From James Dodwell - Hammers of Hope
Good Morning,
Politics isn’t in my wheelhouse or do I claim any knowledge
of how the big political machine operates but an article in the local paper
announcing “the date has arrived” for candidates to qualify for the office they
plan to seek caught my attention recently. I was amused at what had to be done
to qualify: Must be a resident of the city or district for 90 days prior to
election and pay a small registration fee to become a candidate for public
office. What? No background checks, no character references, nope, just live in
the city or district and pay a few dollars and you are off and running. I’m no
Einstein but this may be where the problem begins with some of the elected
officials in office today. Just saying.
As I read this in the paper I recalled a story: An older
couple was a little worried, as their son was still unable to decide about his
future career. So they decided to do a small test. They put a note on the front
hall table saying they were out for the night. Around the note they put a
ten-dollar bill, a Bible, and a bottle of whiskey. Then they hid. The father
told his wife, "If our son takes the money, he will be a businessman, if
he takes the Bible, he will be a pastor, but if he takes the bottle of whiskey,
I'm afraid our son will be a no-good drunkard." So the parents waited
nervously, peeping through the keyhole as they saw their son arrive. The son
read the note, took the ten-dollar bill and slid it in his pocket. Then he took
the Bible, flipped through it, and put it under his arm. Finally, he grabbed
the bottle, opened it, and took an appreciative whiff to be assured of the
quality. Then he left for his room, carrying all three items. The father
slapped his forehead and said to his wife, "This is worse than I could
ever have imagined!" "Our son is going to be a politician!"
Thomas Jefferson once said, “No duty the executive has to
perform is so trying as to put the right man in the right place.” In other
words, no duty the people have to perform is so trying as to put the right
candidate in the right office. As leaders in our homes and communities, it is
up to us to put the right people in the right places. It is our responsibility
to aid this process by making sure the candidate, the elected leader, is of the
utmost character and integrity, has the skills and abilities, an abundance
mindset and a servants -heart for the people.
A person seeking office must connect with the hearts of the
people and understand there are certain principles that make the whole
organization progress. They need to know motivation without organization equals
frustration. We have seen numerous plans rolled out for the “benefit” of the
masses. Complex wording, vague ideas, and little communication, weaken support
and kills motivation. Open communication, true teamwork and transparency
increases support and keep people motivated. The strongest organizations are
the simplest. True leaders love everybody, but move with the movers. They put
the right people in the right places and continue forward.
True leaders know good organizations establish clear lines
of authority. There is no room for blurred lines or fuzzy math. Clear and
concise instruction and communication helps to eliminate any confusion and
develops trust and honesty within the organization. People do what you inspect,
not what you expect. Rules and regulations are there for a purpose and should
be followed, if not change must occur. The person working outside the
established boundaries will have to change or be changed. True leaders provide
a supportive climate of trust and teamwork. Let me say this again, true
leaders, in our communities, homes, organizations, government and places of
worship, must provide a supportive climate of trust and teamwork to make the organization
successful. Last but not least, successful organizations, managed by true
leaders recognize and reward the efforts of the team, the whole team, the
entire team.
I encourage each of us to take the time to understand what
we want to see in our leaders. Do they have the skills, abilities, qualities
and principles we want in a person we plan to lead our organization? Do they
have a servants-heart for the people? Are they willing to take the
responsibility for doing what is right and true? Do they look to a higher power
for their instruction or operate under their own power? We have the opportunity
to make a difference and add value with our vote, make it count. Matthew
7:13-14
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