Monday; February 21

I believe that, throughout the years, we have developed a rather romantic view of the beginning of our nation. While there were inspirational characters who were willing to risk all they had for freedom, there were a lot more common folks who needed to be convinced that revolting against the king (and their ancestry) was a good idea. I am sure that the zealous revolutionaries could have used their power to spark the rebellion, but was that the best way to recruit and prepare people to sign-on to the cause? As I read some correspondence the other day from General George Washington, I was intrigued by his take, “… a people unused to restraint must be led, they will not be drove.”. In other words, to gather buy-in most people are more likely to respond to inspiration through leadership than compulsion by intimidation.
In all honesty, the older I get the more I see the wisdom in Washington’s observation. While this has been quite evident in the recent pandemic, the proof has been around for a lot longer than COVID. Whether it is in spiritual living or community betterment, it is difficult to “make” people become their best – this will only happen when we lead them to reach their own potential. Sure, there is value in laws, rules or restrictions; but real compliance comes when leaders set the example and inspire people to grow and develop.
Have we been called to lead people? How are we doing it: through management or motivation?

Think About It!

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