In our last conversation, we explored the vital importance of “working with people.” It’s a foundational shift from trying to do everything yourself to empowering others. But simply working with people isn’t enough; the how matters immensely. The next crucial step in effective leadership, in any sphere, is to operate with fairness and justice.
This isn’t just about legal compliance or human resource policies. It’s about building a sustainable, thriving environment. Whether you lead a government department, a small business, a non-profit, or even your own family, you are shaping a culture.
The Self-Seeking Trap
One of the biggest challenges in any organization is the insidious idea that personal advancement (more salary, higher position) is the sole driver of effort. When people are primarily self-seeking, more obsessed with personal growth to the extent that justice and fairness are compromised, you’re building on shaky ground. An organization filled with such individuals is destined for trouble.
True leadership recognizes that a healthy culture stems from deeper principles. It’s essential to have the will to establish fairness and justice. Ignoring these fundamental values can create a shallowness that leaves people vulnerable to opportunistic obstacles and, ultimately, can lead to widespread dissatisfaction.
Leading by Example
The first step is to establish laws (or policies) that enhance fairness and justice, and then, crucially, be the primary example in following those laws.
Integrity starts with leadership. If we bypass rules, show favoritism, or operate with a different standard, any talk of fairness becomes hollow.
The Danger of Judgment and Criticism
It’s easy to look at the challenges around us and immediately point fingers. “If only my leaders would…” This mindset, while common, is a dangerous trap. If your immediate reaction is to criticize and judge the perceived failures of others, it might be an indication that, given the same position, you might fare no better—or even worse.
Instead of tearing down, let’s learn to build up. If you see dissatisfaction, don’t rush to expose weaknesses. Instead, pray for your leaders and actively seek ways to work with them to create the change you desire. Violence, whether physical or verbal, is never a solution. It only breeds hatred, hinders progress, and reflects a lack of wisdom.
Personal Transformation Comes First
It’s vital to remember that no leader is solely responsible for our personal transformation. We must each embark on our own journey of growth. If we harbor violence, unfairness, or abusive tendencies in our own lives, our calls for justice from others ring hollow. We must first ensure our “own house” has a good reputation, free from the very injustices we decry.
Wisdom in Leadership
For those in leadership, feedback will come—sometimes critical, sometimes praising. Not everyone will be satisfied, and that’s okay. The key is to humbly seek wisdom to discern the genuineness of feedback and bridge the gap between yourself and those you lead. This isn’t about being a “hero” who solves everything; it’s about being humble before God and praying for divine guidance. Your relationship with the Creator will directly impact your ability to lead justly.
A Challenge for Everyone
Whether you are in a formal leadership role or not, today’s message is simple: we all have a part to play in cultivating fairness and justice. It begins not with grand gestures, but with our daily lives:
- How do you handle matters at home?
- How do you peacefully coexist with your neighbors?
- How do you relate to those who appear different from you?
- What is your personal mindset towards others and creation itself?
Instead of merely criticizing others’ mistakes, let’s learn from them and strive to embody the change we wish to see. This is how we move from simply “working with people” to truly building a world anchored in fairness and justice.
What does “fairness and justice” look like in your sphere of influence?
Leave a comment