This Week’s Quotation:

If reciprocity is not sanctioned in an organizational setting, leaders are put on a pedestal and then knocked down by others. The process might begin with adulation. If the responsibility of leadership is not shared, the time inevitably comes when resentment rises and leaders are undermined.

~ Becoming a Sun p. 90

Reciprocity

David Karchere
Author, Becoming a Sun

I’ve learned that the life of any group of people relies on the initiative and leadership of its members. It doesn’t matter what kind of group it is, how large or small, or for what purpose it gathers. Family, community, business organization, or nation—whether or not it flourishes relies on initiative and leadership.

There are many levels at which any group functions. And they all need leadership and initiative.

Communities are notorious for having a few leaders who do the heavy lifting to accomplish the work of the community, while others enjoy the benefits of their work. That can devolve into throwing stones at leaders when they don’t condone this lack of mutuality.

A dreary picture, I know. What’s the remedy?

The word reciprocity is seldom spoken by the average person. The root of the word has to do with going back the way you came.

In the context of human relations, reciprocity is the formula for synergy. It is the natural back and forth between people. It is part of the healthy ecology of any group.

Reciprocity includes the support of people who take initiative or lead in any way. It begins with appreciation and then goes to giving people what they need from you. In community, reciprocity includes giving back and taking initiative, and leading ourselves.

Here are questions and points of learning that arise when it comes to reciprocity:

  • What is mine to do to give back to the people who bring initiative and leadership in my life?
  • What is the initiative and leadership that is mine to bring?
  • How do I stay spiritually nourished and keep going when it seems like my initiative and leadership is not appreciated or supported?


I’d love to hear your thoughts on these questions.

What does it mean to become a sun?

Every human being is already a sun on the inside—a being of intense love and light. The difference is that some people have the vision and courage to become a sun on the outside. This difference is our human destiny.

3 Responses

  1. Yes, although I have praised you and other leaders I admire for years, I cannot leave it at that. There must be leadership on my part in partnership with yours and others for reciprocity to happen. If I go to one extreme and mindlessly worship you and other leaders, my own leadership goes undeveloped and you do not have a true friend in me. If I go to the other extreme and constantly critique you and others, we have the current down-spin state of the world in which nothing is sacred and everyone is a target. We know where that leads. i am happy to share spiritual leadership with you and let my world know it. Love, Tom

  2. On Sunrise Ranch we have ample opportunity to put reciprocity into action. Thanks for this reminder of how effectively it can build spiritual community.

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