Jump Start Use Authority Wisely

I recently heard about an incident that happened in a hotel’s self-service restaurant. After it closed, a highly respected employee was vacuuming the restaurant area in a usual, safe, and efficient manner. The restaurant was shut down and cordoned off from the public before he began sweeping. Meanwhile, a corporate human resources professional visiting the hotel reviewed the situation and decided that his method was flawed and needed to be revised. She informed the manager that the cord was plugged into the wrong outlet, making his sweeping unsafe. 

The seating area of the restaurant has three outlets, all of which must be used to cover the entire space. Regardless of where the vacuum is plugged in, the cord must be pulled across the floor a few feet to reach each section. Again, the seating area is closed to the public during cleaning. Throughout the hotel's history, no one has ever tripped over the vacuum cord while an employee was sweeping the seating area floor. 

Without knowledge or experience of the situation, the “boss’ decided to exercise their authority – for the sake of exercising their authority. In leadership lingo, this is referred to as inept positional leadership. In employee lingo, it’s called stupid.

On the same day, another corporate leader visited the hotel. He has rarely, if ever, visited this facility before. The restaurant is staffed by one employee who prepares the food and cares for the customers five mornings a week, a role she has held for several years. In his leadership wisdom, the boss decided there should be two employees staffing the area – one to cook, and one to serve customers.

At first glance, this order might seem logical. How could one person do both tasks well? However, the corporate boss was unaware that the employee he was referring to was the hotel’s top-rated worker. She receives more customer compliments than anyone else and earns more tips for her excellent multitasking than any other employee. At other times, the restaurant is double-staffed, resulting in both lower food quality and poorer customer service. Manning the hotel restaurant is not about how many are working there, but how effectively it is being managed. 

Why did this leader make such a decision without first researching the facts? Because he could. This is also known as misuse of positional leadership. The employees call it stupid.

A key issue in effective leadership is how authority is exercised. In both cases, leadership choices were based mainly on the manager’s position. This is known as positional leadership, and when misused, it becomes counterproductive. 

In both cases, the leaders made uninformed decisions that resulted in faulty directives, decreased employee morale, and, in one instance, foolishly increasing the organization’s budget.

Can you relate?

The wise use of positional authority is a key aspect of leadership. In simple terms, it's unwise to give orders just because you have the power to do so. But when you hold the position, this pitfall is always a temptation.

This temptation applies to leaders in all kinds of endeavors.

As a veteran leader of a volunteer organization, I learned a valuable lesson. The workers are here because they want to be here. They are not being paid for their labor. Barking orders at volunteers is like spitting into the wind; it will always come back at you. Positional leadership in this kind of venture is only as effective as the leader’s desire and ability to recruit, motivate, train, and appreciate people who do not have to be there. I have seen many corporate leaders struggle to lead volunteers because these people aren’t there for a paycheck. Sometimes a volunteer thinks you’re not the boss of me! Guess what, they are right.

But the principle isn’t just about organizations; it also applies to good parenting. Good parenting is full of landmines and pitfalls. Trying to guide a young person to develop integrity from birth to adulthood is a monumental challenge. Since the parent has significant control over their child, they can easily misuse their authority. Parents who skillfully guide their kids into adulthood deserve medals for courage, patience, resourcefulness, and love.

How many of you know people whose fathers misused their authority through manipulation or force to make their children do what they wanted? How many of you know mothers who guilted or nagged their children into compliance? How many of us have used “carrots of compliance” to tempt our kids into submission? I know I have. “If you’re good today, we will stop at Dairy Queen on the way home.” Even I could be an exemplary child for a Butterfinger Blizzard! Bribery works, but it is probably not the most effective parenting tool. 

Have you been, or are you, a pastor, department manager, CEO, community organizer, coach, HOA president, head cook, politician, class president, small group leader, band leader, committee chairperson, board member, youth coach, team manager, entrepreneur, mom, dad, wife, husband, oldest sibling, influencer, You Tuber, newsmaker, reporter, owner, etc.? We’ve all held positions of leadership at some time in our lives, and we’ve all likely misused them. Welcome to flawed human leadership. Luckily, we are in good company.

·      Moses lost his temper and used his position and power to subdue the unruly Israelites.

·      David manipulated his followers to get what he wanted.

·      Saul tried to scare the wits out of David to get his compliance.

·      Samuel’s sons took bribes to enrich themselves.

·      Eli’s sons exploited their position for their personal indulgence.

·      Peter played both sides of the theological fence to keep followers.

·      Priests misled parishioners.

·      Prophets lied.

The wise use of authority is a big deal. Therefore, the best source to learn how to use our positions wisely is the greatest practitioner of all – Jesus. Here are ten lessons from the Author of quality leadership. How do you rate?

Power Under Control for the Benefit of Others – Jesus Christ

·      He never exploited His power and position for personal gain. He could have possessed anything, controlled everything, subdued everything, and run every situation. He chose not to do so. People despise leaders who exploit their position.

·      He gave up everything for the benefit of His followers. People want to follow sacrificial leaders.

·      He considered and made Himself a servant of the people. Jesus exercised leadership through servanthood. People will follow those they believe have their best interest at heart.

·      He was empathetic. Jesus became a human to relate to the frailty of humanity. Authority with empathy draws followers.

·      He made wise decisions. Jesus chose His paths based upon experience and accurate judgment.      People follow those who do not make uninformed and emotionally driven choices.

·      He was patient. Jesus was not pushed into premature actions. People want to follow someone who waits for the right time to do things.

·      He was courageous. Naysayers or detractors did not deter Jesus. He was also willing to pay the price to achieve His goals. He was willing to take the heat.

·      He was a visionary. Jesus clearly saw and pursued a preferred future. A leader without a vision is only a manager. People follow someone who knows where they are going.

·      He was inclusive. Jesus did not pander to the wealthy, educated, powerful, good-looking, “perfect” people. He included anyone who wanted to follow. He recruited outcasts, the uneducated, and the powerless into His mission. People want to follow those who appreciate their position in life.

·      He lived to empower people. Jesus turned fishermen, tax-collectors, homemakers, priests, prostitutes, and “regular” people into trained leaders. People want to follow those who make them better in every way.

Well, this list humbles me! Our Leader set the bar high. He used His authority for the maximum benefit of His followers and all of humanity.

You know which qualities find you lacking. What if you identified just one attribute today and committed to better your leadership chops by improving that facet of your position?

The world needs leaders who know how to use their authority effectively. Be one of them.

Live Inspired!

Don Mark

P.S.    Vanguard Leaders

We're excited to announce the upcoming launch of the Vanguard Leaders website—a gateway into a bold new ministry dedicated to developing exceptional leaders. This initiative is rooted in purpose, vision, and faith. Vanguard Leader cohorts will nurture those called to lead with integrity and Kingdom influence. As we prepare to recruit our first cohort, please pray for our journey and seek God’s guidance on whether you're being led to support this mission financially. Together, we can empower the next generation of servant leaders.