Tim McDermott “Are You Respected or Liked?”

“That’s why you are paid the big bucks.”  Leaders hear that comment when they are faced with hard decisions.  Leadership is not easy.  Criticizing a leader is.  I believe that those who criticize leaders have never lead.  If they have, they wouldn’t do it.

If you are a leader, then you are in that position for a reason.  The Bible says, promotion comes from the Lord (Psalm 75:6-7).  He is the one who has put you in that position.   Unfortunately, in today’s leadership environment, leaders have focused on empowering employees so much that they have lost their influence.  The crowd of employees lead while the leader watches.  Leaders spend more time trying to be liked rather than leading the organization.  Leadership is risky and requires boldness.

It’s time to take the reins back.  Most of us started in Christian radio because we wanted to make a difference.  We love Jesus, the Gospel, music and media and we wanted to make an impact.  Sadly, other distractions have become our focus – more money, more listeners, more being in the cool crowd.  We want to be liked. The last time I checked the Gospel isn’t about popularity.

Some of the biggest joys I remember was a Josh McDowell Newsboys event when over 1,000 people stood to receive Jesus.  I remember a mainstream cycling event we sponsored where we did a concert right next to the beer tent.  People heard the gospel.  I remember doing “cardboard testimonies” on the air where people shared who they were before and after Christ.   I am convinced that the biggest marketing strategy you can implement is one where revival breaks out through your station.

It’s time for leaders to lead as God has called you.   Where has your station gotten off track?  Where have your people lost their sense of mission?  How are you using your station to lead people to Jesus?   In your heart, what is your scorecard of success?   These things don’t happen.  You make them happen.  Go for it!  

Tim McDermott has been in broadcast leadership position for over 40 years.   He consults leaders at radio stations and ministries.  He can be reached at Tim@TMcDermottCPA.com