Leadership Trick: Pull, Don't Push

Are you in a position of influence over others?  

               If so, you’ve probably struggled with people who possess stubbornness, pride, ignorance, and some flat out cold hearts while leading them.   As a minister that helps oversee a flock, I am endlessly trying to find ways to influence people for their betterment.  Although it is easier (and lazy) to point and say, “Go that way!”, I heard a challenging quote about leading by example: “It is better to pull rather than push.”

               The thought provoking statement reminds me that no one likes being pushed and possibly bullied (at least from their perspective); but everyone likes a helping hand.  Most people will readily accept a word of advice or a word of experience from someone who has done it before or are currently modeling inspiring behavior.  

                I have learned two general reasons why people will not be “pushed” toward a goal.  The first reason is that they may not be ready.  The second is that I may be a hypocrite.

                The difficulty of motivating people has been written about one thousand times a thousand.  Let’s face it: some people aren’t ready to change!  Allow me to give you Biblical examples from the New Testament.  Peter did not change overnight; he was as stubborn and bull-headed as some of us are.  What about Judas Iscariot?  Even Jesus couldn’t (or wouldn’t) force change from him, who arguably never moved toward any goal of righteousness.  So, to expect a change of behavior from everyone in your sphere of influence is unrealistic.  Some people just aren’t ready. 

                Something we should always consider before giving advice or direction is looking in the mirror.  Self-evaluation and repentance are the keys to discipleship.  We are called to make disciples of Christ; but we will NEVER MAKE disciples of we are NOT disciples ourselves.  Are you familiar with drowning rescue procedures?  It is better if you stay in the boat and throw a life-line so that you can pull someone back to safety.  But perhaps you decide to jump in the water: experts teach to drag (or pull) someone toward safety rather than push them (and risk both of you drowning).  The inescapable truth is that we cannot lead someone where we haven’t been.

                I can’t force people to change; but especially so if I haven’t experienced change, myself.

                We all would like to be known as influential people.  There’s a simple trick of motivation that many overlook: to lead by example.  Some may never change; sometimes due to the condition of their hearts . . . but never let your lack of personal growth be the reason.  If we are on the Rock promising relief to those in peril, we will find that it is much easier to pull rather than push.