If Playground Leaders Ruled the World
I had a love-hate relationship with recess in elementary school. I could not wait to get out of the classroom: however, I dreaded the ritual of team-picking on the playground.
A couple of self-appointed “cool” guys always declared themselves the Playground Team Captains. The games we played became all about being “Used” to help them win or look good. As a result recess was often argument-riddled and just not fun.
Unfortunately, the playground incident depicts some real life leadership teams. The leaders may not be self-appointed just self-serving. People under them feel “Used” and like “enough is never enough.”
The Corinthian church dealt with some leaders like this and were so confused that they believed being “Used” was acceptable behavior (2 Corinthians 12:11-21). They were caught up with the flattering words and misrepresentations of “Playground Leaders” who demanded everything and gave nothing.
Maybe because the Apostle Paul had given them more than he asked in return, they took him for granted. He had been building into the people through discipleship and nurturing, not by “Using” them for his own purposes. Therefore it was strange that the very person they could trust – the one who really cared for them – was the one they mistrusted and abused.
There is no room for “Playground Leadership” in any church, youth ministry or organization. Here are four indicators of a “Playground Leader.”
- They are quick to take the credit and pass the blame.
- They take others’ ideas and share them as original.
- They get upset and critical if you do not meet their goals.
- They micro-manage everything.
We need to follow Paul’s example of building people through discipleship. He did not “Use” people but always gave more than he took. Ultimately this type of investment paid off.
All of us have “Playground Leadership” tendencies. What have you done to overcome these? What biblical principles have helped you that you can share with others?
