By Nancy Virden (c)2021

Devotion to the mission means taking care of your people.

Someone asked, “What do leaders need more than anything else for success?”

I said, “Followers.”

Along with all their other duties, leaders must also inspire people to see the vision. A teacher must ignite a fire for learning in the hearts of students. A business-owner lifts the morale of employees by reminding them of the importance of their contribution. A therapist strives to lead clients toward investing hard work in their mental health. Hence, for the sake of the mission, leaders become advertisers who strive to gain followers and maintain the enthusiasm of followers.

If you are a leader, firstly, develop relationships. Instead of firing someone who is slow, ask why and if anything could help. There may be a simple solution. If an employee is angry, ask why. Warn them to keep the anger displays off-campus and see if there is something the company can do. It’s humane to treat people with value.

Each of us needs to be made aware of a need to change. That part is easy. Some people do not want to follow. They do not want the vision or enthusiasm. Relationship may help here too if this attitude is temporary. It is through relationship I was exposed to what I needed to change to thrive. I did not buy the truth right away.

Secondly, there comes a time to let someone go. I received devastating news this weekend about someone who did not do well in life. This person was in my sphere of influence and I thought I had made a difference. That is the hard part for leaders. What can be done when a person will not participate in their own wellbeing?

Leaders have to accept that as heartbreaking as it may be, no one can be forced, cheered, or guilted into change. Adults are responsible for their choices. Leaders can learn to focus on larger goals. The mission remains intact for those who do want to succeed.

Today’s Helpful Word

1 Thessalonians 5: 12-24

Now we ask you, brothers and sisters [in the Lord], to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you.  Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Do not quench the Spirit. Do not treat prophecies with contempt but test them all; hold on to what is good, reject every kind of evil.

May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.

Always the Fight Ministries (ATFM) has been displaying compassion for those fighting mental illness, addiction, or abuse since 2012. Nancy is the founder and voice of ATFM and openly shares her emotional resurrection from despair.

NOTE: I am not a doctor or a mental health professional, and speak only from personal experiences and observations. In no way is this website intended to substitute for professional mental or behavioral health care.

If you are feeling suicidal, or concerned about someone who is, in the U.S. call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or for a list of international suicide hotlines, go here.

If you are suicidal with a plan, immediately call 911 in the U.S. or go to your nearest emergency room. In the EU call 112. (For other international emergency numbers, go here ). Hope and help are yours!

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