Being a Line Leader is a huge responsibility. In preschool a
line leader is somewhat of a celebrity, at least for a day. But what about
those of us who have advanced well beyond the years of preschool. Perhaps we
are parents, or maybe we are in management at our jobs. Or, maybe a pastor in a
faith community. Every day we go through our day we are a Line Leader in some
capacity, if only at the traffic light. To be a good line leader, you’ll need
three things: 1) A destination, 2) A map of the journey there, 3) All of the
necessary equipment for the trip.
Let’s break it down. First a destination. As a line leader,
everyone is expected to follow me, that is, behind me. Now, if no one inquires
where we are going I could easily have a group of very misled people. Also, as
a line leader I have control and opportunity over my fold. From their
perspective, they offer me trust [that I’m going to lead them to a good place] and encouragement in the
event that I get weary on our way. Some Line Leaders may enjoy the silent sheep, how very dangerous for that sheep. How easily you will be
mistreated and misled ….. As a good Line Leader I will have at least two others
to probe me with questions and hold me accountable for my choices. Lest in my
poor leading I negatively infect rather
than positively effect. If you are in
line, who are you in line behind? Where are you being led to? Do you know? Do
you care? You have responsibility to know. And to care. Ahead of time. If not,
then you forfeit the right to cry about your destination when you arrive. Get
to know your Line Leader.
Second, as an effective Line Leader, I’ll take the
responsibility to map our journey ahead of time. Preschoolers know three things
for sure. They know how to get to the bathroom, the snack table and the
playground. There is a specific direction required to arrive at each
destination. So many public figures are Line Leaders and they have not taken
the time to map the journey. Or, maybe they have mapped it right straight back
to their bank account. But, what about the account of people’s lives? Far more
volatile than one’s bank account. As a Line Leader I must, and I repeat must,
realize that mapping the journey is a critical step toward ensuring my safety
and the safety of my fold (physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually). Hence, my need for
those two others who ask questions
and hold me accountable. Being a Line Leader is no easy task. There is a human
element. What happens when I make a bad move? Well, Moses had a bunch of ticked
off people. Out in the hot desert, hungry and whining. Thank goodness for
Aaron, or he’d ‘ave sunk. How many public ministers I can think of today whose
ministries have gotten dangerously big. So big, that when they stumble they
take thousands of people down with them. As followers of the Line Leader
people, WE have a responsibility to know where we’re headed and the basic plan
of how we’re gonna get there! (Otherwise, remember, we lose our crying rights
when we all fall down).
Finally, as a Line Leader I am tasked with the responsibility
of packing for the trip. Some preschool leaders get to carry a flag, to signify
their leadership. As an adult Line Leader, my flag is my dignity and integrity.
And let me tell you, they will shine like a beacon as long as I’m on top. When
I fall watch out! Not only will the light go out, but I will withdraw so you
can’t see me (a human defense mechanism). As a follower, think about that. When
my Line-Leader-light goes out, how
will you see where you’re going? You see, as a Line Leader,
I’ve only been given the role for a short period of time (relatively speaking).
The reality is I’m human just as the rest of my group. I make mistakes,
sometimes horrendous mistakes. If I don’t have the necessary equipment, which
is my plan, my integrity, my moral compass, and my ethics in my satchel, then
shame on you [followers] for getting in
line behind me. (And by the way, you can’t buy ethics, no matter how many
conferences or classes your pay for; either you have them or you don’t. A
conference will just you up on Best Practices).
People, seriously, think about it. We all fall short. We all
stumble. We all fall.
In life we are only Line Leader for a day, and some may
never get the opportunity, because of social caste. Those of us in front have a
huge responsibility to be kind, equitable, responsible and accountable. We have
a responsibility to make a well thought out plan ahead of the journey. If there
are changes along the way, fine, reassess, but always with the group in mind.
The very day we begin to lie, cheat and scheme is the first day of the end of
our leadership. If you are in line, great, we need supporters. Don’t follow
blindly. Ask questions, hold your leader accountable. Stand up and be counted.
If you choose not to, and it is your choice – no one can choose for you - you will forfeit your right to cry if you end
up where you don’t want to be. Then, your journey back may be much longer than
you planned.
Choose to be your own Line Leader. Just know people are
watching and waiting. And we are all human.
