The Tribune

A lion was watching three bulls feeding in an open field. He attempted to attack the bulls several times on different occasions without success, because the bulls had kept together and helped each other drive him off. The lion had lost hope in eating them. He was no match for three very strong bulls with their sharp horns and hoofs.

Then one day the bulls had a fight. This time when the lion came licking his hungry chops and watched them as he did every day, he found them in separate corners of the field. They were as far away from one another as they could get.

It was now easier than ever to attack the bulls one at a time, after they had bickered and fought and torn each other apart and then gone their separate ways. Needless to say, the Lion attacked and won! 

We know that no matter how talented diverse or accomplished the members of a political party or its supporters, the focus is always on the Leader! 

Any group of people who claim to be united, who claim to be committed and who claim to have a goal to win any election will see to it that their leader is always seen in a good light publicly, in spite of any short comings he may have. There is a time and place to voice concerns about our leaders and it is not facebook. Not in any public domain. It is healthy to give constructive criticism, to point out mistakes that are made and to give suggestions, but it should always be done decently and in order.

There is a fair process within each party to have any leader replaced. Until such time, we should exercise self-control, put away personal agendas and do what is right.  

Reverand Paul Beedle once said “Followership is a discipline of supporting leaders and helping them to lead well. It is not submission, but the wise and good care of leaders, done out of a sense of gratitude for their willingness to take on the responsibilities of leadership, and a sense of hope and faith in their abilities and potential.” 

There are many things that can rip a team apart. Selfishness, ego and gossip are a few. Good supporters recognize this and do everything in their power to help to elevate the leader and keep their teams united.

So how critical is leader support? I will venture to say that it is so critical, that the party whose supporters are intelligent and dedicated enough to hold their leader up instead of tearing him down, will reap the result of the WIN in 2017.

A word to the wise is sufficient.

LORRAINE GIBSON

Nassau,

August 10, 2012.