| | | I remember years ago a story I heard in Sunday School that has had an important impact on me all of my life. It was based on the legend of “Johnny Lingo.” Maybe some of you have heard it?
Johnny Lingo is a fictional story about a woman islander in the South Pacific who was constantly belittled by her family and told she was ugly.
Her name was Mahana. Mahana had believed what others had told her and as a result was unkempt, a bit recluse, awkward and shy.
In her village the custom was to give the father of a prospective bride a certain number of cows in exchange for marrying his daughter. The more cows a woman received the greater her right to brag became.
It was not uncommon to hear in this village some of the women referring to themselves as a “four cow woman.” Or as a “five cow woman.” In this village six was the record.
Mahana’s father had said on several occasions... | | | | | | | | | Leaders are charged with having a vision and gaining the cooperation of those required to execute that vision. Essentially, leaders need followers.
To gain followers, we must ask ourselves: what would inspire this person to take an interest in assisting me in getting my needs met?
Sometimes the threat of losing a job or being faced with the consequences of failing to perform are enough to inspire someone. Typically, there’s a better way, and one which inspires better performance. Meeting the needs of others is the easiest way to gain their assistance in your attempt to get your needs met. This is the Reciprocity—you scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours.
Reciprocity cuts both ways, though. If you offend me or don’t appreciate me, I will typically find a way to frustrate your objectives. We are attracted to assist those who assist us. We can use...
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