Stewardship
Leaders who are committed to service develop a strong sense of responsibility, or stewardship, over the resources and assets they have in their charge. A steward places emphasis not just on the financial assets, but also on the invaluable, intangible assets of an organization. The collective talent of team members is recognized as the core resource of any company or organization. True stewardship acknowledges human potential as the organization’s most important asset. In organizations that fail, effective stewardship has been the Achilles’ heel of management. Some leaders are simply unable to sacrifice their own needs and desires for those of their team, even if that sacrifice would be for the good of the group. Short-term pressures easily crowd out long-term concerns for developing people and their talents. The inevitable result of this short-sighted approach is that you will have team members who feel unappreciated and unwanted, and who fail to deliver their maximum contribution to the organization.
Successful leaders believe stewardship is a vital, permanent part of their management effort. This is because they see their team members as repositories of human potential. As stewards of this incredible untapped potential, highly effective leaders feel an ongoing responsibility to help team members grow and develop in all areas of life. An organization can grow only if its people grow. Great leaders are able to mold a partnership that enables all team members to dream great dreams, make noble plans, and daily pursue those plans together.
Leading an organization and embracing these core values on a daily basis is not easy. It takes clear focus, unwavering commitment, and supreme self-confidence. Most failings of leadership are a direct result of a leader’s lack of clear and consistent values. A strong value system forms the foundation of a positive self-image.
Happy Holidays and I will see you in 2013.
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