[November 24, 2018] The idea that leadership is a sacred trust is not new. Because the meaning is so broad, there is a lack of clarity. What does it mean when we say that leadership is a sacred trust? Is this a religious statement?
“It is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.” – 1 Corinthians 4:2, The Holy Bible
It would appear, at least on the surface of the idea, that leadership being a sacred trust is somehow connected to religious beliefs. A scan of recent leadership, both professional and religious (or both) suggests that it is a religious idea or at least got its start in religious beliefs.
There are many in the U.S. military and some philosophers who have made a strong case that leadership is about accountability, stewardship, and establishing trust (i.e., faith, bond, and loyalty). The suggestion that a sacred trust is one of the central tenets to understanding leadership draws upon the most basic need for humans in any social context.
A sacred trust is both religious and social.
Trust remains at the heart of leadership. Without trust there is conflict and chaos. Disconnects in communication will be often when trust is lacking. Real leaders understand that they must ensure that trust is maintained and improved upon whenever possible. Thus, trust is what connects us to other humans in all contexts. Without it, we fail.
Many in our lives will drive a wedge between us and others. It could be a politician looking for votes, a business partner looking to take advantage, a family member who dislikes us, etc. Leaders must, therefore, make an extraordinary effort to instill trust.
If people like you, they will listen to your, but if they trust you, they will follow you anywhere.
Whether we like it or not, this is the truth. Leadership is a sacred trust and those who think otherwise will never be a great leader.
The quote you have from the Bible is very appropriate and supports your article well. The problem? Sometimes younger folks are turned off my any message from the Bible because they believe it’s primative or bad. They get this from their “education” beginning in kindergarten. Just be aware.
… that’s why we call them snowflakes. They cannot take anything that goes against their socialist ideology. I personally love watching them freak out. Just entertainment.
Yeah! But they destroy things when they freakout. Thanks all.
Another good message that strikes at the heart of why so many young people are so easily offended. They will do poorly in their future.
Thanks for a good article on this Saturday morning here in the US. This is one that I will summarize for my students on Monday. Thanks.
Good luck with your students.
Another good article to start my day off. I’m sitting here (again ….) with my dog at my feet and coffee in my hand while I read your blog post. Nicely done. I recommend we all think about this concept of leadership and communicate some of the main concepts to those who follow us.
Like most of our ways of doing things today, are in fact influenced heavily by our religous background. There’s no divorcing ourselves from it nor should we worry about it or try. These are tried and true ways that work!
You are right, Janna. Thanks for making the point.
Here is another good article on the same topic. Each that we read or each conversation we have on any leadership topic, incrementally adds to our understanding of what real leadership means.
http://www.bobyoungresources.com/sermons/08-2cor04_stewards.htm
Yes, Willie this is a good article and one that I’d read in preparation for my blog post today!
Yes, good article. Thanks for the reference.
🙂 🙂 🙂
As I write this, a copy of some of my old books sit on my desk waiting to be read again. They are all about leadership and how great men (and women) have achieved greatness. They do this by binding people together to achieve a common goal. This can only be done by developing trust. If we read the book “About Face” on WW1 we can see it in everything that succeeded.
https://www.amazon.com/About-Face-Odyssey-American-Warrior/dp/0671695347
Gen. Satterfield, you are right on target with the comment that trust is at the center of leadership. Without it, we have nothing but chaos.
As we all, regardless of religous belief, begin to prepare for the holiday season (an historical event), we should all consider that leadership is indeed a sacred trust. We as leaders are entrusted to do the right thing to accomplish our mission and take care of people. That is the thrust of good stewardship and responsibility.
As usual, spot on comment. Thank you Max for cutting to the heart of the matter.
Good one! Thank Max.