#9: I remember first talking with one of my professors in college about class and a project. After a few conversations I realized that I wanted him to mentor me outside of the classroom. I was not sure how that really worked but I remember beginning the process of being mentored. Throughout my last two years in college we met on a weekly basis where he spent time asking me the hard questions about my thought life, struggles, relationships and relationship with God. Because of the time I was poured into, it showed me how I should lead others. In order to set up other people to succeed, I must:
Answer the hard questions for myself: If I am not willing to dig deep and unroot the bitterness, hurts and discouragement, how can I lead others to do the same? I learned early in ministry from my family and mentors to not conceal matters but deal with them. If we will be willing to
Master the art of the question: Learn to ask more questions and quit giving cheap answers. Leadership is all about pulling out the greatness in others. People will never grow until we allow them the chance to answer for themselves. Once they own it, they will be a leader.
Learn to dig up the root cause: For every behavior, there is a root cause. We spend too much time with behavioral management. We need to look at the heart. Listen to others with the heart and not just for results. Lead people through how to forgive and resolve conflict. Life is too short to be angry, bitter and resentful towards others.
Focus more on God than our abilities: God doesn't look at us with negativity but with passion. God wants to use you and me for His purposes. Give people opportunities to find out more about their strengths and encourage them in it. Focus upon who they are becoming instead of their past history.
Set people loose to succeed: Give away the ministry! Learn to move yourself out of the spotlight and celebrate when others succeed. One of the hardest lessons in leadership is to allow others to be praised instead of yourself.
What would you add to this list? How do you help develop others to succeed?
