Apples and Trees

The other day, I was at the baseball field and I was reminded of a phrase my mom used to use when I was growing up. She used to say, "The apple doesn't fall far from the tree." One of the players on a team had gotten mad and stormed off the field declaring to everyone that he had quit. I wasn't really surprised by his behavior. His dad, one of the coaches, is known at the field for arguing with the umps and yelling at his players. I wonder where his son learned such behavior? Hmmm....

This incident was yet another reminder to me that, as leaders, we replicate who we are...whether we like it or not. As a leader, I must first examine my own life before pointing the finger at the team I am leading. I was reading a blog post today by Perry Noble (he's becoming one of my favorites), and he was writing to senior pastors leading their staff.

"If you want loyalty…then GIVE IT!  The leader that demands it but does not offer it often leaves a wake of abused and neglected staff members." To read his full post, click here.

Don't get me wrong, there are times when individuals go their own way. But in general, the speed of the leader determines the speed of the team.