Regardless of whether or not we are in a position of leadership, we
all lead each other by example, and it would not be a bad thing for
each of us to understand these principles.
1 It is wisdom in me; therefore, a commandment I give unto you, that
ye shall organize yourselves and appoint every man his stewardship;
that every man may give an account unto me of the stewardship which is
appointed unto him. For it is expedient that I, the Lord, should make
every man accountable, as a steward over earthly blessings, which I
have made and prepared for my creatures.
2 For what happens in cultural decline both leaders and followers are
really accountable. Historically, of course, it is easy to criticize
bad leaders, but we should not give followers a free pass. Otherwise,
in their rationalization of their degeneration they may say they were
just following orders, while the leader was just ordering followers!
However, much more is required of followers in a democratic society
wherein individual character matters so much in both leaders and
followers.
The prophet Mormon unselfishly consented to lead a people who were in
steep decline. He prayed for them, but confided that his prayers were
without faith because of the people’s wickedness (see Morm. 3:12).
Other times a visionary leader, like Joseph in Egypt, lifts people out
of the endangered routine they’re in by preparing them for the
specific challenges of the future (see Gen. 41:46–57). A few, like
Lincoln, though in a political role, provide spiritual leadership as
well. Lincoln, by the way, warned of how individuals of ambition and
talents would continue to arise and that such an individual “thirsts
and burns for distinction, and if possible … will have it, whether at
the expense of emancipating slaves or enslaving freemen” (cited in
John Wesley Hill, Abraham Lincoln--Man of God [1927], 74; emphasis in
original).
Of unselfish George Washington it has been written: “In all history
few men who possessed unassailable power have used that power so
gently and self-effacingly for what their best instincts told them was
the welfare of their neighbors and all mankind” (James Thomas Flexner,
Washington: The Indispensable Man [1984], xvi).
3 Clarence Sharer said, “The real qualities of leadership are found in
those who are willing to sacrifice for the sake of objectives great
enough to demand their whole-hearted allegiance. Simply holding a
position of leadership does not make a man a leader … If you would be
a real leader you must endure loneliness … If you would be a real
leader you must endure weariness. Leadership requires vision.”
4 Of course, in setting priorities we must establish objectives. Then
establishing priorities aids us in achieving our goals. You may have
heard of the pilot who announced to his passengers that he had some
good news and some bad news. The good news was, “We are traveling at
965 kilometers per hour.” The bad news, “We are lost.” I suppose his
objective was to arrive at his destination. But his priorities were
confused. Many people have the same problem.
5 The story was told of General Antigonus (382–301 B.C., general of
Alexander the Great) who was preparing to have his men attack the
enemy. The plan was devised, the strategy decided, and the hour
determined. General Antigonus’s men were outnumbered severely. The
signal to attack was given. No one attacked. In fact, they were about
ready to retreat ingloriously. General Antigonus asked what the
problem was. The captains replied that they were outnumbered so
severely that the men dared not attack. General Antigonus thought for
a moment and then asked, “For how many then wilt thou reckon me?” This
spirit spread through the ranks; they attacked and won a great battle.
How many do you think the Lord counts each of his righteous servants
for? How many do you count a President Spencer W. Kimball for? How
about a Nathan Eldon Tanner, a Marion G. Romney, or an Ezra Taft
Benson? These are not men to be conquered. When you make your
contribution in life, will men list your assets and fortune or will
they talk about your character and integrity?
6 “To become as God would wish us, we must accustom our minds to
rejoice in seeing others prospered as ourselves; rejoice in seeing the
cause of Zion exalted by whatsoever hands Providence may order; and
have our bosoms closed against the entrance of envy when a weaker
instrument than ourselves is called to greater honor; be content in
magnifying a lesser office till called to a higher; be satisfied in
doing small things and not claim the honor of doing great ones.” He
compared the Church to a great building, with individual Saints as
parts of that building, saying that we should “never feel too lofty to
be sometimes cut down, squared, scored, and hewed to be fitted into
the place we are to occupy in the spiritual building.”
7 One of the marks of great leadership always has been and ever will
be the humble spirit.
8 The effectiveness of an inspired bishop, adviser, or teacher has
very little to do with the outward trappings of power or an abundance
of this world’s goods. The leaders who have the most influence are
usually those who set hearts afire with devotion to the truth, who
make obedience to duty seem the essence of manhood, who transform some
ordinary routine occurrence so that it becomes a vista where we see
the person we aspire to be.
9 Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as
fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them,
to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties,
and rulers of tens:
10 A good leader expects loyalty. He in turn gives his loyalty. He
backs up those to whom he has given a job. The loyalty extends to
matters beyond the call of duty. He is loyal when honors come to those
with whom he serves. He takes pride in their successes. He does not
overrule unless he first confers with him whose decision he overrules.
He does not embarrass an associate before others. He is frank and open
with him.
A love of people is essential to effective leadership. Do you love
those whom you work with? Do you realize the worth of souls is great
in the sight of God? Do you have faith in youth? Do you find yourself
praising their virtues, commending them for their accomplishments? Or
do you have a critical attitude toward them because of their mistakes?
No wise leader believes that all good ideas originate with himself. He
invites suggestions from those he leads. He lets them feel that they
are an important part of decision making. He lets them feel that they
are carrying out their policies, not just his.
11 And we did magnify our office unto the Lord, taking upon us the
responsibility, answering the sins of the people upon our own heads if
we did not teach them the word of God with all diligence; wherefore,
by laboring with our might their blood might not come upon our
garments; otherwise their blood would come upon our garments, and we
would not be found spotless at the last day.
12 The power of your worthy example is increased as you help others
caught in the web of transgression and guide them into a harbor of
safety where there is parental strength and priesthood inspiration,
where they can repair through repentance the strained and damaged
parts of their character. Many yearn to overcome transgressions that
bind them to a path they really don’t want. While public actions
denounce any desire to change, privately they want to change but don’t
know where to begin. Be that saving influence in their lives. Help
them.
13 All need to be known, recognized, and loved. Hearts and souls reach
out for nurturing and meaningful association. Even those who claim
they just want to be left alone are in reality seeking their own
identity.
14 Within your sphere of responsibility you have as serious an
obligation as do I within my sphere of responsibility. Each of us
should be determined to build the kingdom of God on the earth and to
further the work of righteousness.
15 Many of you will remember President N. Eldon Tanner, who served as
a counselor to four Presidents of the Church. He provided an
undeviating example of righteousness throughout his career in
industry, during service in the government in Canada, and as an
Apostle of Jesus Christ. He gave us this inspired counsel: “Nothing
will bring greater joy and success than to live according to the
teachings of the gospel. Be an example; be an influence for good.” He
continued: “Every one of us has been foreordained for some work as
[God’s] chosen servant on whom he has seen fit to confer the
priesthood and power to act in his name. Always remember that people
are looking to you for leadership and you are influencing the lives of
individuals either for good or for bad, which influence will be felt
for generations to come.”
16 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even
as also ye do. And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour
among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; and to
esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace
among yourselves.
17 He that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To
him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth
his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. And when he putteth forth
his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for
they know his voice.
18 Wherefore, now let every man learn his duty, and to act in the
office in which he is appointed, in all diligence. He that is slothful
shall not be counted worthy to stand, and he that learns not his duty
and shows himself not approved shall not be counted worthy to stand.
Even so. Amen.
Younger Elder Brooksby
1-D&C 104:11-13
2-“Repent of [Our] Selfishness” (D&C 56:8) by Neal A. Maxwell, April
1999 General Conference
3-Self-Denial by Vaughn J. Featherstone, January 1979 Liahona
4-Choosing Eternal Priorities by Victor L. Brown, March 1980 Liahona
5-“These Are Not Men to Be Conquered” by Vaughn J. Featherstone,
January 1981 Liahona
6-Teachings of Presidents: Lorenzo Snow-Chapter 18: Church Leadership
and Selfless Service
7-Teachings of Presidents: Ezra Taft Benson-Chapter 19: Leadership
8-Examples of Righteousness by Thomas S. Monson, April 2008 General Conference
9-Exodus 18:21
10-Teachings of Presidents: Ezra Taft Benson-Chapter 19: Leadership
11-Jacob 1:19
12-Making the Right Decisions by Richard G. Scott, April 1991 General Conference
13-While They Are Waiting by Marvin J. Ashton, April 1988 General Conference
14-An Ensign to the Nations, a Light to the World by Gordon B.
Hinckley, October 2003 General Conference
15-Guided Safely Home by Thomas S. Monson, October 2014 General Conference
16-1 Thessalonians 5:11-13
17-John 10:2-4(edited)
18-D&C 107:99-100
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