[July 17, 2014] One of the most fundamental truths about humans is that we can accomplish more things … faster, better, greater … than we can working alone. This is why teamwork is so valued wherever we work and play; and has been throughout history. Humans respect and admire teamwork in sports, business, military, religion, and family life; all those things that we need and want. On the flip side, we also know that “divided we fall.” In other words, humans cannot reach their potential without others.
“Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand.” – Matthew 12:25
Art by Brian Raszka
This explains why patriotism, loyalty, duty, selfless service and sacrifice, and leadership in the group have such immediate and lasting value. President Abraham Lincoln said the same thing in one of his greatest speeches against slavery when he said, “a house divided, cannot stand.” This was Lincoln’s position against the concept of “popular sovereignty” under which each state decided their own position on slavery. Lincoln’s argued that either American would become either all free or all slave, that there was no middle ground.
Lincoln’s position on slavery and many of our largest debates over human history have been wrapped in a similar argument. Leadership means being out in front of these debates, understanding the issues even when complex, and working with others through to a common position. Pitting groups of people against each other for the purpose of gaining power is the abomination of leadership. Sadly, we see much of this today among many.
Leadership means overcoming those who would attempt to destroy teamwork and the importance of “united we stand.” This does not mean that disagreement doesn’t exist. Quite the contrary it will exist and when there is effective leadership, those will be debated and argued over for periods of time. Leaders ensure that the debates are professional, peaceful, and add value.
In the end, humans can remain individuals and not give up their freedom for the good of society but the conglomeration of freedoms is what makes the best societies stand out from others.Divided we fall is more than just a saying but a human truth; leadership helps make it so.
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