Valuing their input
Be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility (1 Peter 5:5 KJV)
Several years ago, I directed a youth singing group that consisted mostly of teenagers. I really enjoyed my task of “directing”—too much so, perhaps. I saw myself as the leader and always had to have the last word, especially regarding how we were supposed to sound.
One thing that was repeatedly pointed out was my tendency to speed up the tempo of the songs when playing guitar. Those in the group insisted I was doing that, but I refused to own up to it, until one day when I was playing the drums the bass player said, “Keep it steady, Steve. You’re really speeding up the tempo.”
I was shocked—but this time, the observation was coming from a musician whose talent and experience far surpassed mine. It got me thinking. Things had been rather tense in the singing group for a while, and I’d attributed this to nearly everyone except myself.
The first chance I got, I called the group together, apologized for the way I’d been acting, and let them know that from now on, I was going to start seeking and valuing their input and advice.
From then on, I did my best to see them as companions and coworkers, instead of mere trainees. Things ran much more smoothly, since there was an unhindered flow of honest communication and input from one another. Our rehearsals were fun instead of stressful, and our performances touched lives with God’s love. [1]
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It is better to lead from behind and to put others in front, especially when you celebrate victory when nice things occur. You take the front line when there is danger. Then people will appreciate your leadership. - Nelson Mandela (1918–2013)
[1] Activated Learning to Follow
