John Stanko

"They tie up heavy, cumbersome loads and put them
on other people’s shoulders, but they themselves are
not willing to lift a finger to move them" - Matthew 23:4.

Jesus condemned the leaders of Israel who made heavy and hard work for others, while not doing anything to help them. It is similar to Pharaoh ordering the people to make bricks, but to also gather their own straw for the bricks. When leaders do this, they are reminding people of who is in charge and that they have the right to order work while being exempt from that same work. Effective leaders see their co-workers more as partners and not as someone to do the work they demand. These leaders also work to lighten the burden of their team members by eliminating needless rules and obstacles to creativity and productivity.

LEADERSHIP STEP: Do you make your team's work easier or more difficult? Today you will answer that question by circulating a memo to your team asking one question: if the organization could eliminate one thing - rule, procedure, meeting, role, behavior, or policy - to enhance your work effectiveness or happiness, what would that be? If you want honest answers, have people answer anonymously if they so choose. Be open to the fact that you are an obstacle!

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