SUNDAY THOUGHTS: IRON SHARPENS IRON

"As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." ~Proverbs 27:17
 
Watching them work was delightful and motivating. Steven A. Ford and Mervyn E. Warren are both, creative, multi-talented, in-demand, Grammy award- winning, musical geniuses. 

Their resumes are impressive and extensive, but they are both so unassuming. 

Listening to them ask questions of each other and make decisions, demonstrated their great respect for one another. 

They sought each other's ideas. Neither was intimidated by the other. The manner in which they worked with one another, and their demeanor towards others was admirable, respectful, and loaded with lessons. 

If there was no grandstanding from them; no condescending, anxiety-inducing, unnecessary comments, fits, or conflict, why on Earth is such arrogance ever found and tolerated from lesser accomplished individuals? 

If these two world-renowned giants in the Music industry could work together and create a seamless, comfortable, professional, stress-free environment for everyone involved, then it's possible. 

No one else gets a pass.

It's sad, but given control of a thing, some people will wreck it every time. 

Workers want to look to the leader, not ignore him or her. They don't want to feel they've successfully executed a job in spite of the leader. 

A leader, director, or manager can't be so full of him or herself that it puts a dampener on the work. 

People don't decline what seem like wonderful opportunities, or quit for nothing. 

Something motivated it. 

It's past time to stop labeling and criticizing people for walking away from work environments that...well... suck. 

(In so many areas of life, it's time to examine and address the actions that prompt responses, and correct them.)

If you truly have the reins, you'll be secure enough to identify yourself. 

You'll never assume that anyone knows who you are, and you'll behave like a leader, not a scatterbrained brat. 

Too often, self-absorbed people get caught up in titles, and forget they must depend upon others to get the work done. 

People don't usually sign up for nonsense. 

A leader can't be a pain in the neck, and then wonder why no one is exactly lining up to work with them. 

The process of doing YOUR job should never hinder or distract someone else from doing THEIRS. 

If you're intimidated by, or envious of the people around you, it will show. 

Your leadership will be reduced to a joke. 

The abundance of your heart won't be able to shut your own mouth from exposing your fear and insecurity.

Good leaders never misrepresent themselves, or the parameters of the job. 

Good leaders don't tell workers they're going to be entering data, but when they show up to work, they discover they have to build the computer first--and for minimal pay. 

Deception will never be appreciated or tolerated by those enlisted to work. 
It's important for workers to know exactly what they are to do, and for whom. That will give them an idea if the compensation is commensurate, or if they're being shortchanged. 

It will also allow them to decide if they even want to take the job. 

Sometimes, the person in charge will cause potential workers to question if it's worth it to even show up. There are times when no amount of money is worth the drama and stress. 

Everyone can't be in charge. They'll suck the life out of a thing; make things more difficult, time-wasting, and nerve-wracking than they have to be. 

Throwing your weight around, barking orders, and demanding respect and attention from people who are under no obligation, (nor have they been motivated, instructed, or forewarned) to give it, will never be tolerated. 

Busyness, flightiness, incompetence, and pomposity, tend to be ignored or laughed at by those who are concentrated on, and committed to the efficient execution of the principal thing. 

Many an exasperated horse has thrown the rider. 

You have to demonstrate that you know what you're doing; demonstrate that you're under control, before you attempt to direct others. 

If you're all over the place, no one will want to take direction from you, and will look to others for guidance. 

No one EVER has to put up with crazy. 

Putting up with aggravation can be costly. 

There's no justifying bad behavior.

When you know the capabilities of the people on the job, you never have to hover, impede progress, or create a climate of anxiety. 

Know when to step in, adjust, and correct-- and know when to go somewhere and sit down. 

Good leaders choose well. 

Good leaders recognize and welcome other good leaders. 

They know to loosen their grip, temper their words, monitor their actions and attitudes, and allow competent people to do what they do best.

Attitude is everything--EVERYTHING!!! 

Respect is earned. 

The option to walk away from  a task is always present in the minds of workers. 

Good leaders make you want to stay--long after the work is done. 

If workers stick around, it's a choice. 

There's a pay off, and sometimes the privilege to work with some people, and learn from them is more valuable and life-changing than negotiable tender.