I have come to believe that effective leaders do four things: they cast vision, they create culture, they develop systems, and they equip leaders. While all 4 of those things are challenging, equipping leaders is certainly more “art” than “science”. How do you grow people to spiritual maturity and maximum Kingdom impact? How can we develop our leadership team to our greatest potential? In my experience, there are 5 specific practices that produce positive benefits:
Life on Life. I know of no other way to sow into a life other than doing life together. Sharing your life with those you lead will involve formal and informal times together. The journey is a combination of parenting, dating, marriage, and team sports! By the way…EVERY time I’ve had a leadership failure on my teams, it is due (at least in part) to the fact that we didn’t stay connected “life on life”
- WE GO OUT FOR COFFEE WITH NO AGENDA.
- WE SPEND TIME IN EACH OTHERS HOMES
- WE SHARE RECREATIONAL PASSIONS (SKIING, FISHING, HIKING, THE GYM, VIDEO GAMES, ETC.)
Training. One of the meanings of the Hebrew word for training is “to make narrow”. Specific skill training helps to provide skills and strategic understandings. Since vision is always more “caught” than “taught”, the process of training often provides great vision refining moments.
- EACH OF OUR STAFF IS EXPECTED AND ENCOURAGED TO SHARPEN THEIR OWN STRENGTH BASED TOOLKIT
- WE ATTEND 1-2 KEY TRAINING EVENTS A YEAR TOGETHER WHERE WE HAVE AN “IRON SHARPENING EXPERIENCE”
Benchmarking. There is great value in exposing your leadership team to greatness. Visiting other churches and ministries that are doing a great job in can elevate the thinking of everyone involved. Other things you can do are:
* TRACK 10-15 KEY CHURCH/MINISTRY/BUSINESS WEBSITES AND LEARN FROM THEIR COMMUNICATIONS AND STRUCTURES
- WE ALWAYS WATCH CHURCHES (OR MINISTRIES OR BUSINESSES) THAT ARE AT LEAST TWICE THE SIZE WE ARE…THEY’VE BEEN WHERE WE HAVE BEEN AND THEY ARE GOING WHERE WE ARE GOING
Leadership Development. Both Jim Collins and John Maxwell talk about “levels” of leadership. My experience suggests that we must teach people that leadership is a process, NOT an event. Helping people to see their leadership potential unfold over time is part of the process of effective equipping. Your enterpise needs to provide “first serve” opportunities and cultivate “high capacity” leaders who can effectively lead other leaders.
- EACH MINISTRY TRIES TO PROVIDE BOTH KINDS OF SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES(FIRST SERVE AND HIGH CAPACITY)
- WE ARE CONSTANTLY “ON THE PROWL” FOR EMERGING AND DEVELOPING LEADERS; EACH OF OUR KEY LEADERS IS POURING THEIR LIFE INTO OTHERS AND COMITTED TO PERSONAL LIFE LONG LEARNING
Shared Experiences. Leadership equipping happens best in community. The longer I serve in leadership, the more I am committed that we have to do our calling together—as teams of people with shared vision and passion. So, we structure lots of experiences where people can have the shared experience of working together, facing challenges, cultivating vision, and deepening their relationships with Christ and one another. Leadership equipping is not a solo sport!
Effective leaders equip leaders. The fruit of that ministry produces a ripple effect that reaches the shores of heaven. The Apostle Paul was clear about that in 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20 when he wrote, “For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? Indeed, you are our glory and joy”. Leaders: Equipping Leaders is a core technology that is at the heart of your business!
