The answer to this question seems like it should be obvious. For some reason there is a lot of confusion that surrounds this topic, though.
The obvious answer is: It is EVERYBODY'S responsibility to keep the leader on track.
The leader is supposed to be the servant of all. That means the leaders is to SERVE everyone in the community, not demand that everyone in the community serves him. That also means that each member of the community has a responsibility to serve each other, "Everyone is called upon to lead in some capacity sooner or later in life." (Woodward/Brady: Launching A Leadership Revolution). One of the crucial ways that members of a community serve each other is by keeping the leader in check, making sure that he stays on track and isn't leading individuals, or the organization to it's doom.
This is a great responsibility that is shared by everyone within the community. There is only one way that this can, and will, happen: life-long learning. If every member of the community hasn't made the commitment to a lifetime of growth and development then the members of the community aren't capable of checking the leader (ex. citizens of the United States checking government at every level: local, state, and federal).
It is only by every individual making the commitment to be a lifelong student that this can actually happen. People who don't read every day, listen to educational audios every day, and associate with other leaders on a regular basis are not equipped to check anybody. Watching 4-6 hours of TV every day will not equip your community with the skills they need to become effective leaders and overseers. It is only through an intentional plan of self-education that leaders grow and develop.
Learning and growing yourself is essential because when it comes time to check or question the leader you have to be ready to give answers for your opinion or challenge. You especially need to be prepared if you are checking an out-of-control ego: "Who do you think you are questioning me? Don't you know who I am?" Sadly, these egocentric leaders surface in every kind of community: families, volunteer organizations, churches, corporate America, government, etc.
It is when checking the egocentric leader that you really need to be sure of yourself. Don't be intimidated by their arrogance, but make sure you are prepared to defend every one of your criticisms and concerns. Be prepared for a continuing barrage of superficial counter-attacks. Don't get distracted by that. Stay focused on the points that you are making. Keep the main points in front of you and don't get caught running in circles. No matter how he attacks you, keep coming back to the point that you are making.
If at the end of your conversation it is clear that the leader's heart is hardened and his ears are closed, it may be time to leave the community. Leaving should only really be considered as a last resort. If you have tried to address the same issues two, or three, or even four times with no positive results, then it may be time to leave.
If you need to leave don't keep it a secret that you are going. Don't launch a smear campaign against the leader or the community, but be open to sharing why you are leaving if anyone asks. Be available to meet privately with individuals to help them understand the decision you have made. You owe it to them to make sure they know what's going on. You don't want people to be blind-sided when they find themselves in the same exact situation that you did.
God bless
Jason Fredrick
The obvious answer is: It is EVERYBODY'S responsibility to keep the leader on track.
The leader is supposed to be the servant of all. That means the leaders is to SERVE everyone in the community, not demand that everyone in the community serves him. That also means that each member of the community has a responsibility to serve each other, "Everyone is called upon to lead in some capacity sooner or later in life." (Woodward/Brady: Launching A Leadership Revolution). One of the crucial ways that members of a community serve each other is by keeping the leader in check, making sure that he stays on track and isn't leading individuals, or the organization to it's doom.
This is a great responsibility that is shared by everyone within the community. There is only one way that this can, and will, happen: life-long learning. If every member of the community hasn't made the commitment to a lifetime of growth and development then the members of the community aren't capable of checking the leader (ex. citizens of the United States checking government at every level: local, state, and federal).
It is only by every individual making the commitment to be a lifelong student that this can actually happen. People who don't read every day, listen to educational audios every day, and associate with other leaders on a regular basis are not equipped to check anybody. Watching 4-6 hours of TV every day will not equip your community with the skills they need to become effective leaders and overseers. It is only through an intentional plan of self-education that leaders grow and develop.
Learning and growing yourself is essential because when it comes time to check or question the leader you have to be ready to give answers for your opinion or challenge. You especially need to be prepared if you are checking an out-of-control ego: "Who do you think you are questioning me? Don't you know who I am?" Sadly, these egocentric leaders surface in every kind of community: families, volunteer organizations, churches, corporate America, government, etc.
It is when checking the egocentric leader that you really need to be sure of yourself. Don't be intimidated by their arrogance, but make sure you are prepared to defend every one of your criticisms and concerns. Be prepared for a continuing barrage of superficial counter-attacks. Don't get distracted by that. Stay focused on the points that you are making. Keep the main points in front of you and don't get caught running in circles. No matter how he attacks you, keep coming back to the point that you are making.
If at the end of your conversation it is clear that the leader's heart is hardened and his ears are closed, it may be time to leave the community. Leaving should only really be considered as a last resort. If you have tried to address the same issues two, or three, or even four times with no positive results, then it may be time to leave.
If you need to leave don't keep it a secret that you are going. Don't launch a smear campaign against the leader or the community, but be open to sharing why you are leaving if anyone asks. Be available to meet privately with individuals to help them understand the decision you have made. You owe it to them to make sure they know what's going on. You don't want people to be blind-sided when they find themselves in the same exact situation that you did.
God bless
Jason Fredrick
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