THE LAW OF THE LID: How Leaders Set The Bar For Their Followers
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When a pot is placed on the stove or fireplace,
the water will be heated gradually until it reaches very high temperatures.
Eventually the water will boil producing steam and sounds. The boiling water
will be jumping up and down trying to escape from the pot, but as long as the
lid is there it will not. The level of the lid determines the height and extent
of movement of the boiling water. The only way to allow flexibility on the
boiling water is to lift the lid higher. Only then will the water find space to
move upwards.
The same principle applies in leadership! “The lower an individual’s ability to lead,
the lower the lid on his potential. The higher the individual’s ability to
lead, the higher the lid on his potential”, says Dr John C. Maxwell. It is
very difficult to inspire your subordinates beyond your reach. If you check on
them, they most likely perform below you; and if ever they continue in their
steady, they will only reach your level as their leader.
If you knock off from
work at 2 pm, they will also do the same regardless of the outstanding work to
be done. If you are a church leader who gives 50 cents in offerings, check your
subordinates! They most likely give 30 cents, 10 cents, 5 cents. If you don't
pray at home, most likely all your children just go to sleep without praying.
If you survive by stealing and armed robbery just check your children if they
are not doing the same. The same goes for prostitutes, even though they usually
want their children not to venture into their trade; most often than not the
children end up being prostitutes, copying what their parent does.
Therefore, we have to be extremely careful in life
on how we lead and conduct ourselves! Because, whatever we do determines the
level of performance of those who are below us. Be a good leader, who
determines greater levels of performance in good things for your followers.
Written by Tapiwa Zuze
