Leaders: Giving Direction 1/11/17

Leaders: Giving Direction* Giving direction is vital to the leadership enterprise: but how you guide will determine the results. The staff of a shepherd is a tool that can serve as an object which demonstrates this role. The shepherd carries the staff and leads, which requires personal investment and cannot be delegated. The shepherd uses the staff to establish boundaries, gently guide and even rescue (that is the reason for the crook at the top). Leaders keep their eye on the horizon beyond where their followers can see. They also keep everyone together and maintain boundaries. They guide by persuasion and influence always setting the example for others to follow. When necessary they even rescue, if someone gets in trouble, and in doing so build a trust and loyalty that nothing else ever could. They use the power of encouragement to shape the direction of their team and underwrite risk, even temporary failures (which can lead to failing forward). The shepherd’s staff represents power, in fact the scepter carried by ancient kings was modeled on the shepherd’s staff. But with the power to direct goes the responsibility; to guide with prudence, to maintain boundaries and to care for the whole team, even one who may stray. *This is a personal reflection on chapter 5 of the book, The Way of the Shepherd: 7 Ancient Secrets to Managing Productive People by Leman and Pentak – The main points of chapter are: -Know where you are going, Lead and keep your team moving. -Direct through persuasion not coercion. -Empower freedom but within boundaries. -Remember that failure isn't fatal. ** For a religious thought on this reflection you may consider John 10: 1-6 or you may consult beliefnet for a spiritual one.