Respect

Our world is full of all kinds of leaders — political figures, employers, parents, community organizers, teachers, sports coaches, orchestra conductors, fire chiefs, and on and on. If there's something that needs doing in life, chances are it needs to be led by someone. 

It takes a variety of skills to be an effective leader. But in my opinion, the number one qualification for anyone who is going to lead other people is respect. A leader must respect the fact that he or she is leading actual people.

Sounds simple, right? So why is it so hard to find leaders these days who are doing it? Where are the leaders who value other people's rights, give them room to make their own choices according to what's best for them, who see themselves as being servants of their people, rather than servants of their own interests?

When we identify such leaders in these times, we should celebrate them! Today, I'd like to recognize South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster as being a leader who leads with respect.

Governor McMaster declared this month that his state is saying a big NO to any COVID mandates that try to make a comeback in the coming days. No masks, no school closures, no lockdowns. He will not put the people of his state through any of these oppressive restrictions, labeling them as a damaging mistake.

What's more, if you look back over news related to the governor throughout the last few “pandemic” years, you see him repeatedly emphasizing that people should be able to choose for themselves what safety measures they want to take: “It is an individual decision to be made and we respect that.”

When it comes to children, Governor McMaster defers to the right of parents to choose what's right for them, including whether they should wear a mask. He also declares that, “As long as I am governor, I will never let the federal government — or anyone else — force the COVID-19 vaccine on South Carolina school children.”

I don't agree with everything the governor has ever said about COVID, but I completely respect that the man has respect. He seems truly interested in making sure his people are safe in a way that empowers them, not him. 

Wouldn't it be amazing if other leaders of our day could take a page from Governor McMaster's book and understand that great leadership is never about control — it's about facilitating freedom and ensuring that people's rights are honored. 

Now, what about you? What about me? Most of us are in leadership roles of one type or another (for example, if you are a parent, you are a leader — big time!). How can we better lead the people who look to us for direction or provision? How can we deepen our respect for them as people, and shed unhealthy impulses to control? How can we stand firm in our own opinions and happily let others have theirs too, even if they differ? 

What does being a great leader mean to you? 

Thank you, Governor McMaster. May we all strive to lead ourselves and others in the direction of respect and honor for the good of our families, countries, and the world.