Many years ago, I came across some words by Howard Hendricks that have made a leadership impression on me. “If you want someone to bleed, you’ve got to hemorrhage.” This is so huge, and ironically overlooked! I’ve met some ambitious “leaders” who assumed just because they were the leader, followers would do what they said with an attitude of initiation and excitement. Crazy thinking, huh? But, we reproduce what we are. There is no better leadership than a willingness to demonstrate the heart and activity of the team. And, what is demonstrated must be at a higher level. Much of leading others is better caught than taught.
If you want them to bleed, you have to really, really bleed. Leader, think in these terms when you lead: If you want those you lead to bleed vision, you’ve got to really, really bleed vision. If you want those that follow you to live by the values of your organization, then you’ve got to really, really live by those same values. If you want them to be honest, you’ve got to be more honest more of the time. If you want your followers to embody a culture of honor, then you’ve got to lead that culture by honoring them on an ongoing basis. If you want the organization you lead to be caring and compassionate, then you've got to care far more. Teamwork, ethics, communication, contributions cannot be expected unless it is demonstrated again and again by those who lead. That’s LEADERSHIP!
Before you get frustrated and “throw in the towel,” look at the one who’s leading the troops. If those who follow you aren’t responding the way you wish, are you leading with what you want them to do? Is your example too big to be ignored? Just remember – the leader is the lead bleeder!
As a leader, how well are you bleeding?
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