There once was a successful couple. Happily married with two kids, a dog, and a house in the suburbs. Jack was a successful salesman and he made a good living. But his work took him away from home on a regular basis. Jill, his wife, was a dutiful and faithful spouse to Jack. She took care of the house and the the children. She paid the bills. She did her best to be a good wife to her busy husband Jack.
As time went on Jack began to feel pressure from his work. He began to come home from a trip and his words and actions left his family puzzled. He began to criticize his wife and his children. His words to them were often too strong for their liking. It seemed that, no matter what the family did, it was not enough to please Jack.
Jill began to pray for wisdom and she went to her pastor for advice. The next time Jack came home in his usual bad mood she met him at the door with an ultimatum. Jill said to Jack, either change your ways, or go away for good. We have put up with you long enough.
I don't know how this story ends. I will say that no family can endure when dad is always critical and unappreciative. Did Jack change? Did he get help? Or did he blame Jill for their problems? The ball is in Jack's court. The outcome of this story depends on what Jack does.
When leaders take out their frustrations on their followers it makes it hard for those followers to respect their leader and follow them. Leaders should be grateful that there are people willing to follow them. They should treat their followers with kindness and respect. Followers may not physically leave. But they will no longer trust or respect an unappreciative leader.
Change must begin at the top.
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