{leadership}

The Mother Duck Principle of Leadership by Brenda Sanders

Have you ever seen a mother duck and her ducklings walking down the road or swimming across a pound? The mother is in front with a line of baby ducks behind her; one following the other. You might say that all of the ducklings are following the mother. But in reality, only the first duckling is actually following the mother duck. The rest are following the duckling in front of them. I think the mother duck and her ducklings are a perfect picture of leadership on your campus. You cannot personally lead every student on your campus. But you can influence those students closest to you, who in turn will influence or lead other students. You know this principle, it is nothing new. But I also know it is that time in the semester when you are tired of being the “mother duck!” You are ready to step out of line and let them find their own way. I think Jesus felt that way with the disciples many times. I am often in awe that he did not give up on them – or on me. Instead, he keeps leading them and teaching them, sometimes in unexpected ways. I think one of those times is found in John 13. You know the story well; it is when Jesus washed the feet of the disciples. He was headed toward the cross and knew that his time is short. In just a matter of days, he would entrust them with His kingdom. They enter the upper room for the last supper. But no one wants to wash anyone’s feet! In my mind’s eye I can just see the twelve with their arms crossed say, “I’m not going to do it. You do it!” Jesus could have reprimanded them, he could have lectured them, or he could have walked away and said, “I am tired.” Instead he leads them by taking up the towel and washing their feet. I truly believe this is the greatest example of Jesus as a leader. It only took a few moments, it did not cost anything and it was not on the calendar. It was a simple act with a profound effect. The lesson of servant leadership that Jesus taught in those last days stayed with the disciples for life. I believe we see it lived out over and over again in their lives. So what does this have to do with you at this time of the semester? I know you may be ready to throw in the towel. Instead seize the moment to be a servant leader. No, I am not suggestion that you add something to the calendar, plan another event or spend any money. I am simply suggesting you serve your students – in unexpected ways. Would they be surprised if you did the equivalent of washing feet? If you serve those closest to you, they will begin to serve others. And this will have a profound effect on your campus…even this late in the semester. It is the mother duck principle.

Texas BSM | [email protected] | 7/2/2010 | page 1 of 1