Give More Than You Take

"Comparing and contrasting" is one of the most effective strategies used in teaching, according to Robert Marzano, a renowned educator. This concept brings to mind a comparison of two administrators I had the opportunity to observe during my educational career.    

First of all, in any organization there are givers and takers. In my field of education that statement rings loud and clear. I am reminded of Bill (not his real name), who was the principal of a school. He was very talented but he was not a giver. He was obviously more concerned about himself than the students, teachers, and community which he served.

It was amazing to me that he would be among the first employees to leave campus when the school day was over. He would delegate most of his administrative responsibilities. He played the politics and most of the time he would divide--not unite--people. Bill was not a hard worker. In fact he was given an additional responsibility of overseeing an important extra-curricular program for the system but he gave a limited effort, even though he received a sizable stipend for it.

Nearing retirement, he took all his sick days and was away from school for a lengthy period of time before finally retiring.  For several months he put the school at a disadvantage because of his absence.  He was a taker. Why? What went wrong and who is at fault for allowing this to continue? Well, the answers are numerous but the fact remains that schools have employees who are takers just like Bill. What a sad ending to a long career. Bill is not remembered with fondness in the community that he served . 

Now contrast Bill with another principal by the name of Thomas who gave his last eleven years working in a run-down facility and received no extra stipend. In fact, he worked into the summer months of June and July and never received any extra pay. He was dedicated to the school. He was not as talented as Bill but his dedication was outstanding. 

Thomas sometimes made mistakes and used poor judgement. But nobody could deny his tireless commitment to the school. For example, he would pick up trash from the floors or school grounds if needed. He reported to work early and stayed late. He informed his supervisors that he would retire a year in advance. In his last year of being principal, he worked just as hard as before. He assisted in naming the next principal. He was a giver not a taker. Unfortunately he lived only a few months after retirement. The gymnasium at the new school is named after him. He is still remembered with fondness now approaching fifty years after his death.

I am convinced that successful leaders are givers not takers. I have often believed that if you give more than you take then you will always have more than you need. There is a principle found in the Old Testament book of Malachi 3:10, "Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house, and try me now in this, says the Lord of Hosts, if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing that there will not be room enough to store it."

 In Colossians 3:23 Paul says, "And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men." What a challenge! In simple terms, how would we work if the Lord was our boss? If the leader is not the hardest working, most dedicated member of the team, it becomes almost impossible for those following to rise to the level of excellence.

Perhaps it is time for all leaders to take inventory. Give more than you take and in time you will receive more than you need.

Remember, I believe we are all leaders regardless of our position.