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Leadership Lesson – Owners versus Renters

In leadership, I have personally observed that there is a definite difference between leaders who have commitment and those that do not. The best illustration that I have read which highlights the difference of being committed and being merely interested is that of the pig and the chicken on a farm.  At breakfast time, the pig is totally committed, but the chicken is merely interested.  In this simple little illustration, it is easy to see how the pig totally owns the breakfast since it must give everything to participate – its life; whereas, the chicken only gives partially to participate – its egg.

The leadership principle of being totally committed by giving everything for a purpose is also further illustrated when Jesus shares the parable of the pearl of great price.  In Matthew 13:45-46 Jesus says, “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls,  who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it.” In this parable, the merchant sees value in a pearl and is willing to give everything to own it.

Have you ever thought about the differences between owning a vehicle and renting a vehicle?  As I think about it, I have personally found three key differences that also apply to principles of leadership commitment.

• Investment: Owners are willing to pay the full price for the life time benefit of an owned vehicle; whereas, renters are only willing to pay a partial price for the short term benefit of a rented vehicle. 

Principle of Leadership Commitment – Leaders with commitment see the intrinsic value in a specific purpose and are willing to invest 100% to participate.

• Vision: Owners will park owned vehicles in safe places to protect its future value; whereas, renters will park rented vehicles in the most convenient places without much regard for protecting its future value.  Principle of Leadership Commitment - Leaders with commitment have vision and build for the future.

• Responsibility: Owners will frequently wash and shine owned vehicles; whereas, renters rarely wash and shine rented vehicles. 

Principle of Leadership Commitment - Leaders with commitment take full responsibility and properly steward their investment in the future.

To help leaders assess their personal commitment level in any particular leadership situation, I would recommend asking three simple questions:

1. 1. Am I willing to invest 100% of my best effort for this purpose or something less than my best effort?
2. 2. Am I focusing (vision) more on the long term benefits of my effort or more on the short term benefits?
3. 3. Am I willing to take full responsibility for my effort or little responsibility for my effort?

By asking these three simple questions, you and I will be better equipped to evaluate and assess leadership commitment in any given situation. Thanks and have a blessed day!