The Needs of Followers: TRUST
For the month of October, Monday Meditations will focus on “The Needs of Followers”. Each week we will identify one specific need and discuss how we, as Corpath members, can deliver those needs to others
Psalm 62:7-8 and Jeremiah 29:11-13
A few years ago, Tom Rath and Barrie Conchie of the Gallup organization, the world’s leader in business research and related data, surveyed over 10,000 people in “follower roles” and, as a result, they discovered four distinct needs followers wanted to receive from leaders.
Q: What do you believe are the basic needs of followers that a good leader should strive to deliver?
The first need identified by their research was the element of TRUST.
Their findings revealed “when followers trust their leaders, one in two are engaged. When followers don't find leaders trustworthy, only one in 12 are engaged at work.”
This data is astounding and enlightening.
We see that a higher level of trustworthy-ness in a leader positively impacts the level of engagement of 50% of employees. The return to the business is high.
We can also ascertain that an untrustworthy leader negatively affects the bottom line of the business since an unengaged workforce comes at high cost and diminished return to the organization.
At one time or another we have all followed two different types of leaders; those we trusted and those we didn’t. We observe leaders in high-profile positions and determine whether we can trust them or not by how they carry themselves, treat others and speak with wisdom and truth. There have likely been times when you and I have acted in a manner worthy of trust, and times when we have not.
The Cambridge Dictionary defines trust this way:
“To believe that someone is good and honest and will not harm you…”
Q: Think about the past 30 days. Would those around you consider you to be a trustworthy leader acting with honesty, transparency and goodwill? Be honest with yourself.
As a Corpath member, you desire to do leadership differently than the way the world does it. Although you strive to be a good and honest person, your motivations for doing so go much deeper. You receive your sense of direction and validation from the Creator of all things And drive to bring glory to him in all you do.
One of the best ways to grow our own trustworthiness in leadership is to have a solid example to model the way. Of course, we know that God himself provides that example.
Psalm 62:7-8 reminds us…
He is unchanging.
He is our rock.
He holds us in his mighty hands and comforts us in times of need.
We can trust him at all times.
He does not hide from us when we seek him.
Consider this passage as well:
Jeremiah 29:11-13 (NLT)
“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.”
These passages provide an excellent list of some of the reasons we can trust in God as our leader. It also gives examples of what we can do in our professional and personal lives to build trustworthiness into our leadership repertoire.
Take a moment and reflect on how you can incorporate these elements as you lead your business and the people around you.
Also, take a some time to review the calendar events ahead of you this week. Think about the people you will come in contact with. Prepare, even now, to lead them and engage with them in a God-based trustworthy manner.
Prayer:
My Heavenly Father, I praise you for who you are to me. I look to you as the ultimate, trustworthy leader and I thank you for your example and daily encouragement. Remind me daily to also be trustworthy. I pray that those around me would see you more clearly as a result of my interaction with them. Amen.
Blessings always and all-ways,
Steve Shrout
President
Special Note:
If you enjoyed today’s message, then share it with someone. Also, use this content and questions as a discussion guide in your next Forum Group meeting.
Attached is a printable PDF you can use to help with your meditation and reflection. I encourage you to print it, answer the questions and then keep it in a Corpath binder or folder for future reference and thought. You will receive a new PDF each week with each new Monday Meditation and, over time, your binder will become a book representing your own Corpath journey of BUSINESS thoughts, personal LIFE development and SPIRITUAL growth.
