francisco, CA: HarperCollins.

Lomenick, B. (2013). The catalyst leader. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson.

Metaxas, E. (2010). Bonhoeffer. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson.

Ramsey, D. (2003). The total money makeover. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson.

Snyder, S. (2013). Leadership and the art of struggle. San Francisco, CA: Berrett-Koehler

Publishers.