Do we need rulers or leaders?

In the book of Genesis the Creator gives Adam the specific instruction “to rule”. This first direct instruction to Adam defined the purpose for his existence on earth – the Creators organization.  While it is exact that leaders lead, it is perhaps more accurate to realize that leaders can only lead because there are rules. While lawyers and politicians are quick to point out the importance of the “rule of law” for the purpose of public governance, it will also be prudent to investigate “rule” from a leadership perspective.  

“To rule” is “to obey the rules”. The working of rules is in their obedience. When rules are disobeyed, there occurs a criminal act after which, depending on the extent and nature of the crime, the offender is excluded from membership and or interaction in a society, group, club or organization. When a football player disobeys the rules the referee uses his discretion to exercise his power and authority to punish rebuke or exclude the offender from participating in the game.  The attachment of power and authority to the concept of “rule” allows us to give ruling a leadership interpretation. Leaders have the discretion and privilege to exercise power and authority. Their use of power and authority makes them good or bad leaders. But however charismatic, outgoing creative or innovative a leader may be, he or she cannot lead if the people do not (or chose not to) obey the rules. Rules make people governable and lead-able. The moment people disobey the rules, they cannot be governed and make leadership impossible.

The foundation of this argument is that there must first exist rules for effective leadership to survive and thrive. Indeed leadership breaks down and collapses into disorder when the people chose to disobey the rules. Interestingly, when people call for (good) leadership, they often absolve themselves of the responsibility to obey the rules. The mantra for leaders then should be “if you are willing to obey my rules, then I will lead you. If you are not willing to obey my rules, you must find another leader”. If Adam was going to lead he had first of all to obey the rules of the Creator and thus obtain the moral authority to enforce them. People who are not willing to follow the rules of a business organization, cannot submit to the leader and have to find some other place to work! What would have happened if the Creator had asked Adam to lead the world? That question requires some reflection. Nevertheless, it seems that we must all learn to rule before we can lead.

NGCL Team