Planning Ahead

Here's another non-earth-shattering insight, but one which is finally sinking in for me: My husband and I were discussing the volcano issues (see previous post) last night, about the backlog of leadership.

And it occurred to me that leadership is a relay race, not a one-person supermarathon.

Many leaders desperately hold on to their positions of authority as long as they possibly can, often outliving their effectiveness. They do not develop leaders to carry the baton after them. Or they develop leaders, but only to a point. Without launching into a huge analysis, I'd say this type of leader is driven by fear and pride. Often, the ministry or business which this type of leader leads does not survive the leader, because no one is there to carry on the work.

Another type of leader, which I fear is less common, works hard to develop the leadership potential in those around him/her. This leader gives away important assignments so that others can practice leading. This type of leader, I believe, says in his/her heart: "This ministry/business/etc. is too important NOT to develop others to carry it on after I'm out of the picture."

The first type of leader is self-focused; the second is focused on the ministry/business/etc. that is his/her life work.

I enjoy being around the second type of leader, and I want to become that type of leader. I want to invest in others, to allow them to make important decisions, to have a share in the ministry. I'd better get growing...