To Serve & To Protect

The social contract is simple - animals show us how easily it works: the pride hunts down prey, and gives the first share to the alpha male - once they have had their fill, the rest share the spoils.

In ancient times, the spoils of war were all returned to the commanding king, and upon his discretion, either destroyed or parceled out as rewards to the fighters.

Think of the tithe and first fruits - its rarely about them (or the specifics of the figure) as it is about the condition of the heart - I give to you my first, because you are my protector and provider. Its really that simple.

In the #management class that I coach, I remind managers (and leaders) about the social contract - provide for and protect your people (community) and they have no problem bestowing upon you the best fruits of the land - whether that be the corner office, or that fuel guzzler; or a fat bonus.

As long as you protect us from our fears, from the enemies of our progress, and continue to chart for us a new course and vision that guarantees our existence past tomorrow - then, and only then, are you truly our leader. And we shall reward you for this.

Time and again, a new male grows the balls and challenges the alpha - usually the community will support this challenge if the Alpha has been less than committed to their social contract or lackluster in their job.

Only when the challenger is 'strong enough' - represents a good vision, shows the power and potential to honor the social contract - only in such situations does the community find itself in a conundrum - the new upcoming turk or the old guard. In the animal world, they will fight it out - yes, on the battle field. Sometimes the old guard retains his place - many times, the younger challenger knows the prime of age is on their side, and the community desires something new and richer - they fight, for the hope of the future - the honor to be the custodian of the community's social contract.

People will reject your leadership if you no longer fulfill your duties of the social contract for which they bestowed power in you - and you cannot fight your way into perpetuity! You cannot kill members of your community to stay in power, who will you provide for and protect if you keep decimating them?

This morning, I cannot help but ask - if you are a leader (or manager) - do you think you are in this position of power because of the positional authority or do you have the blessing of your community, the honor and privilege to be the custodian of their social contract?

Do you serve at the blessing and pleasure of the people you lead?