A loyal Leader

In a business, church, Troop or Patrol, often thoughts of loyalty are directed to the leader. Those who are loyal to the leader often tell other people they need to be loyal to their leader. Really, the opposite is more important. Is the leader loyal to the people they serve? The leader should always be the servant to those who follow them, not the other way around. As J. Oswald Sanders points out: “True greatness, true leadership, found in giving yourself in service to others, not in coaxing or inducing others to serve you.”

Scouts know that leadership holds a great responsibility. As a leader, you must bring others to the place where they can succeed and fulfill their God-given purpose. Author John Maxwell said, “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” A leader must never drive, manipulate, or force others to follow them. If they are a leader, others will follow because they know this person knows where they are going and they wish to come along.

“The loyalty of your men is a sacred trust you carry.  It is something which must never be betrayed, something you must live up to.”

Sir Ernest Shackleton

1874-1922

Explorer

John D. Rockefeller pointed out that, “Good leadership consists of showing average people how to do the work of superior people.” Scouts know that they are to help others be their best and to succeed in what they do. A loyal leader will never set people up to fail. They will do all in their power to allow others to succeed and to give others the credit for the success. Scouts follow this system: When the team succeeds give others the credit, when they fail you take the responsibility.

People will follow a humble and fair leader. No one wants to be controlled by a leader who is looking out for his or her own interests. The leader who is humble is one who looks out for the interest of their team. Remember that humility is not thinking less of yourself, it is thinking about yourself less. Andrew Carnegie said, “No man will be a great leader who wants to do it all himself and get all the credit for it.”

Scouts understand that one is too small a number for success and they need the team. By being loyal to others, others are loyal to them. It is as U.S. President John Quincy Adams said “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”

“If anyone wants to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.”

Mark 9:35

Scouting Out of Uniform is a personal blog based on the lessons learned from Scouting that relate to personal development and success principles and is not an official site of The Boy Scouts of America. John Patrick Hickey does not represent or speak for the Scouting program; however, he does completely support and encourages Scouting for both young and old. John Patrick Hickey is an author, speaker, Personal Development Coach, and proud Scouter. To read more from John Patrick Hickey or to get his books, training and book him to speak to your church, business, or group, visit our website at www.johnpatrickhickey.com