day no. 16,013: leading is the right amount of face time and back side

“To direct men, you may face them. But to lead men, you have to be willing to turn your back on them.” - Doug Wilson

You cannot crowd source initiative.

It is impossible to lead men by examining their reactions.

In order to lead, you must be going somewhere; and that requires you to be following something other than the responses of your followers. 

1 Corinthians 11:1

Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.

In order to lead, you must give the right amounts of face time and back side to those you called to follow up. If it's all face time, you're walking backwards and blocking their view, thus far the blind leading the blinded. If it's all back side, you're plowing forward, but getting out of their sight, thus far the sheep left without their shepherd.

God met with Moses as one does with a friend face to face, but God also showed Moses His back side from time to time.

Exodus 33:11

And the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend.

Exodus 33:23

Thou shalt see my back parts: but my face shall not be seen.