Wednesday May 6th Leadership thought- paint the vision and give authority

May 6, 2020

The definition of leadership “a process of influence.  Anytime you seek to influence the thinking, behavior, or development of people toward accomplishing a goal in their personal or professional lives, you are taking the role of a leader. – Ken Blanchard pg.5

Matthew 28:19-20- ¹⁹ Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Leaders who delegate stay in the information loop and are ready to help if they are called.” Blanchard 137

Leadership is about equipping people for a task.  In leadership, the challenge is to paint a clear vision of what an accomplished task looks like.  To be in leadership, a leader realizes (or should) that when he or she delegates a task to be done, not everyone is going to do it the same way the leader would.  Do you remember the saying- there is more than one way to skin a cat?  The “vision” or task would be to skin it… but there are many ways to accomplish the desired task.

The same is true with leadership in the church.  We have a clear goal.  Jesus painted a clear goal, vision, or task for the disciples.  He wanted them to share the Gospel.  He wanted them to have people make a commitment and follow Jesus’ teachings.  However, Jesus did not leave the disciples alone.  He sent the Helper, the Holy Spirit.  Jesus set for us a great example in leadership.  We need to paint a clear task, give those who are following us instructions.  We need to be able to vision cast the best we can.  We need to provide them with some tools or help.  Then we need to step away and let them complete the task.

This is where leadership, especially in the church becomes difficult.  It is sometimes easier for us to do things ourselves then it is for someone else to do it.  It is quicker and easier if I do it then spend twice as much time training, teaching, equipping the person to do the task.  But let me ask, are you creating leaders and equipping people?  Jesus, the ultimate example of leadership, knew the disciples (Apostles) would be following His words.  Jesus knew they would succeed and fail.  Jesus knew they would not do things the exact way Jesus would.  However, Jesus allowed them to lead after He painted a clear vision and gave instruction.  How about you?  Are you able to delegate authority, help, and encouragement, then let the people work?

Questions for my leadership:

1.      Am I painting a clear picture of what an accomplished task looks like?

2.      Are people able to take my direction, but then modify it to accomplish the task?  Do I limit their creativity and it has to be done my way?

3.      Am I available to help people or am I so busy that I can’t free myself up to help those who need my help under my leadership?