Own the Vision

Have you ever wondered at the plethora of leadership books on the market? I was strolling through Barnes and Nobles the other day perusing the leadership shelves and I began to feel as though I was looking up at the stars. Book after book titled itself as the top ten, or first five or seven this or that. It's amazing to me how so many think they need to have all knowledge (unattainable) before they launch or lead anything. I believe you can boil a lot of leadership principles down to one thing; example. Truth be told, followers take their cues from leaders. They will only sacrifice for the vision if the leader will; only take a bullet for the cause if the leader will. The problem is too many leaders are merely hirelings.

Solomon was arguably the greatest king of Israel. But David was definitely a man's man when it comes to kings. David could fight. David could lead. More importantly, David could lead in a fight. One of my favorite David accounts is not actually in the middle of a brawl - but during a break. In 2 Samuel 23:13-17 David is thirsty and longing for a drink from Bethlehem's well. So, his three mightiest men bust through the Phillistine line, draw water from the well and bring it back for David to drink. But here David shows his leadership. He pours it out unto God because he is "unworthy" of the risk the men took.

Sacrifice and vision. Can't you just hear the shout that goes up in the camp? David was one of them. David knew the risks. David was leading his men not only in fighting, but in worship. He was casting a vision, yes, but more importantly, he was living it out.

So show your followers you own the vision you're casting. If they believe down to their toes that you own the cause, they will follow you anywhere.