A bit of study of men on the part of the leader, with guiding, encouraging counsel, properly given at the right times, is all that is necessary to get the best out of men, and to guide them into the places and under the responsibilities best suited to their capabilities. Love and loyalty bestowed on workers by a leader bring the return of loving loyalty from them. Sincere expressions of appreciation made about workers to others by a leader breed in the hearts of these workers, when they hear of the leader's attitude, a spirit of good will and a desire to continue worthy of the esteem prompting his statements.
Proper defense of workers when they are under unjust criticism, and loving-kindness when they are justly criticized, provokes love in return. Trusting workers with real responsibilities prompts them to their utmost endeavors for success. Full recognition, both in private and in public, of success in another stimulates him to greater achievement.
Personal prayer with workers cements the worshipers into a union that is divine. If workers hear their leader speak or pray only in public or before a group, they never really know him; but personal prayer between the two blends hearts in an understanding and enduring fellowship. An abiding courtesy to all the workers in the office and the field, with a kindly "Thank you" to stenographers and those in closest daily contact who perform the routine duties of the day, will keep the idea of drudgery from the lives of those who so labor.
Kindly, affable friendliness toward all, with proper, dignified, Christian reserve toward those of the opposite sex, makes one "wear" with workers. An unaffected,. natural, and regular recognition, in private as well as in public, of the office and title of workers, helps them to keep in mind the importance of their work, and to maintain proper poise, and also respect for those who so address them.
A descent to the use of slang, the telling of ludicrous stories, and the common and flippant use of the given name of others, lowers the user in the minds of all who hear. Seldom, if ever, can any particular benefit accrue to any one by habitually calling ministers of the gospel by their first names, as Jack, Tom, Jim, etc. A leader who thus indulges soon reaps the inevitable reaction of lowered esteem on the part of the workers, and he himself soon becomes Jack, or Tom, or Jim, as the case may be, and only that, instead of a minister of the gospel, in the eyes and minds of others.
A clear vision of conviction concerning the successful future of an unprofitable worker, born of faith that by God's grace such a worker can make the necessary changes that will convert him from an unprofitable to a productive worker, and a corresponding attitude of confidence and expectation on the part of the leader toward such a worker, will go a long way in stimulating him to achieve success.
An honest, open, and hearty recognition of good suggestions and plans offered by workers, with no attempt on the part of the leader to absorb and assume the credit or honor therefor, will stimulate progressive thinking on the part of the workers, and deepen confidence in the leader who thus gives honor to whom honor is due. True leadership does not necessarily mean that the leader must be the author of all plans nor that all moves must reflect his personality. A good leader inspires others to wise endeavor, whether along plans of his own devising or of the devising of others.
No leader should form a circle of intimates, nor should he allow any to form such a circle about him. He belongs to all the workers and to all the people; and no one, because of some special group of intimates, should be made to feel "outside," or to be at a greater distance from the leader than others.
No leader should allow himself to be held by men who, through gifts or favors, political or otherwise, lay claim to his friendship. He should not thus compromise himself, so that if reproofs or contrary counsels are indicated, his lips are closed. On the contrary, he should keep so close to his men by daily ministry to them that if reproof or contrary counsel is indicated, they will not only receive but welcome it as coming from the same heart of love they well know.
No leader should attempt to obligate Any of the workers to himself by favors granted, else he may close the lips of those who otherwise would not hesitate to offer constructive criticism of some wrong or mistaken course he might take. Nor should any leader attempt thus to capitalize on favors due to workers.
A conference president should efficiently and actively assist in the functioning of the departments of the conference, acting as helper to each secretary. A secretary will do his best if he is given full freedom, within conference policies, to direct his department. Only in case of a disregard of the proper and understood procedure or policy of the conference, should the president assume other than the attitude of a willing helper and counselor.
The president should assume and maintain the attitude toward the laborers that we are workers together with God, and in no sense should the workers be made to feel that they are working under any other "master" than Christ; rather, the worker should be made to recognize by the life of the leader that he truly esteems others better than himself.
The president should never seek to fortify himself with the backing of certain influential forces in the conference to the end of bringing pressure for the furtherance of his wishes. Rather, he should depend upon proper, solid principles for strength, leaving others free to exercise the same privileges.
Adherence to these principles, and to others of the same nature, will enable a leader to get the most out of his men, and at the same time will instill the principle of love among them for one another and for himself.
Los Angeles, Cali.
