I read about a children's cardboard clubhouse where they wrote these words on the outside: "Nobody act big. Nobody act small. Everybody act medium." Honor can be a misunderstood dynamic in any organization. Many think that when you honor someone you are giving deserved credit or applause for the level of their performance or prestige. But that can limit the activity of giving honor and can make it one direction. Honor is meant for all people to experience! Romans 12:10 says, “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” And, when our families, churches and organizations do this unreservedly, many positive dimensions can unfold. The lid is lifted…creativity is given permission to increase…ideas are shared in a safe environment…individual strengths are fanned into focus…diversity is celebrated…teamwork is not just an ideal but a reality…people look forward to being around each other. That’s positive in any environment! So, how do you cultivate a culture of honor where you live, worship, work and have fun?
H – Humbly serve every chance you get. In other words, don’t pass up an opportunity to go out of your way to serve the other person – from top to bottom, bottom to top and every where in between.
O – Offer honest, private feedback. Feedback is enjoyable and admittedly needed only if it’s given and received in a non-threatening way.
N – Never criticize openly or behind someone’s back. Nothing more quickly disturbs and ultimately destroys an honor culture than bringing someone down among others. Work hard to keep trust high in this regard.
O – Observe the special days of others. Remember birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays by simple, but sincere acts of kindness.
R – Reward openly, fairly and regularly. This also has to be deliberate and scheduled in order for it to become part of the culture. What gets rewarded gets valued and so does the person.
How can honor become culture? Start somewhere…and keep going. Work at it, talk about it, publicize it, hold each other accountable, and as the leader, live it on purpose!
Culture is formed by the heart and the happenings, never by accident.
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