"We" not "I"

As we enter this final couple weeks of 2008, it’s a good time to take a life inventory. I was reading out of the book of Proverbs and was reminded that I have a responsibility to stay sharp and to be a sharpener for others. I need to engage others in the leadership decisions and learn to say “we” more often than I say “I”. Personal success in today’s world requires more than just a few loyalists. It requires real connection with peers and all those who have a stake in the vision. Synergy is the term used to describe a situation where the final outcome of a system is greater than the sum of its parts.

In the Bible, synergism illustrates a connection of human, and divine cooperation:

1 Corinthians 3:6-9 I planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow. It's not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What's important is that God makes the seed grow. The one who plants and the one who waters work together with the same purpose. And both will be rewarded for their own hard work. For we are both God's workers. And you are God's field. You are God's building."

Solomon also used this concept in wisdom literature.

“As Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17)
This concept allows me to help others to do good work. Someone once said that much can get done by us if we are not so concerned about who gets the credit. A leaders ability to enable others to act is essential. I wonder who around me could be turned into a leader if given the chance today?