There is a side of leadership where it is not enough to know the way, but you also have to go the way and show the way for others to listen and learn from you. That is especially true for those living in nations struggling with poverty, depression and discouragement.
I live in Hungary. On an almost daily basis I speak with people who earn something similar to 2,5 USD per hour. That is not much in a nation where a McDonalds menu cost 6 USD. As a leader you try to help people and come with good advices on how they can get things going around, but it often feels hard, almost impossible. It is not a coincidence that it is among poor and troubled people you often find those trying everything, just to find a way out. The problem is just that they are often tricked into situations where they spend money to try something, only to find out later that it didn’t work, and there they stand left behind, even poorer.
An example from the Bible
In Exodus chapter 6 God is telling Moses about his great plan to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. As Moses stands before his people sharing the message from God the response is not what one would expect.
So Moses told the people of Israel what the LORD had said, but they refused to listen anymore. They had become too discouraged by the brutality of their slavery. (Exodus 6:9)
Moses had spoken to Pharaoh and the Israelites earlier in Exodus. After speaking to Pharaoh the first time the work of the Israelites turned even harder (it seemed to do exactly the opposite of what it was supposed to). As Moses returns none is listening anymore. They had enough to deal with just doing the work Pharaoh had commanded them to do.
People who are discouraged and bitter, who work day in and out often face the same problem. They wouldn’t recognize a piece of gold, even if it showed up in front of them. They only see what they are doing and that they are worn out. Such a person is nearly impossible to lead, because they don’t see the leader and they won’t listen to the leader, at least not at first.
A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.
A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way
The world is in need of people who not only know the way, but who have walked it, who can show it, and let me add, who will bring others with them on the way. Do you have a great idea or an amazing business plan? Do not try to give on the idea to someone bitter and discouraged and tell them to do it. You need to start it yourself and bring other people with you on the way.
I discussed the subject of blogging with some Hungarians lately and they told me that you can not expect a person who do not have food on the table to have energy and inspiration to write a blog, which is kind of what the Maslow-pyramid principle is about. I see it from a different way, but that might be because I do not have a struggle to get food on my table, buy clothes to wear and heat up the flat in which I live.
The principle about showing the way probably goes for blogging as well. It is not enough to tell people that they should do it, but the leader walks the way, shows and takes people with him on the way. How can this be done exactly? I would love to hear your thoughts and ideas.
8 Responses
A good leader walks the talk and not just keep on nagging and nagging. In blogging, a good leader should always show their best practices. If they write about good SEO practices then they should practice good SEO. Leaders should also take time to reply to comments to show that they care about the people who read their posts. Encourage people to blog, not just for cash but for personal reasons too.
Thank you for posting that comment! It is important to have integrity as a leader and that is always having a consistency between what you say and what you do. If you preach something, live it. If you teach something, let those people who see in action experience that you live out what you are saying. But, I do believe this is even more challenging, not only to show the way and to have integrity, but to take a persons hand and to lead them personally.
People are generally afraid to go out of the norms. They don’t want to feel uncomfortable. Leaders are there to help others who are scared. They’re there to tell them that blogging isn’t as scary as you think it is.
I guess that is what the entire article is about, that the leader need to make some really uncomfortable steps helping others. The paradox is that you often could do it just as well on your own, but a part of our calling is to help others, so we will do it to show the way and help people out of the mud. And in the end, there is no greater thing than to see someone who have been fighting finally accomplish something and experience the fulfilment that exists in doing so!
I agree with your post and one quality I would encourage you to include is integrity. It enables people to follow challenging and difficult paths if they know the leader is operating with integrity. At the core organizations are comprised of people. When a leader operates with integrity, the best interests of the organization and therefore the people are guarded.
Thanks for sharing!
What you are saying is so true. If the people don’t trust the leader, they will not follow them anywhere. If they see that the leader gives 120% of himself, they will easier follow after as they know that they follow someone who do their uttermost to see this go through to success… Really grateful for your input!
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A leader is one who listens and help solve their issue. Also when one feels a little hesitant of doing something he wanted to do, then he needs a leader to show the path and show them how you did it.
A good leader should be able to inspire people and earn the respect by showing characters like courage, integrity and care.