Ladder Holders
Ladder Holders are Dream Makers
The ladder holder determines the height of the ladder climber. Those who hold the ladder control the ascent of the visionaries. Ultimately, the fulfillment of the vision depends on the people who support the ladder of the visionary leader. The higher we need to go, the more important ladder holders become.
Ladder holders are the foundation of any organization.
They are the ones who allow leaders to reach their highest potential. As leaders, we need to choose those who are committed to us.
Five Core Qualities of Ladder Holders
#1 – Strength
They must be people who can handle instruction and criticism. They need to be strong enough to do the task right, and to be secure enough that the leader can yell down instructions and know the person will listen. The greater the need, the shorter the prayer.
#2 – Attentiveness
They need to be able to pay attention, be alert to what the leader is saying, and absorb it quickly. The leader doesn’t want to give the same lessons repeatedly. We don’t have to chase after the person repeatedly, they understand the first time.
#3 – Faithfulness
This does not refer to having faith in the Lord, but having faith in the leader and being committed to the leader. If they are not faithful to the leader, and committed to the same vision as the leader—they’ll abandon the leader. They need to be someone who remains at the ladder no matter how difficult things become.
#4 – Firmness
They don’t need to be exploited by manipulative people. If we disagree with our leader, we don’t do so publicly. We need to discuss it with that person in private. If we disagree, we ought to search our motives before we speak. We need to be sure that others don’t set us up. They won’t speak up themselves, but they will find naïve and trusting souls to do the work for them. If we disagree, we should be sure we don’t do it for personal gain.
#5 – Loyalty
It doesn’t mean that they have to agree all the time. Loyalty doesn’t mean repeating, “Yes, yes, yes,” no matter what the visionary says. Three sentences that explain loyalty: You may disagree with my head but not my heart. You may disagree with how I do things but not why I do things. You may disagree with my methods but not my motivations.
