Our world craves good leaders. We are looking for them in politics, business, education – everywhere…. even in ministry. We long for people who will effectively lead while facing the overwhelming challenges of our day. The problem however, doesn’t seem to be the shortage of willing leaders, rather a shortage of capable Godly leaders.
Through the Healthy Leadership series I would like to take a more in-depth look at aspects of healthy leadership. I pray these ideas will encourage and shape you as you lead!
Ceasing to develop leaders in an organization is a failure on the leader’s part.
As a ministry leader, take a moment to evaluate your development of leaders in your organization. How are you doing? Are your employees growing in their skills and ability to lead?
As I did this evaluation on myself recently I realized that developing leaders below me is an area where I am lacking significantly. However, by the grace of God and a little intentionality it’s an area we can all grow into better prepare our organizations and ministries for healthy futures.
A central value in healthy leadership is recognizing the potential in others and then taking steps to develop that potential towards leadership. “Godly leaders do not use their people to accomplish their goals, their people are the goal.” [1]
Unless you are deliberate about developing leaders within your organization it probably won’t happen. To begin, here are five things to begin praying and thinking about. Where can you begin to implement some of these ideas to better develop into leaders the people you lead?
1. Delegate work: This is often difficult for leaders. Most leaders are generally highly skilled people and they like things “done right.” However, it is not wise for leaders to make all the decisions. It actually hinders the growth of the organization. By delegating some decision-making and control to others you not only free up yourself but also you allow others to grow in leadership.
“Effective leaders do not make all the decisions, they concentrate on the important ones.” – Peter Drucker [1]
2. Allow them to struggle and fail a little. We all learn from our mistakes. We learn what NOT to do and what to do differently next time. Giving your employees the freedom to fail and figure things out on their own in a controlled environment is ok. Not to mention by giving them this space they could also succeed and gain confidence for the future. It is tough but good leadership creates space for success and failure.
3. Recognize their success. Everyone appreciates affirmation. If your staff members accomplish something to be celebrated… celebrate! Don’t take the glory, don’t pass it off as normal or forget to recognize their efforts – that’s missing out on opportunities to build future leaders – rather build them up by sharing with others the good work they have completed.
“It is remarkable how much could be accomplished when you don’t mind who receives the credit.” – Harry Truman [1]
4. Be a mentor. Delegate work, allow them space to struggle but also be a mentor. Make sure they have proper guidelines, resources and a person to help them learn from their work.
Personal Example:
One of the first big projects I was given authority to develop I had a mentor to help me along the way. I had no idea what I was doing but he allowed me space to learn, fail, and learn some more. Ultimately I succeeded in my project. He also took the time to talk about the results each step of the way, and encourage me. It was a tremendous learning experience and example of good leadership!
5. Lead by example. Your staff is always watching. They experience your patience, your integrity, your support and they see your overall well-being. If you are burning out; they see it. If you are a workaholic; they see it. If you say one thing and do another; they see it. If you want to develop healthy Godly leaders you need to be one yourself.
I encourage you to consider how you might be able to develop leaders in your organization. We all grow through good leadership and God has given you future leaders to lead along the journey- make the most of it!
Most of all I encourage you to realize that Godly leaders must continually be growing themselves if they are to lead their people, into a mature, intimate relationship with Christ.
Growth Point
While not easy, developing leaders should be an intentional and purposeful value of any leader.
Scripture Point
Read Philippians 2:3. What implications does this have for leadership?
Action Point
Identify this week one person that you see has great potential as a future leader. Commit to praying for them. Also, create a simple plan to begin building their leadership skills and opportunity.
[1] Blackaby, Henry & Richard. Spiritual Leadership. Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2001. Print.
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