Leading without a Bugel
Colorado Springs Fire Department Badges
(left to right) Firefighter, Paramedic, Lieutenant, Captain, Battalion Chief, Deputy Chief, Fire Chief — (Not shown, but no less important - Driver/Engineer)
In the American fire service, bugles are used to signify rank. This symbol harkens back to the 1700s when the fire company officer would shout commands, instructions, and warnings to the crews. With the development of radios, the speaking trumpets became obsolete, but they still find their place on the badges of promoted men and women.
Depending on the rank, the number of bugles and the color of the badge change. From the newest promoted lieutenant with a single bugle on a silver badge to the chief of the department with five bugles clustered in the center of their gold badge, there is an understanding that their rank is associated with authority and responsibility.
With that said, there is an important distinction that needs to be addressed. Rank and authority are not equal to leadership. Leadership is not seen externally in a uniform decoration. Leadership is not evidenced by the size of a paycheck. Leadership is an internal quality. It can be difficult to define, but everyone knows what it is when it is displayed.
Leaders are individuals who are competent and confident. They know what needs to be done, and they take decisive action. Leaders oftentimes rise through the ranks, but as we stated above, leadership is not handed out during a promotional ceremony.
Look at your life. Are you a leader? The answer is “yes.”
In what areas of life are you effectively leading? In what areas are you lacking?
As a leader, you have a responsibility. If a leader is not moving in the correct direction, all who follow will be led astray.
The American businessman and CEO of Herman Miller Inc. defined the roles and responsibilities of a leader as follows:
“The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality. The last is to say thank you. In between the two, the leader must become a servant and a debtor.”
How do you define reality? Is there an objective truth you follow? Do you praise and appreciate your team? Are you a servant, willing to get your hands dirty for the sake of others?
Christ Jesus is the perfect example of a leader. He defined the ultimate reality. He empowered those around Him and served with genuine, unconditional love.
This is your charge. As Christian men, we are to be imitators of Christ. Our reality has been defined. In everything we do, we are to do so with Christ as our focus and for the glory of God. Act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly before God (Micah 6:8).
Whether you are the CEO of a major company or an entry-level employee in a small business. Regardless of your rank or the number of bugles you may or may not have on your badge, you are called to be a leader.
Live with integrity, work diligently, and take decisive action when the time comes.
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” Colossians 3:24-24
